The Node.js framework is designed for building real-time web applications. It is a JavaScript runtime that allows developers to create scalable network applications using an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model. Node.js is particularly well-suited for applications that require real-time interaction, such as chat applications, online gaming, and collaborative platforms. By leveraging frameworks like Socket.IO, developers can enable real-time communication between clients and servers. The JavaScript foundation of Node.js also allows for seamless integration with front-end frameworks, making it a popular choice for full-stack development.