User Experience Optimization in SAP SuccessFactors Learning: A Caching-Driven Approach to Perceived Performance

Enterprise learning applications like SAP SuccessFactors Learning demand not just functional correctness but exceptional user experience (UX), especially as learners expect fast, intuitive, and responsive interfaces. While backend performance has traditionally been the focus of optimization, this paper introduces a caching-driven approach to improve perceived performance from the user's perspective. The proposed strategy leverages a multi-layer caching architecture spanning CDN, web tier, application server, and database caching, integrated with lazy loading, fetch minimization, and behavior-aware content delivery. Key contributions include the use of semi-caching techniques to cache only medium- and long-lived data objects, such as catalog filters and static metadata, while excluding high-churn items like user progress or quiz responses. The paper explores CDN integration to offload static asset delivery, reducing load times globally. At the frontend, lazy loading ensures that only content visible above the fold is loaded initially, with remaining components fetched dynamically, significantly reducing initial payload and improving time-to-interaction. Backend APIs are enhanced through fetch size limitation, avoiding excessive data transfer and memory consumption. Content downloads, including SCORM and PDFs, are parallelized with controlled concurrency to prevent UI jank and network congestion.