6 AI-assisted site design basics

 

This chapter covers

  • Choosing the best theme for your site
  • Checking out theme customizations
  • Paying attention to the psychology of color
  • Creating great compositions
  • Applying design rules to make your site look outstanding
  • Getting inspiration from the competition
  • Asking AI to improve your designs

WordPress themes are all about design—how your site looks to your visitors. Some themes also add plugins for functionality, but the main focus in most cases is on appearance.

There are tens of thousands of themes. But don’t worry about finding the perfect theme—in an upcoming chapter, I’ll show you how to easily modify and fine-tune any theme. So, for now, just find a theme whose design is somewhat similar to what you’re after. Exactly which design elements or functionality a theme brings to your site varies from theme to theme, but here are some typical elements:

6.1 Choosing an appropriate theme

6.2 Use an up-to-date theme

6.3 Avoid installing multiple themes

6.4 Don’t modify theme code files

6.5 Take advantage of the Appearance > Customize screen

6.6 Consider the psychology of color

6.7 Pay attention to layout

6.7.1 Achieving balance without symmetry

6.7.2 Considering Mondrian’s classic balancing act

6.7.3 It went haywire

6.7.4 White space versus negative space

6.8 Using the rule of thirds

6.8.1 Mastering cropping to emphasize the focal point

6.8.2 Testing the rule of thirds in action

6.8.3 Asking AI for a decision

6.8.4 Considering some other design rules

6.9 Analyzing site design with AI

6.9.1 Trying a modern minimalist home page

6.9.2 GPT chooses the winner

6.9.3 Asking AI to improve a flawed design