The Empire UI blog

2026-09-08 · 9 min read

Page Load Animation in React: First Paint, Stagger, Skeleton to Content

How to handle page load animations in React - from first paint flicker to skeleton-to-content transitions and stagger sequences that don't tank performance.

Read →

2026-08-19 · 8 min read

React Performance Profiler: Finding and Fixing Slow Components

Learn how to use the React DevTools Profiler to pinpoint slow renders, fix wasted re-renders, and ship snappy UIs - with real code examples and actionable fixes.

Read →

2026-07-28 · 8 min read

React UI Library Bundle Size Compared: shadcn, MUI, Mantine, Empire UI

We measured bundle sizes for shadcn/ui, MUI, Mantine, and Empire UI in 2026. Here's what actually ships to your users - and which library won't wreck your Lighthouse score.

Read →

2026-07-27 · 8 min read

Google Fonts Performance: font-display, preload and next/font

Google Fonts tanks your CLS and LCP if you load them wrong. Here's exactly how font-display, preload, and next/font fix that - with real code.

Read →

2026-07-27 · 8 min read

Image Optimisation in 2026: WebP, AVIF, Lazy Load and LCP

WebP, AVIF, lazy loading, and LCP - everything you actually need to know about image optimisation in 2026, with real code and no hand-waving.

Read →

2026-07-21 · 8 min read

Web Animations API in 2026: Native Animations Without a Library

The Web Animations API gives you keyframes, timing, and playback control in pure JavaScript - no Framer Motion, no GSAP. Here's how to use it properly in 2026.

Read →

2026-07-15 · 9 min read

React.memo, useMemo and useCallback: The Honest Guide to When You Need Them

Stop spraying React.memo everywhere. Here's when useMemo, useCallback, and memo actually help - and when they silently make things slower.

Read →

2026-07-14 · 8 min read

Next.js Caching in 2026: fetch, ISR, Dynamic and No-Store Explained

Next.js caching is confusing - fetch defaults, ISR revalidation, dynamic rendering, and no-store all interact. Here's exactly how each layer works in 2026.

Read →

2026-07-13 · 8 min read

React 19 Compiler: What It Does, What It Fixes and What to Expect

React 19's compiler auto-memoizes your components so you don't have to. Here's what it actually changes, what it still can't fix, and how to adopt it without pain.

Read →

2026-07-13 · 9 min read

Next.js Image Optimisation: next/image Deep Dive - Every Prop Explained

Every prop in next/image explained with real code - from lazy loading and LCP priority to blur placeholders, remote patterns, and responsive sizes.

Read →

2026-07-12 · 8 min read

Background Blur in CSS: backdrop-filter, blur() and When Each Makes Sense

backdrop-filter and filter: blur() do different things. Learn which CSS blur technique to reach for, when performance matters, and how to build glass effects right.

Read →

2026-07-01 · 8 min read

useMemo vs useCallback: When to Use Each (and When to Skip Both)

useMemo and useCallback aren't free - they have overhead. Learn exactly when each hook earns its keep, and when you're just adding complexity for nothing.

Read →

2026-06-28 · 8 min read

Virtualizing Long Lists in React: TanStack Virtual Deep Dive

Rendering 10,000 rows in React will tank your FPS. Here's how TanStack Virtual fixes it - with real code and zero hand-waving about "performance gains".

Read →

2026-06-27 · 8 min read

CSS backdrop-filter: blur, brightness, saturate and When to Use Each

Master CSS backdrop-filter: blur, brightness, and saturate - learn exactly what each function does, when to reach for it, and how to avoid the performance traps.

Read →

2026-06-25 · 8 min read

Web Font Loading in 2026: next/font, variable fonts and CLS

Everything you need to know about web font loading in 2026 - next/font, variable fonts, CLS fixes, and why your layout still shifts at 3am.

Read →

2026-06-24 · 8 min read

React Lazy Loading: Code Splitting, Suspense and the Right Way

React lazy loading with code splitting and Suspense cuts your initial bundle size dramatically. Here's the practical guide to doing it right without breaking your app.

Read →

2026-06-18 · 8 min read

Lottie Animations in React: Setup, Optimisation and Pitfalls

Learn how to integrate Lottie JSON animations into React apps - from first install to lazy loading, loop control, and avoiding the bundle-size traps most devs hit.

Read →

2026-06-13 · 15 min read

React Architecture & Patterns: The Complete 2026 Guide

Everything you need to architect scalable React apps in 2026 - component patterns, state strategies, performance, TypeScript, and real code you can ship today.

Read →

2026-06-13 · 15 min read

Advanced CSS & JavaScript Patterns: Production-Grade Techniques 2026

Master advanced CSS and JavaScript patterns used in production - container queries, cascade layers, GPU-composited animations, and design token architecture for scalable UIs in 2026.

Read →