Generative design is an automated design process that uses algorithms and machine learning to explore a wide range of creative possibilities based on specific goals or constraints. 

When it comes to building websites, this means platforms can automatically create things like how your pages are structured, where images and text go, and even the overall look and feel. It's like having a design assistant that understands best practices and can tailor everything to your specific needs, even if you're not a design expert yourself.

How generative design works in website building

Generative design in websites works by merging automation and design logic to deliver customized results. Here's how it typically works:

• User inputs – You input basic information (like business name, industry, and goals).
• AI & machine learning – The platform learns design best practices and your inputs to suggest or build layouts.
• Rule-based constraints – It applies design rules (like spacing, accessibility, and branding) to maintain consistency.
• Output generation – You get a completed, fully designed website that is up to modern design standards, performance, and responsiveness optimized.

Examples of generative design in web development

AI-powered website builders that use generative design to produce websites in real time include:

• B12: You answer a few questions about your business, and B12 builds a responsive website with branding, copy, and layout that's tailored to your goals.
• Wix ADI: Uses a similar approach to automatically generate design elements and content layouts from user input.

Benefits of generative design for websites

• Faster time to launch – Go from idea to live website in minutes.
• Professional layouts – Built-in design rules ensure your site looks clean and polished.
• Consistency – Every section of your site follows a unified visual style.
• Scalability – Easily update or generate new pages as your business grows.

Generative design simplifies the entire process, especially for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs who want a quality site without the overhead.

FAQs about generative design

Why is generative design useful for websites?

Generative design streamlines web creation by removing manual steps. It gives businesses a fast, cost-effective way to build high-quality sites, especially if they don’t have in-house design or development resources.

How is generative design different from templates?

Templates are static and require you to fit your content into a pre-made structure. Generative design creates a layout tailored to your business, using AI to personalize everything from navigation to visual hierarchy.

Is generative design only for beginners?

No! While it’s great for beginners, even experienced web professionals use generative tools to speed up workflows, generate design variations, and test new layouts quickly.

Build your website with generative design

With B12’s AI-powered platform, you don’t need to start from scratch or hire a full team. Just tell us about your business, and our generative design tools will build a smart, modern website in minutes. Try it today and see your site come to life!