Since 2018, I've been co-running Wilkes Wood, a graphic and web design agency dedicated to helping small businesses overcome a range of digital challenges. Over the past five years, the industry has changed rapidly, and I've learned the importance of being adaptive and welcoming of change.
Driven by curiosity, I set out to create a website using modern frameworks and tools (Next.js, Tailwind CSS, React, Vercel) with the assistance of AI. This website is the result. Built predominantly using AI tools like Claude and V0. I found the process remarkably easy and efficient.
Integrating the generated code within Visual Studio Code made the workflow seamless. Running the site through Lighthouse yielded near-perfect performance scores, and checking for vulnerabilities with Snyk confirmed its security. This practical experience highlighted how adopting AI tools can massively speed up workflows and enable achievements that might not have been possible otherwise.
Even since starting the project, technologies have continued to evolve. Tools like Cursor now offer alternatives to Visual Studio Code with built-in AI capabilities. Claude has added features that make sharing project files even easier. No doubt, reading this back even a few months from now will serve as a fascinating snapshot of a time when these tools were still emerging.
An exciting time in history
My intrigue with artificial intelligence stems from the value I've discovered in various tools. be that, image generation, automatic transcription, content drafting, or code generation, AI has already significantly enhanced my workflow and other aspects of daily life. Embracing these emerging technology excites me, as I'm able to ideate and conceptualise faster and to higher standards.
Throughout history, there have been transformative periods that redefined how we live and work. The invention of the printing press revolutionised the dissemination of information, making knowledge accessible to the masses. The Industrial Revolution introduced mechanisation, drastically altering manufacturing and transportation. The advent of the internet connected the world in unprecedented ways, redefining communication and access to information. E-commerce transformed the business landscape, allowing transactions to occur globally with ease.
Now, artificial intelligence stands as the next significant inflection point. Those who adapt and integrate these advancements are poised to thrive, while those who bury their heads with undoubtedly find themselves left behind. It's exhilarating to be part of this transformative era, but it's essential to use these tools intelligently, as they can certainly be misused.
The Skilful Use of Tools
Using AI tools effectively is certainly a skill. Just as a master carpenter can craft exquisite pieces with a chisel while an untrained person might struggle to shape even the simplest form, the true value lies not in the tool itself but in the expertise of the person wielding it. AI is simply a tool—powerful and versatile—but it requires skill and understanding to unlock its full potential.
The common misuse I often see stems from laziness: relying on AI to do all the work without human insight or oversight. For instance, instructing AI to generate a blog post and then publishing it without any personal input misses the opportunity to infuse originality and depth. In contrast, collaborating with AI to help draft structures, identify keywords, and refine the phrasing of your own thoughts results in a far more authentic and impactful piece. It's about augmenting our abilities, not replacing them.
With AI The Human Element Remains Crucial
As AI tools become more prevalent, the focus shifts back to the people behind the work. Trustworthiness, personability, and the human touch become even more critical when technology levels the playing field. While AI can handle many tasks, it doesn't replace the value of human relationships and insights.
In the words of Steve Jobs, "Technology is nothing. What's important is that you have faith in people—that they're basically good and smart—and if you give them tools, they'll do wonderful things with them." This sentiment resonates now more than ever.
Embracing Change and Seizing Opportunity
Where there is change, there is opportunity for those bold enough to claim it. I would implore anyone reading this to keep a keen eye emerging tools and put effort into learning how to use them effectively. I'll be sure to share anything useful on this site and intend to write more in the future about these topics.
Tools and Resources
Here are some of the tools and resources mentioned, with links for further exploration:
Next.js A React framework that enables server-side rendering and generating static websites.
Tailwind CSS A utility-first CSS framework packed with classes to build any design directly in your markup.
React A JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
Vercel A platform for frontend frameworks and static sites, built to integrate with your headless content, commerce, or database.
Claude An AI assistant developed by Anthropic, designed to be helpful, honest, and harmless.
V0.dev An AI-powered code assistant that helps developers write code faster.
Visual Studio Code A free source-code editor made by Microsoft for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Snyk A developer security platform that helps you use open source and stay secure.
Cursor An AI-powered code editor offering a new way to write code with AI built-in.