When Algorithms Design: A Comparative Study Pits an AI-Generated Application Against a Manual Application in a Competition of User Experience and User-Friendliness

Abstract

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has enabled automated website creation, including design, content, and SEO. This study compares an AI-generated application with a manually designed one in terms of usability and user experience. Forty-two participants evaluated efficiency, effectiveness, satisfaction, emotional responses, and behavioural patterns. The manual application outperformed the AI-generated one in most datasets, particularly in clarity, supportiveness, and comprehensibility, while speed, learnability, activation, creativity, and security showed no significant differences. Users reported more positive emotions and confident interactions with the manual application, whereas the AI application elicited uncertainty and frustration. These behavioural differences were also reflected in processing times and task completion rates, suggesting that AI-generated solutions currently struggle to meet established UX standards. Nevertheless, the AI builder demonstrated potential for rapid prototyping and low-effort website creation, offering advantages for users with limited technical skills or resources. The findings highlight both the opportunities and limitations of current AI-based web design tools and underline the importance of human-centered design expertise in achieving high-quality user experiences. Despite existing shortcomings, AI-supported tools may become increasingly viable as technology advances.

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