If you are interested in designing and developing the user interface of a web application, you might have heard of the term front end architect. But what does a front end architect do, and what skills and responsibilities do they have? In this article, we will explore the role of a front end architect in the context of business architecture, and how they contribute to the success of a digital product.
Front end architecture is the discipline of designing and implementing the presentation layer of a web application, which includes the elements that users see and interact with, such as layouts, menus, buttons, forms, graphics, animations, and more. Front end architecture also involves defining the standards, guidelines, and best practices for coding, testing, debugging, optimizing, and maintaining the front end code base, as well as ensuring its compatibility, accessibility, usability, and security.
In my experience, frontend architecture is also how to create a code that is reusable through years. A clean architecture adapted to frontend helps to easily change frameworks and technologies creating layers of code that adapts these frameworks to business logic.
A front end architect is a senior-level developer who leads and oversees the front end architecture of a web application. A front end architect is responsible for creating and communicating the vision, strategy, and roadmap for the front end development, as well as collaborating with other architects, developers, designers, product owners, and stakeholders to ensure that the front end meets the business and user requirements. A front end architect also mentors and coaches the front end development team, and evaluates and introduces new tools, frameworks, and technologies to improve the front end performance and quality.
In my opinion, a frontend architect also needs some backend and ux skills to communicate with other UX designers, product managers, backend developers and devops.
A front end architect needs a combination of technical, business, and soft skills to excel in their role. From a technical standpoint, they should have proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as modern frameworks like React, Angular, Vue, and Bootstrap. They should also be familiar with front end development tools and workflows such as code editors, version control, bundlers, preprocessors, compilers, transpilers, linters, and more. Furthermore, experience in front end testing and debugging tools and techniques is essential. Understanding of front end performance optimization methods and metrics is also essential for success. Additionally, they should be aware of front end web standards and best practices such as responsive design, web accessibility, cross-browser compatibility, SEO, and more. On the business side of things, they should be able to translate business and user requirements into functional and technical specifications. They should also have familiarity with business architecture concepts and frameworks such as business models, value propositions customer segments, value streams, etc. Lastly, front end architects need soft skills such as communication skills to articulate the architecture vision to different audiences; collaboration skills to work effectively with other architects; leadership skills to inspire the development team; problem-solving skills to identify architecture challenges; and learning skills to keep up with evolving technologies.
I’ve not seen this role as described in the real world. I’m sure it exists, but that is a wide breadth of very different skills piled into a sole responsible human. Definitely possible, but I would imagine a difficult role to fill properly.
I have been a full-stack engineer with emphasis on frontend development, a technical product manager, and a UX Designer. I enjoy all three of those aspects of the SDLC, but have had trouble "choosing" between them. I have found that the front end architect is right at the intersection my skills and interests, though they are usually only found, from what I understand, in larger technical engineering organizations. I say all of this in case there are others like me who may be struggling in the same way to find where their skills and interests intersect in a real position.
Front end architecture has numerous benefits for the web application and the business. It can improve user experience and satisfaction by providing an intuitive and engaging interface that meets expectations. Additionally, it can enhance the web application quality and reliability, as well as boost performance and efficiency by optimizing the front end code base and resources. Furthermore, it facilitates front end development and maintenance by setting up a clear structure and code base for the front end, enabling scalability, modularity, reusability, and extensibility. Finally, it supports the business strategy and value proposition by aligning the front end architecture with the business and user requirements to deliver a competitive web application.
Frontend architecture enables the development of code that aligns with business needs. Often, companies create single-use frontend applications and rebuild the entire codebase when the technology landscape shifts. Frontend architects focus on making the code reusable over time, ensuring it can adapt to changing technologies and remain sustainable for years.
When we talk "architecture" in engineering, most people remember the backend and what it takes to make that organized and efficient. The same expertise is needed for the frontend - someone who understands the underlying code and can contribute individually as needed, understands roadmaps and resourcing, and understands user needs and how to meet them both functionally and aesthetically.
Front end architecture presents a range of challenges to a front end architect, such as requiring a high level of technical expertise and experience, as well as a broad and deep knowledge of the constantly changing and evolving technologies and trends. It also involves a high degree of complexity and diversity, as the architecture has to accommodate various factors and constraints. Furthermore, it calls for a high level of collaboration and coordination, as it has to integrate with other components of the web application. Finally, it implies a high level of responsibility and accountability, since the architecture has a significant impact on the web application's success or failure, as well as on the business reputation.
It requires both breadth and depth of knowledge. It makes sense that it must be a senior position, though this person would also need the skills and sense to surround themselves with other capable engineers, product managers, and designers.
Frontend architecture faces several challenges, including managing the complexity of modern web applications, ensuring code scalability, and maintaining performance across different devices and browsers. Another key challenge is designing a flexible architecture that can adapt to evolving technologies without requiring major rewrites. Additionally, ensuring code reusability and consistency across teams, while keeping the user experience seamless and responsive, is crucial in overcoming these challenges.
Since front end architects' work directly interfaces with end users, these architects should develop UX skillset. Making front end easier to use and interface makes better experience for endusers. Additionally, front end architecture also interfaces with many other ecosystem APIs. It is important to ensure that APIs are open and easy to exploit by others.
The role of a frontend architect emerged due to the increasing complexity and importance of user interfaces in modern applications. As user interfaces became central to user experience and business success, there was a growing need for experts who could design scalable, maintainable, and efficient frontend architectures. This role ensures that applications not only look good but also perform well and adapt to evolving technologies.