Power Apps UI Modern Design: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Key insights

• Power Apps is a Microsoft low-code platform that lets users create custom business apps with minimal coding, focusing on modern and professional user interfaces.


• The tutorial highlights the use of container controls for structured layouts, making it easier to organize UI elements and ensure responsive design across different devices.


• Theming and modern controls, based on Microsoft’s Fluent Design System, help apps look consistent with other Microsoft products and support custom branding for a professional appearance.


• Accessibility is emphasized through best practices like color choices, proper labeling, tab indexing, and using the Fluent UI framework so that all users can navigate the app easily.


• Advanced styling techniques, such as adding gradient colors with HTML text controls and customizing buttons or components, allow for visually appealing designs similar to Microsoft Forms.


• This approach makes Power Apps more maintainable, enhances integration with the wider Microsoft ecosystem, and supports unified workflows within platforms like SharePoint and Teams.

Introduction to Modern Power Apps UI Design

The YouTube video by Reza Dorrani, titled "Modern Power Apps UI Design Tutorial for Beginners (Step-by-Step)," provides a comprehensive guide for those interested in creating visually appealing and user-friendly apps within the Microsoft Power Apps platform. The tutorial is specifically designed for beginners and intermediate users, focusing on building modern, professional user interfaces using step-by-step instructions. By aligning with Microsoft's Fluent Design System, the tutorial ensures that apps not only look polished but also integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft products.

Throughout the video, Dorrani demonstrates practical techniques for enhancing both the appearance and usability of Power Apps, making it accessible for users who may not have extensive coding experience. As a result, viewers can expect to gain valuable insights into structuring, styling, and customizing their own business applications.

Core Design Techniques and Tools

A significant portion of the tutorial is dedicated to the use of container controls, which represent a shift from the earlier, more manual drag-and-drop approach. Container controls allow for the structured organization of UI elements, simplifying the process of resizing and positioning components across various devices. This is particularly important for ensuring responsive design, as apps must adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.

Additionally, Dorrani emphasizes the importance of theming and the use of modern controls. By leveraging predefined themes such as Power Apps blue or SharePoint green, or by creating custom themes, app creators can maintain brand consistency and deliver a unified look and feel. The use of Microsoft’s Fluent Design System further ensures that these apps remain consistent with the broader Microsoft ecosystem.

Enhancing Usability and Accessibility

A key focus of the tutorial is on accessibility and responsive design. Dorrani discusses best practices such as proper labeling, tab indexing, and the use of appropriate color and font choices via the Fluent UI framework. These elements are crucial for making apps usable by a wider range of people, including those with disabilities. Furthermore, the tutorial covers how to use formulas and container controls to dynamically adjust layouts, ensuring that apps function well on both desktop and mobile devices.

The inclusion of advanced styling techniques, such as HTML text controls for gradient effects, allows app developers to create visually engaging and modern interfaces. This not only improves user satisfaction but also helps organizations meet accessibility standards and regulatory requirements.

Advantages and Tradeoffs of Modern UI Design

One of the clear advantages of following this modern approach is the ability to produce professional and consistent user interfaces that match Microsoft’s design guidelines. This consistency can improve user adoption, as employees are already familiar with the look and feel of Microsoft products like Teams and SharePoint. Moreover, the use of container controls and theming simplifies app maintenance and scalability, making it easier to update or expand applications as business needs evolve.

However, there are tradeoffs to consider. While container controls provide structure and adaptability, they require a shift in mindset for users accustomed to manual positioning. Additionally, implementing advanced styling or accessibility features can add complexity for beginners, although the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial learning curve. Balancing customization with ease of use remains an ongoing challenge, especially for organizations with diverse branding requirements.

Integration and Future Outlook

Another important aspect highlighted in the tutorial is the seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. Modernized UI components make it easier to embed Power Apps directly into platforms like SharePoint and Teams, supporting unified digital workflows and improving productivity. This integration is particularly valuable for businesses seeking to streamline operations without sacrificing usability or visual appeal.

Looking forward, the continued evolution of Power Apps UI design—driven by community feedback and ongoing updates from Microsoft—will likely introduce even more advanced tools and best practices. As organizations prioritize accessibility, responsiveness, and brand consistency, tutorials like Dorrani's offer essential guidance for navigating the changing landscape of low-code app development.

Conclusion

In summary, Reza Dorrani’s latest video provides a practical, step-by-step approach to building modern user interfaces in Power Apps. By focusing on container controls, theming, accessibility, and integration, the tutorial equips beginners and intermediates alike with the skills needed to create visually appealing and highly functional business applications. While there are challenges and tradeoffs involved, the benefits of adopting these modern design principles are clear—improved usability, easier maintenance, and stronger alignment with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Keywords

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