Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

The rapid evolution of Microservices Architecture has transformed the way organizations design, deploy, and manage e-commerce platforms. As institutions seek to modernize legacy processes, Microservices Architecture offers new opportunities to improve service delivery, reduce manual overhead, and respond more effectively to user needs.

In practice, however, adoption of microservices architecture within e-commerce platforms has been uneven, and its actual impact on user experience is not yet well understood in a rigorous, evaluable way — a gap this study is positioned to address.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Existing approaches to user experience within e-commerce platforms remain largely reactive and fragmented, with little systematic use of microservices architecture despite its demonstrated value elsewhere. This study addresses the resulting gap by designing and evaluating a solution built specifically around microservices architecture.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a microservices architecture-based approach to improving user experience in e-commerce platforms.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Microservices Architecture in enhancing user experience within e-commerce platforms.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying microservices architecture in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can microservices architecture be applied to improve user experience in e-commerce platforms?
2. How effective is Microservices Architecture at enhancing user experience within e-commerce platforms?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying microservices architecture in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in microservices architecture for their own e-commerce platforms, and contributes to the broader literature on applied software technology / IT by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a microservices architecture-based approach to improving user experience within e-commerce platforms. Reflecting its BSc-level scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.