Defining Scope and Requirements: A developer can help you translate your initial idea into concrete, actionable requirements, considering technical feasibility, scalability, and specific functionalities you might need for your project.

Understanding Technical Limitations: A developer can identify potential technical challenges or limitations of different approaches, helping you avoid pursuing unrealistic or overly complex solutions that AI tools might not flag.

Expertise in Complex Functionalities and Integrations: If your project involves advanced features, custom integrations with databases, or specific APIs, a developer’s expertise is crucial for proper implementation, says WPZOOM. AI struggles with these aspects, notes WPZOOM.

Grasping Design Nuances and User Experience: While AI can generate designs, it might miss the creativity, branding consistency, and intuitive user experience that a human designer can bring. A developer can collaborate with designers to craft a website that aligns with your brand and resonates with your target audience.

Identifying Potential Problems: Developers can anticipate potential issues, such as security vulnerabilities or accessibility problems, that AI tools might overlook, says bantersa.com.

Long-Term Planning and Scalability: Developers understand how to build websites with a flexible architecture that supports future growth, traffic increases, and integration of new features. AI-generated sites might struggle with long-term scalability, according to Legacy Design Agency.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: While AI might seem cheaper upfront, hidden costs or the need for professional revisions can make it more expensive in the long run. A developer can provide a realistic estimate of the time and resources required for the project, helping you make informed decisions about your investment

Key takeaway

AI can be a valuable tool in web development, especially for automating repetitive tasks, generating code snippets, and assisting with tasks like SEO or content ideas. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations in areas requiring human creativity, strategic thinking, in-depth understanding, and addressing complex challenges. 

Therefore, engaging with a developer first allows you to lay a strong foundation for your project, leveraging their expertise to define a realistic and robust plan before using AI tools to streamline the execution.

As noted by Brainvire, successful web development often involves a strong collaboration between human expertise and AI capabilities.