Great architecture remains invisible to users while providing significant benefits to development teams. The choice between Single Page Applications (SPAs), Server-Side Rendering (SSR), or a hybrid approach is not a one-size-fits-all decision; it’s about tailoring the solution to serve each page type optimally.
Single Page Applications shine in scenarios involving complex, authenticated workflows where search engine optimization is less critical, and high interaction density is essential. Examples include dashboards, content editors, and internal tools, where seamless user interaction takes precedence.
On the other hand, SSR and Static Site Generation (SSG) excel for public-facing pages such as marketing sites, documentation, and pricing pages, where discoverability and rapid first paint times are paramount. Hybrid frameworks like Next.js allow us to blend these strengths, incorporating interactive app-islands for enhanced user engagement alongside static content.
Our decision-making process is guided by a clear lens. We evaluate the page type—whether it’s public and SEO-dependent or private with a focus on user experience throughput. We assess cacheability to determine if content can be confidently pushed to the edge for improved performance. Additionally, we consider team maturity, selecting an architecture that the team can both build and maintain with confidence and calm.
The result is a portfolio of strategic choices rather than a single, rigid bet. We employ SSR where it directly supports revenue generation, integrate client-side islands to enhance user flow, and establish an operational model that ensures sustainability and adaptability for the team.