UX/UI: 10 tips to prepare your 2027 projects

Start an interface design with the tasks its users need to complete, then test your decisions with them. These ten tips cover research, wireframes, accessibility and presenting your work. Use them as a checklist when planning your 2027 projects.

Introduction: Understanding the Foundations of UX and UI

Above all, it is crucial to distinguish between user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).

UX (User Experience)

focuses on the functionality, structure, and ease of use of a digital application or product. Its main goal is to solve user problems by relying on logical flows, user-friendliness, and deep empathy for their needs.

UI (User Interface)

, on the other hand, deals with visual aspects: typography, colors, interactive elements like buttons, and visual hierarchy.

Although these two disciplines are closely related, designers can choose to specialize in one or the other, or master both to take on hybrid roles. A deep understanding of these areas is essential for creating clear case studies and compelling portfolios.

1. Thinking Design beyond Aesthetics

Design is not just an artistic exercise aimed at beautifying screens. It is primarily a problem-solving process. Designers must:

Understand users

by identifying their needs and frustrations.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to propose relevant solutions.

Test and iterate prototypes to refine the user experience.

2. User Research as a Starting Point

Before designing, a designer must delve into user research. This includes:

User interviews and surveys

to collect qualitative and quantitative data.

Identifying friction points and user expectations.

Mapping user journeys to better empathize with their experiences.

Strong research lays the groundwork for informed design decisions.

3. Information Architecture and Wireframing

Once user needs are identified, the next step is creating wireframes (visual sketches) to structure ideas. Here are the key steps:

Start with low-fidelity wireframes

to define user flows.

Work on information architecture (IA) to ensure intuitive navigation.

Use tools like Figma or Balsamiq, or simply a pencil and paper to quickly sketch ideas.

4. Basic Principles of UI Design

Good UI design is characterized by:

Neat spacing and alignment

of elements.

Visual consistency

across all pages of the application.

Adherence to standards like Google's Material Design or Apple's Human Interface Guidelines.

Rigorous adherence to these principles enhances the credibility and readability of an application.

5. Importance of a Design System

A design system is essential to ensure consistency and collaboration within teams. It includes:

Reusable components (buttons, modals, pop-ups).

A defined color palette and typography.

Clear guidelines for margins and element dimensions.

This saves time and ensures a consistent design.

6. Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Plan accessibility checks from the wireframe stage, then test the implemented interface. Initial checks include:

Using sufficient contrast to ensure readability.

Adding alternative texts for images.

Enabling keyboard navigation.

Add WCAG 2.2 checks: AA criterion 2.4.11 requires keyboard focus not to be entirely hidden by author-created content. AA criterion 2.5.8 sets a minimum target size of 24 × 24 CSS pixels, with exceptions including sufficient spacing and links within sentences. Read the complete rules on unobscured focus and target size. These checks alone do not establish full website conformance.

The Swiss eCH-0059 version 3.0 standard refers to WCAG 2.1. Distinguish your project’s required standard from WCAG 2.2 recommendations; do not infer an identical obligation for every private website. Our accessibility guide explains scope and implementation.

7. Prototyping and Testing

Prototypes bring your design to life before its final development. Test them with real users to:

Identify problematic areas where users encounter difficulties.

Collect feedback and refine features.

Ensure that the application meets identified expectations and needs.

8. Building an Impactful Portfolio

Your portfolio is your business card. It should:

Present a selection of documented projects showing your role, decisions and outcomes you can substantiate.

Show the tools used, challenges faced, and solutions provided.

Be hosted on a professional platform like Behance, Dribbble, or a personal website (via Webflow, Squarespace, etc.).

A polished presentation of your achievements reflects your expertise and attention to detail.

9. Building Your Brand Identity

An active presence in the industry is as important as your technical skills. Regularly share your work on LinkedIn, Dribbble, or Behance, and engage in discussions with other designers. These actions enhance your credibility and expand your professional network.

10. Continuous Learning and Constructive Feedback

The field of UX/UI is constantly evolving. To stay relevant, it is essential:

To read blogs, watch tutorials, and take courses.

To accept constructive criticism and incorporate feedback into your projects.

Continuous improvement is key to evolving as a designer.

Key Points to Remember

Differentiate between UX and UI

to better structure your expertise.

Adopt a user-centered approach

by understanding their needs before designing.

Master the basics

wireframes, information architecture, UI principles.

Create a design system

to ensure consistency and scalability.

Integrate accessibility

at every design stage.

Prototyping and testing

are essential to validate your ideas.

A well-structured portfolio

is essential to attract professional opportunities.

Build your personal brand

through creative platforms and professional networks.

Feedback is a gift

use it to enhance your skills.

Continuously learn

and stay curious about new trends.

Prepare your next projects

For your 2027 projects, choose a journey to test, record observed difficulties and organise improvements with developers. Check error states, mobile and keyboard access before launch. To scope a UI/UX design project, gather the journeys involved and the questions to resolve.

Source: "10 Essential UX/UI Design Tips You MUST Know in 2025" - Muthulakshmi Mahesh, YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4OQounBu1U