Considerations of well-structured web application

Reference: Building Large Scale Web Apps book by Addy Osmani and Hassan Djirdeh

Building a High-Quality Web Experience

Designing and maintaining a large, performant web application requires careful consideration of usability, accessibility, credibility, discoverability, desirability, and value. Below is a structured framework outlining these principles.

1. Usable

The foundation of usability is fast, stable, and efficient interaction.

• Performance
  • Definition: Speed in loading, rendering, interactions, and animations.
  • Details: Web performance measures both objective metrics (e.g., load time, frames per second) and perceived responsiveness.
  • Key Metrics (Core Web Vitals):
    • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Time for the main content to appear.
    • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Visual stability of a page.
    • Interaction to Next Paint (INP): Responsiveness to user input.
  • Optimization Strategies:
    • Minimize loading times and critical rendering path.
    • Use lazy loading and startup optimization.
    • Ensure smooth scrolling, responsive buttons, and avoid “janky” animations.
• Task Completion
  • Definition: Minimize the steps required for users to complete their goals.
• Stability
  • Definition: Ensure consistent functionality and availability.
  • Details: Tools like PerformanceNavigationTiming.notRestoredReasons help optimize back/forward cache usage, improving reliability.

2. Accessible

Accessibility ensures that applications can be used by all users, including those with special needs.

• Definition: Support for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and avoidance of poor color contrast.
• Details: Tools like Lighthouse provide automated audits to measure and improve accessibility.

3. Credible

Credibility builds trust through security, privacy, and authenticity.

• Privacy
  • Definition: Safe handling of user data with correct permissions.
  • Details: The Privacy Sandbox initiative addresses these challenges.
• Security
  • Definition: Protection of data and communications.
  • Details: Core security practices are essential across web technologies.
• Identity
  • Definition: Authentication systems for user trust.
  • Details: Modern approaches include Passkeys and secure login flows.
• Authenticity
  • Definition: Content must be credible and reliable.

4. Findable

Discoverability ensures that applications and content can be found by users and search engines.

• Definition: Degree to which pages are optimized for search visibility (SEO).

5. Useful

A useful application provides capabilities that extend beyond basics.

• Capabilities
  • Definition: Advanced features similar to native apps.
  • Details: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) extend functionality to offline use, push notifications, and installable apps.

6. Desirable

Desirability shapes user perception and brand affinity.

• Visual Experience
  • Definition: Aesthetically pleasing, smooth, and engaging UI.
  • Details: Performance and UI design resources (CSS, animations) enhance visual delight.
• Trustworthiness
  • Definition: Content should come from reputable and trustworthy sources.

7. Valuable

Ultimately, applications must deliver real value to users.

• Functionality
  • Definition: Features and content that address user needs and goals.
  • Details: High-performing apps align user satisfaction with business objectives.

8. Conceptual Framework