Skip to main content

Developer guidance on UX

A good user experience is not only related to the construction of user views and templates. Thoughtful use of features such as background processing can impact the user experience and overall performance of the application. Consider these areas of application functionality that directly impact the user experience and use the following guidelines to ensure the application provides the best possible experience for the users of your Pega Platform™ application: 

  • Background processing 
  • External integration 
  • Network latency 
  • Large data sets 
  • User feedback 
  • Responsiveness 

Background processing

Background processing benefits user experience and productivity. When possible, run the required processing in the background so that users do not have to wait to complete it. This method is also known as asynchronous processing. While users are busy reading a screen or completing another task, the application performs the required tasks in another requestor session, apart from the requestor session of the user.

You can apply background processing in the following features:

  • External integration 
  • Queue processor 

Design for realistic integration response times

External integration with a system of record (SOR) is almost always required. When integrating with external systems, establish realistic expectations on the time that is necessary to load data retrieved from the external systems. You can quickly render an initial user interface by applying background and asynchronous processing. Through this technique, users can begin working while the application gathers additional data. The application then displays the data as soon as it becomes available.

Network latency estimation

Network latency can affect the amount of time that the system requires to retrieve data from external systems. Whenever possible, co-locate the database repository for Pega Platform on the same high-speed network as the application servers that run Pega Platform or engine. Keep the systems with which you integrate Pega Platform as close as possible to your data center. If the system that you are integrating with is physically located very far away, consider using replicated data from a nearby data warehouse or proxy system. You can also use Edge Servers for web content that the system references frequently.

Large data sets usage

When it comes to data, smaller is always better. Avoid retrieving large data sets, and keep your result sets as small as possible. Only retrieve the data you require immediately for the task at hand. Consider aggregating data sets ahead of time by introducing data warehouses and multidimensional databases where quick response times are critical.

Feedback to the users

If it takes longer than a couple of seconds to load a screen, provide users with meaningful feedback on how much time is needed to complete the processing. Give users something else to do while the processing is taking place. You can also design the interaction to display a prompt to users that asks whether they want processing to occur in the background or cancel it if it takes too long. Always keep users in control.

UI responsiveness

As the look and feel of an application change, use the responsive UI support of Pega Platform and show users only what is necessary to complete the task at hand. Avoid creating the "Everything View" that tries to deliver every piece of information simultaneously. Move unnecessary or optional information away from the screen when users reduce the size of the screen. Keep your user interfaces highly specialized and focused on individual and specific tasks.

Other performance issues that affect the user experience

Many application performance issues affect the user experience directly or indirectly. Because the application shares resources across users and background processes, an issue in another part of the application can affect the individual user somehow. 

Sometimes, performance issues may only become apparent after the application has been in production for several weeks, and over time, users start to experience performance degradation. Use performance tools and troubleshooting techniques to identify the causes of poor performance. For more information, see Troubleshooting your system.

Check your knowledge with the following interaction:


This Topic is available in the following Module:

If you are having problems with your training, please review the Pega Academy Support FAQs.

Did you find this content helpful?

Want to help us improve this content?

We'd prefer it if you saw us at our best.

Pega Academy has detected you are using a browser which may prevent you from experiencing the site as intended. To improve your experience, please update your browser.

Close Deprecation Notice