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Usability with Optimistic UI

Usability is one of the key objectives in software development, and it is well-known that a smooth and intuitive user interface significantly enhances the user experience. One highly effective way to improve application usability and provide a more seamless user experience is by utilizing the Optimistic UI design pattern.


The Optimistic UI assumes that the user's action will always succeed and only provides feedback in the event of an error. As a result, the interface operates without delays, while communication with the backend occurs in the background. Only error scenarios, such as network issues, are made visible to the user. When the software is well-developed, thoroughly tested, and the functionalities are solid, exceptions are very rare.


What is Optimistic UI?


Optimistic UI (Optimistic User Interface) is a design pattern where users are immediately shown a positive response to their actions, even though the actual backend request and its result are still being processed. In other words, the interface assumes that the user’s action will succeed and updates the view right away, without waiting for backend confirmation. If the backend responds with an error, the situation is corrected later, and the user is presented with an error message.


Optimistic UI creates a very smooth user experience by minimizing the delay perceived by the user, giving the impression that the system is running smoothly, even when complex operations are occurring in the background.




Benefits for Usability


The most significant advantage of Optimistic UI is improving usability. The speed and responsiveness of an application are crucial factors in user experience. If users are constantly forced to wait for the application to update views after every backend call, the experience suffers.


With Optimistic UI, you can:

  • Enhance performance: While the app may not technically become faster, the perceived speed improves as immediate feedback is given without delay.

  • Reduce frustration: Users dislike waiting, and long delays can lead to frustration or even abandonment of the app. Optimistic UI eliminates wait times.

  • Provide a smoother user experience: The system feels more flexible and natural to use, as it responds to user actions immediately without being tied to background operations.


Practical Examples of Optimistic UI


Many modern apps employ Optimistic UI, even though users might not realize it. For example, in social media apps like X (formerly Twitter), when you send a message, it immediately appears as posted, even though the message might still be processing in the background. If an issue arises, the user can be notified of the error, but in most cases, the action proceeds without interruption.


Another example is found in e-commerce, where updating the shopping cart happens instantly, even though backend calls might still be processing data in the background. This makes the shopping experience fast and fluid, encouraging users to continue their purchasing journey.


Challenges and Risks


Despite its benefits, Optimistic UI is not without risks. Since users are shown an optimistic outcome before the actual result is received from the backend, error handling becomes especially critical. If the system does not handle errors correctly, users may become confused or perceive the app as unreliable.


Additionally, Optimistic UI can lead to more complex code, especially when the application has to manage multiple overlapping or concurrent backend calls. This increases the potential for errors if the system isn’t designed to handle such states.


Optimistic UI in User-Centered Software Development


User experience and usability are central to modern software development. Optimistic UI is one of the most effective ways to create a seamless user experience. When combined with careful error handling and clear communication, it offers users a pleasant, fast, and effortless interaction with the app.


Optimistic UI should be considered especially for applications where speed and a smooth user experience are critical. Immediate feedback enhances the perceived quality and reliability of the app, which can lead to higher user satisfaction and engagement.


Summary


The Optimistic UI pattern is a powerful way to streamline application usability and improve the user experience. By providing users with immediate feedback and assuming success, the interface remains dynamic and responsive, even as complex data processing occurs in the background. In software development, where user experience is key, Optimistic UI can make the difference between satisfied users and those who abandon the app.


Optimistic UI as Part of Amabit’s System Framework


Amabit’s system framework utilizes Optimistic UI, allowing customers to save up to 80% in both project costs and development time. Learn more about the system framework.


The framework consolidates recurring components into configurable modules, enabling a new system to reach the development phase within hours. The system framework includes frontend, backend, pipeline, and test automation capabilities.



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