Episode Details

In this episode of the M365 Podcast, Mirko Peters sits down with Tchesco Ayih, Microsoft MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), international speaker, mentor, and Power Platform expert. Tchesco shares his inspiring journey into the Microsoft ecosystem, discusses the growing importance of user experience (UX) in low-code development, and explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations build business applications. From Power Apps and Dataverse to Copilot Studio and AI-powered development, this conversation provides valuable insights for anyone working with Microsoft technologies, citizen development, low-code platforms, or digital transformation initiatives. Tchesco explains why beautiful design is not just a nice-to-have feature but a critical component of successful business applications, and why user-centric thinking should always come before functionality.

FROM TRADITIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO MICROSOFT POWER PLATFORM
Tchesco's journey into the Microsoft ecosystem started as a traditional developer with a passion for user interfaces and design. After earning Azure certifications and sharing his learning journey online, an opportunity emerged that introduced him to Microsoft Power Platform. What initially began as curiosity quickly developed into a career dedicated to helping organizations build efficient business solutions using low-code technologies. Throughout the discussion, Tchesco highlights how continuous learning, community engagement, and technical curiosity played essential roles in shaping his professional path. His story serves as a reminder that modern technology careers often evolve through experimentation, networking, and a willingness to embrace emerging platforms. 

THE MVP AND MCT JOURNEY
Becoming a Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer did not happen overnight. Tchesco discusses how helping others in online communities became the foundation of his recognition within the Microsoft ecosystem. By answering technical questions, delivering community sessions, supporting Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors, and consistently sharing knowledge, he built a reputation that eventually led to an MVP nomination. Key lessons from his journey include:

• Consistently contribute to technical communities.
• Share knowledge freely and help solve real problems.
• Build expertise through hands-on experience.
• Pursue Microsoft certifications to validate skills.
• Seek mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Give back to the community that helped your own growth.

WHY UX IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT OF GREAT BUSINESS
APPS One of the most passionate parts of the discussion centers around User Experience (UX). According to Tchesco, many Power Platform developers become overly focused on functionality and process automation while neglecting how users actually experience the application. A business process may work perfectly from a technical perspective, but if the application feels confusing, cluttered, or difficult to navigate, user adoption can suffer significantly. Tchesco argues that every application should be designed with accessibility, usability, and user satisfaction in mind. He emphasizes that developers should think beyond buttons and forms and consider:

• User accessibility requirements.
• Application navigation flows.
• Visual hierarchy and layout.
• User feedback cycles.
• Readability and simplicity.
• Long-term adoption and engagement.

Rather than viewing UX as a separate discipline, Tchesco believes UX should be integrated into every stage of Power Platform development.

DESIGN FIRST, FEATURES SECOND
One of the most powerful takeaways from the conversation is Tchesco's belief that developers should begin with the user interface before implementing features. Many developers immediately start building databas