A computer-implemented method generates a graphical user interface (GUI). A graphical user interface (GUI) development server receives a candidate GUI element. The candidate GUI element is in use by one or more current GUIs, and the candidate GUI element performs a computer-based function. The GUI development server receives a rating of the candidate GUI element from users of the one or more current GUIs, and determines whether the rating of the candidate GUI element exceeds a predefined value. In response to determining that the rating of the candidate GUI element exceeds the predefined value, the GUI development server identifies the candidate GUI element as a preferred GUI element to perform the computer-based function in future GUIs, and utilizes that preferred GUI element to generate a new GUI that needs the computer-based function.