The problem with prediction machines is they are predictable

Alex Harper:

The primary problem with Vibe Coding is that AI, by its very nature, is a statistical engine. It generates the most “probable” result based on your prompt. If you ask for a “Modern Minimalist” site, the AI isn’t going to innovate; it’s going to give you a composite of every modern minimalist site it has ever seen.

This creates a Feedback Loop of Averageness. 

1. Designers use AI to generate “vibey” layouts. 2. These layouts are published and become part of the web. 3. Future AI models are trained on these new layouts. 4. The aesthetic “mean” becomes tighter and tighter.

I fell into this trap twice recently. Both because the client lit their hair on fire about being able to accept money now now now!

The problem with prediction machines is they are inherently predictable. That’s boring, lame, and risks ensuring we never push boundaries. If AI existed in 2000, would we have ever transitioned to responsive design or CSS instead of table-based layouts?


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About JUSTIN HARTER

Justin has been around the Internet long enough to remember when people started saying “content is king”.

He has worked for some of Indiana’s largest companies, state government, taught college-level courses, and about 1.1M people see his work every year.

You’ll probably see him around Indianapolis on a bicycle.

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