AI-Driven Design Thinking: A Comparative Study of Human-Created and AI-Generated UI Prototypes for Mobile Applications

The integration of Generative AI into the Design Thinking Process introduces new possibilities for UX/UI design, particularly in mobile app development. This study focuses on creating a fitness app prototype for next-generation users, with Generative AI acting as a co-creator across the Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test phases. Two sets of low-fidelity wireframes were developed: one by human UX/UI designers using Figma, and the other by AI using Visily.ai. These prototypes were evaluated through A/B testing, where users completed tasks on both designs, with their experiences measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and qualitative interviews. The findings compare human-designed and AI-generated prototypes, offering insights into their strengths and weaknesses. The study also introduces the AI-Driven User Experience (AID-UX) Framework, which outlines a structured method for integrating AI into UX/UI design, from data analysis to iterative testing. Results indicate that while AI-generated designs excel in creativity and efficiency, they lack the nuanced understanding required for human-centered design. This research highlights best practices for human-AI collaboration, emphasizing the balance between AI capabilities and human creativity. The study offers guidance for future AI-assisted design practices, promoting a collaborative approach that leverages both human and AI strengths.