As technology leaders strive to meet modern demands for speed and flexibility in their applications, one of the major hurdles they face is outdated, monolithic frontend architecture that hinders innovation and scalability.
This blog post explores the strategic steps involved in moving from a monolithic frontend to a micro frontend architecture, emphasizing the critical role of design systems in this transformation.
What are Micro Frontends?
Micro frontends extend the principles of microservices to the frontend of the applications. This architecture breaks down a frontend monolith into smaller, manageable modules that can be developed, tested, and deployed independently by different teams. Each team is responsible for a specific business domain, fostering a more focused and collaborative development process.
Unlike monolithic applications that are strongly interconnected within a single codebase and are built as a single, indivisible unit, micro frontends break the frontend layer into smaller, independent parts that can be developed, tested, deployed, and scaled separately. Each unit, also known as the "micro frontend," acts a certain functionality in the application.
The architecture of micro frontends includes several key components such as:
- Micro Frontend Components: These are the architecture's core units. Each micro frontend is a self-contained program that manages a specific feature or business domain within the larger application. They can be created, tested, and deployed individually.
- Integration Layer: A container application is in charge of integrating the micro frontends into a single user experience.
- Routing: Micro Frontends must handle routing to ensure that the proper functionality is presented to the user at the appropriate moment. Routing can be done at the micro frontend level or by the integrating shell application.
- Communication: Micro frontends may need to communicate with one another to exchange data or events. This can be accomplished using many mechanisms, such as custom events, shared state, message buses, or APIs.
- Isolation: Micro frontends should be as independent as possible. The aim is for each team to be able to work on and deploy their features independently.
The Role of Design Systems in Developing Micro Frontends
Design systems play a crucial role in the development and management of micro frontends, enhancing consistency, efficiency, and scalability across large and distributed teams. They ensure that no matter how many teams you have, everyone is synced to the same style sheet, making your application not just functionally but visually cohesive.
A design system is a constantly developing set of design and coding standards, as well as components that integrate both of these processes. It includes various components such as:
- Style Guide: This document articulates the visual language, which includes colors, font, spacing, and other elements that represent the brand's look and assure product consistency.
- Pattern Library: This is a subset of the design system that contains reusable user interface elements or patterns. It consists of buttons, modals, form fields, and additional components that are consistent in both appearance and function.
- UI Kit: A collection of assets that have been pre-designed and programmed so that they can be easily integrated in projects. It often comprises components from the pattern library but in a ready-to-use format for a variety of design tools and development frameworks.
- Documentation: This includes thorough instructions for using the design system, such as code samples, design tokens, and recommended practices for both designers and developers.
- Code Repositories: These are the practical, functional versions of the design system parts, which are frequently maintained in version control systems.
How do Design Systems Ease the Transition from Monolithic Applications to Micro Frontends?
Design systems act as a bridge between monolithic apps and micro frontends. They provide a unified set of guidelines and components. This enables consistency and efficiency across several teams and frameworks.
- Shared Component Library: A design system's component library provides reusable UI elements, speeding up micro frontend development by eliminating the redesign of common elements.
- Consistent Design Language: Design systems ensure a consistent appearance and feel among micro frontends by using identical color schemes, typography, and space, even when developed by various teams.
- Documentation: Comprehensive design system documentation includes detailed instructions for utilizing and styling components, making it easier to develop appropriate designs in micro frontend architectures.
- Integration Standards: Design systems provide integration standards for many frameworks, making it easier to implement micro frontends by outlining how to include design aspects into diverse technologies.
Which Companies Have Successfully Migrated from Monolithic Architectures to Micro Frontends Using Design Systems?
IKEA switched to a micro frontend architecture, which improved its capacity to quickly roll out updates and features. This change provided a more personalized user experience and simplified feature testing. A crucial aspect of their success was the investment in a comprehensive design system that ensured consistency throughout the website. Furthermore, the use of continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) methodologies proved critical for efficiently managing deployments across diverse frontends.
American Express used micro frontends to improve the scalability and flexibility of its web applications, which were accompanied by a design structure that standardized development techniques. This method allowed for more effective scalability and upgrades while ensuring a consistent user experience.
What are the Key Steps to Consider While Transitioning to Micro frontends through Design Systems?
Transitioning from a monolithic architecture to micro frontends using a design system involves several key steps. Here’s a strategic outline to guide the process:
- Assessment & Planning: The transition from a monolithic design to micro frontends begins with an extensive evaluation of the current system's composition, dependencies, and restrictions. Next, an in-depth analysis of business operations is performed to determine whether components can be modularized separately into micro frontends. Finally, the scope of the design system is determined, ensuring that it includes all of the features required for a consistent user experience throughout the numerous micro front ends.
- Design System Development: The micro frontend transition requires the creation of design principles and rules to provide visual balance and future scalability. A living style guide and component library are created to ensure constant reference and contribution by developers. Furthermore, an emphasis on accessibility and responsiveness is required to ensure a consistent user experience across several devices and users.
- Decomposing the monolith: The breakdown of a monolithic application into micro frontends entails strategizing the segregation of independent, scalable features. This is followed by the integration of design system components to provide consistency across all micro frontends. Furthermore, efficient operation is achieved by creating well-defined APIs and, if necessary, shared state management to ease communication amongst micro frontends.
- Deployment & Iteration: Continuous deployment and integration approaches enable regular upgrades and quick feature rollouts for micro frontends. Performance is continually evaluated and optimized to achieve benchmarks while maintaining a positive user experience. The design system is also constantly modified based on feedback and evolving needs, ensuring that it remains consistent with design evolution and developer input.
ALSO READ: Common Codebase vs. Separate Codebase for Web and Mobile: Streamlining Your Platform Development
Final Insights on the Transition to Micro Frontends with Design Systems
Transitioning from monolithic apps to micro frontends is a strategic move toward more scalable, adaptable, and maintainable software architecture. The usage of design systems throughout this transition is crucial, as they provide a consistent set of design principles, rules, and reusable components that assure consistency and efficiency across various parts of an application. Organizations that employ a structured approach can effectively handle the challenge of breaking down a monolith while keeping a consistent user experience. This modern architectural approach enables teams to develop quickly, adapt to changing business requirements, and provide exceptional digital experiences.
If you want to transform your application to a more modular and efficient system, schedule a no-obligation consultation with our experts now!