Designing the Future. AI, UX, and the Next Generation of Microsoft Power Platform with Tchesco Ayih [MVP-MCT]

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 databases, business logic, and automation workflows. However, Tchesco recommends designing the application's screens first, creating a clear structure for how users will interact with information before any technical implementation begins. A thoughtful interface helps developers:

• Organize business processes logically.
• Clarify data requirements.
• Reduce development rework.
• Improve stakeholder alignment.
• Create more intuitive user journeys.
• Increase overall user satisfaction.

This design-first mindset helps teams build solutions that are both technically effective and enjoyable to use.

UNDERSTANDING THE MICROSOFT POWER PLATFORM ECOSYSTEM
For listeners new to the Power Platform, Tchesco provides a practical overview of the platform's major components and how they work together to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. The Microsoft Power Platform consists of:

• Power Apps for low-code application development.
• Power Automate for workflow automation.
• Dataverse as a scalable relational data platform.
• Power Pages for external-facing business websites.
• Copilot Studio for conversational AI experiences.
• Connectors that integrate hundreds of business systems.

Together, these tools enable organizations to rapidly automate processes, modernize legacy workflows, and reduce development timelines that traditionally required months of custom coding.

DATAVERSE: THE FOUNDATION OF MODERN BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
The conversation explores why Dataverse has become one of the most important components of the Power Platform ecosystem. Tchesco describes Dataverse as much more than a simple database. Its relational architecture, deep integration with Microsoft services, security model, and performance capabilities make it a strong choice for enterprise-grade business applications. Compared to traditional approaches relying heavily on SharePoint lists, Dataverse enables more scalable and maintainable business solutions while supporting advanced application scenarios and automation workflows.

AI, COPILOT STUDIO, AND THE FUTURE OF APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
Artificial Intelligence plays a major role throughout the discussion. Tchesco shares how AI has already transformed many aspects of his daily work, helping accelerate development, generate ideas, improve productivity, and reduce repetitive tasks. The conversation explores the growing role of:

• AI-assisted development.
• Prompt engineering.
• Copilot Studio.
• Agent-based experiences.
• AI-powered business automation.
• Conversational user interfaces.

Rather than replacing developers, Tchesco views AI as a powerful assistant that increases productivity when used correctly. He compares AI to a junior colleague that can help complete tasks faster, while experienced professionals remain responsible for validation, governance, and final decision-making.

PROMPT ENGINEERING IS BECOMING A CRITICAL SKILL
One particularly interesting topic is the emergence of prompt engineering as an essential skill for modern developers. According to Tchesco, professionals who learn how to communicate effectively with AI systems will gain a significant advantage. Knowing how to provide clear context, detailed requirements, and accurate instructions can dramatically improve the quality of AI-generated outputs. As AI becomes increasingly embedded across Microsoft products and business applications, prompt-driven development is likely to become a standard part of the software development process.

GOVERNANCE AND RESPONSIBLE AI ADOPTION
While enthusiastic about AI's potential, Tchesco also stresses the importance of governance. Organizations must establish clear guidelines around:

• Data security.
• Privacy protection.
• AI usage policies.
• Information sharing restrictions.
• Compliance requirements.
• Human oversight and validation.

Successful AI adoption requires balancing innovation with responsible governance. Businesses that introduce AI without adequate controls may expose sensitive information or create risks that outweigh the benefits.

COMMUNITY, LEARNING, AND GIVING BACK
Beyond technology, this episode highlights the importance of community engagement. Tchesco attributes much of his professional growth to the Microsoft community. By participating in forums, speaking at conferences, mentoring others, and sharing knowledge, he has developed both technical expertise and professional opportunities. His message is clear: growth accelerates when individuals actively contribute rather than simply consume information. Whether through local user groups, virtual events, online forums, or international conferences, communities remain one of the most valuable resources available to technology professionals.

LOOKING AHEAD: THE FUTURE OF LOW-CODE DEVELOPMENT
As the conversation concludes, Tchesco shares his perspective on the future of low-code technology. He believes low-code platforms will continue to expand rapidly over the coming years, enabling organizations to build solutions faster while empowering more people to participate in application development. At the same time, strong foundations in UX, governance, architecture, and problem-solving will remain essential. Technology may evolve, but understanding users and solving business challenges effectively will always be the real differentiator. For anyone interested in Microsoft Power Platform, AI-driven development, business applications, digital transformation, or user-centric design, this episode delivers practical insights and forward-looking perspectives from one of the community's most passionate advocates.

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