Web 3 Design: Lessons Learned by Exponent
Over the past few months, the Exponent team has been working on the design and development of Fennec Stash, our upcoming vault solution for DAOs and teams, with a focus on simplifying treasury coordination while maintaining transparency and trustlessness.
We’ve had user interviews with external teams to pinpoint UX challenges, ideation workshops to explore solutions, and prototyping to run usability testing sessions that would validate our design. Throughout this process, we’ve gathered new insights and observations on the nature of Web3 design. Here are some things we’d like to share with you with the hopes of encouraging even more constructive discussions within this growing community.
1. The whole ecosystem is relatively unprecedented. You can’t create something better without knowing the current experience first.
The nature of Web2 and Web3 designs are different enough to give you a digital culture shock. While the concept of Web3 is mostly comprehensible, the real experience requires time and perseverance to get used to - such as the wallet connection that replaces traditional KYC or social media log-in process.
The money-driven nature of crypto products and services and the associated jargon can feel like a whole different language. That said, it’s not impossible to understand what’s going on in this code-led landscape. Because despite all the unfamiliarity, each element has its own function. For example, using a wallet doesn’t require you to give your personal data to any authorized entity if you don’t want to, unlike the legacy registration process, and terminologies can be useful when some things are different at the structural level. Once you understand why things are the way they are, you can start tweaking the experience while still using blockchain to good advantage.
2. If you’re getting into this believing it’s going to be the next big thing, you can’t neglect mass adoption
Web3 is still perceived as a niche by the larger society. We are selling this dream of decentralization by saying “anyone can be a part of it”. But right now, the nature of these products aren’t simple and user-friendly enough to onboard newcomers easily. Not every Web3 user will be a tech enthusiast. If you want crypto to gain traction and mainstream adoption, you have to design experiences with non-technical people in mind.
This will be a challenging, but virtuous task as it would offer everyone the ability to conduct crypto transactions with ease and less necessity to understand the whole coded infrastructure, all without forsaking security or caution. Try translating strings of numbers (like 0x1234abcd…) into universally understandable, human-readable vocabularies. Exponent’s upcoming product is trying to offer an experience that is more human-friendly. So, keep in touch and do tell us what you think once it’s live 👀
The default Gnosis Safe UI
Exponent’s UI
3. Narratives can play a big role in shaping user experience.
Being ‘chaotic’ and ‘uncertain’ are indisputably the nature of the crypto world. But those who understand its potential have to keep the power of perspective in mind. Surely impermanence is something everyone who comes into this community has to get accustomed to, but we should also be reminded that impermanence also means it’s ‘open to possibilities’ and ‘evolvable’.
Focus on crafting a more human-centric narrative rather than guiding people through the old confusing narrative itself. We shouldn’t scare people off with overwhelming feelings of fear, uncertainty, and doubt by providing no assistance or reassurance. Instead, cater to the human instincts of seeking security and we’ll be armed with a healthier and more sustainable mindset to stay in the game. This also proves the importance of good UX writing within this space.
4. Functionalities can be smart-contract-centric, but the end-user experience should still be human-centric.
Not everyone is willing to take a course on how to read bytecodes before using crypto products or services. Communicate instead of inform. Try to use language everyone will understand when building a front-end interface but keep all the important information accessible. Transparent information can live up to its full potential by making it understandable for everyone.
5. Now is the chance to set a decent standard for the industry.
Ever feel like some infrastructural things could be better if there was a designer or more designers involved in the early decision-making process? This is the chance for you to participate in the initial steps of this technology. Set a good framework that incorporates design thinking and pave the way for a better future for all the people that are on their way here whether as a user or as a BUIDLer.
6. Web3 has a big crush on cyberpunk aesthetics.
We get it. It’s new, it’s tech. No kink shame about that. But we’re just pointing out how you can easily stand out. For example, if you can come up with your own unique style and own it. Right now we can see many protocols are starting to look all the same and that is because the widely adopted formula is simple: gradient, abstract 3D elements and neon color schemes. It’s lacking the supporting reasons that are normally required in any design foundation. Give concept development a chance and the endeavor will pay off in effortless brand awareness and individuality.
