Ask HN: Is web design still worth learning in the age of no-code tools and AI? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Is web design still worth learning in the age of no-code tools and AI?

4 pointsGooblebrai5 comments

I've been considering learning web design for some time now, but with the rise of no-code tools, templates, and AI-powered website builders, I'm starting to wonder if it's still worth it.

I understand that having a strong understanding of design principles can give me more flexibility and customization when it comes to building websites. However, it seems like more and more people are using no-code tools and templates to quickly create websites without the need for any specialized knowledge.

So, is learning web design still worth it in 2023?

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It'll be difficult for anyone to answer this without you elaborating on why you'd want to learn web design in the first place. Is it out of interest in understanding the principles of web design and being able to produce your own designs? Is it a means to an end - you don't really care much about web design but are interested in building websites and don't want them to look bad?

Yes, if you go deeper on it in some way:

- learn to build design systems across multiple platforms and sub-brands

- focus on your fine art skills and aesthetic taste you can bring to any project

- get better at assisting, influencing and leading other designers and product owners

But that's assuming you are looking for a job. If you just want to learn design to scratch your own itches, and it seems appealing, it's absolutely worth it. Just start learning and stop when you don't want to anymore.

If you ask me, learning a new programming language(s) or skills in tech field is always useful no matter what you are doing/gonna do. Even if you are just gonna use GUI tools and other tools listed in your post, it is useful to, for example, know the differences between Grid element and flexbox and the advantages and disadvantages of both.

what are you trying to do? make a website? or have a career in tech?

Short answer is web design, interface design, user experience design, information architecture, can only help you build better products.

people mention FAANG as the high bar for salaries and it seems strong knowledge in CS, algorithms and backend rigor is a must. I have a diverse take since my background is the opposite, learned how to make websites and got into "full stack/frontend" what have you.

anyway all that to say "product engineer" is a kind of made up term but it makes a good distinction. backend rigor is fantastic for Google level businesses, but i'd argue and recommend to invest in learning how to ship good and useful products. and that easily includes (web) interface design.

That depends on what kinds of site you are trying to build: how you intend to maintain it, your target audience, and the goal of the site. Is the content static and interactivity low? A site generator would probably be good

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