Top Professional Skills Every Microsoft SharePoint UI/UX Developer Should Master

Microsoft SharePoint continues to be a cornerstone for organizations aiming to boost collaboration and manage content effectively across teams. For a UI/UX developer working with SharePoint, mastering a specific set of skills not only enhances the development of intuitive, user-focused interfaces but also differentiates you as a proficient professional in a competitive market. This article delves into the top skills necessary for every Microsoft SharePoint UI/UX Developer to excel and deliver exceptional user experiences.

Understanding SharePoint Architecture

As a UI/UX Developer, a comprehensive understanding of SharePoint architecture is crucial. SharePoint functions as a multi-layered system involving various components such as servers, databases, and web applications.

Key Components

• Farm Architecture: Distinguish between the different types of servers—Web Front End Servers, Application Servers, and Database Servers—and their roles in a SharePoint Environment.
• Service Applications: Familiarize yourself with SharePoint services like Managed Metadata, User Profiles, and Search Services that are significant for UI/UX development.
• Site Collections and Sites: Grasp how site collections and their hierarchical sites are managed, which aids in designing easier navigation structures for users.

Proficiency in User Experience (UX) Design

UX design lies at the heart of a SharePoint UI/UX Developer’s responsibilities. It entails creating a seamless, efficient user interface that enhances end-user interaction with SharePoint applications.

UX Design Fundamentals

• Usability Testing: Conduct testing to ensure that SharePoint sites are user-friendly and easily navigable.
• Wireframing and Prototyping: Develop wireframes and prototypes to visualize site layouts and test user interactions before the development stage.
• Information Architecture: Organize data and features into a coherent structure to enhance findability and usability.
• User-Center Design (UCD): Implement design strategies focused on user needs and preferences to ensure that the SharePoint site meets user expectations.

Advanced Knowledge of UI Development

Building responsive and visually appealing interfaces are integral to UI development on SharePoint. Knowledge of current design trends and technologies is essential here.

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: Utilize these technologies to create and manage the front-end aspects of SharePoint applications.
• Responsive Design: Ensure that SharePoint applications are optimized for various devices and screen sizes to provide users with a consistent experience.
• Modern UI Frameworks: Leverage frameworks such as Bootstrap or React for building dynamic and interactive interfaces.

Proficiency in SharePoint Framework (SPFx)

The SharePoint Framework is crucial for building modern SharePoint experiences. It provides a model for building client-side solutions for SharePoint.

Core SPFx Skills

• ReactJS and TypeScript: These are the main technologies used in SPFx development for creating web parts and extensions.
• SPFx Tooling: Gain a working knowledge of tools like Yeoman, Gulp, and npm, which are essential for setting up and maintaining SPFx projects.

Project Management Skills

Managing UI/UX projects efficiently is vital for successful SharePoint development initiatives. This involves planning, executing, and overseeing projects to meet specific goals within a set timeframe.

Essential Project Management Skills

• Agile and Scrum Methodologies: Adopt agile development practices to facilitate flexible project workflows and increase team collaboration.
• Time Management: Effectively manage time by anticipating potential delays and setting realistic deadlines for project milestones.
• Communication: Maintain clear and concise communication with team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment and address any project issues proactively.

Knowledge of Microsoft's Power Platform

The Power Platform, including PowerApps, Power BI, and Power Automate, extends the capabilities of SharePoint UI/UX solutions, providing additional tools for developers to enhance productivity.

Power Platform Components

• PowerApps: Create custom applications using low-code or no-code techniques integrated within SharePoint for enhanced user experiences.
• Power BI: Implement data visualization tools to create interactive reports and dashboards within SharePoint environments.
• Power Automate: Design automated workflows to increase efficiency and streamline operations in SharePoint applications.

Security Awareness in SharePoint Development

User privacy and data protection are paramount, given the sensitive information often handled within SharePoint applications.

Security Best Practices

• Authentication and Authorization: Implement robust methods for authenticating users and managing permissions.
• Data Encryption: Use encryption to protect data in transit and at rest.
• Compliance: Ensure that SharePoint solutions comply with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR.