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Software Architecture InsightsYour go-to resource for empowering software architects and technology professionals. Author: Lee Atchison
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Get Rid of Your Users - The Role of Transactional vs Experiential Applications
Episode 5
Tuesday, 18 November, 2025
Not all applications are created equal. Some applications process transactions and maintain state, while others aim to deliver content, data, or experiences to users. For software architects and engineering leaders, recognizing these core application types is essential for making informed decisions regarding scalability, infrastructure, security, and data management. Understanding whether an application is experiential or transactional influences its design and architecture. This distinction is vital for ensuring that applications meet user expectations effectively and efficiently.Understanding the distinction between experiential and transactional applications is crucial for software architects and engineering leaders. Each type of application serves a different purpose and is designed to meet specific user expectations. Experiential applications aim to keep users engaged for extended periods, providing value through interaction and content delivery. Examples include social media platforms, where the longer users stay, the more advertising revenue the platform generates. The architecture of such applications needs to prioritize low latency, high availability, and the ability to deliver personalized content efficiently. This requires strong data management practices and the use of advanced technologies like machine learning to enhance user experience.On the other hand, transactional applications focus on speed and efficiency. They are designed for users to complete tasks quickly, such as checking an order status or making a purchase. The underlying architecture must ensure reliability and data integrity, as even minor delays can frustrate users. Key architectural considerations for transactional applications include low latency APIs, robust database management for consistency, and the ability to handle asynchronous processes effectively. Understanding these differences is essential for architects to design systems that align with user expectations and business goals.The implications of choosing the right application type extend beyond product management; they are foundational to the overall architecture and infrastructure strategy. A misalignment can lead to performance issues and user dissatisfaction, making it vital for software leaders to understand not just how to build functional software but how to build software that meets the specific needs of its users. As we explore these themes, we recognize that the architectural decisions made today will shape the user experiences of tomorrow, influencing everything from scalability to data management.Takeaways: Not all applications are created equal; they serve different purposes and user needs. Experiential applications aim to engage users for longer periods, enhancing value over time. Transactional applications prioritize speed and efficiency, allowing users to complete tasks quickly. Understanding the type of application informs architectural decisions about scalability and data management. Application design impacts user experience; architects must align their strategies with user expectations. Misaligning application type with architectural choices can lead to performance and satisfaction issues. Links referenced in this episode:softwarearchitectureinsights.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Amazon.com Mentioned in this episode:How do you operate a modern organization at scale?Read more in my O'Reilly Media book "Architecting for Scale", now in its second edition. http://architectingforscale.com Architecting for Scale
