Answer: Will user interfaces eventually be automated largely by machine learning?

I believe so, yes.

If I said “design me a list view”, or “design me a profile page”, immediately a couple common design layouts likely come to your mind (think Facebook / Twitter and their layouts for both).

Since there are established patterns for a majority of needed interactions, it’s not a far jump to say that most of the work could be automated. In addition, two or three versions could be launched and monitored through automation, allowing for continual improvement from the data returned.

Where this may be good, though, is freeing up time and resources to focus on more interesting questions for interfaces. The tiny, subtle differences like animations that engage a user, the ‘why’ of a product and how to drive value.

So yes I believe it’s coming, and hopefully it’ll be for the better.