UX & Web3

For the introduced community, Web3 is everywhere. We talk about the perspectives and dream about the moon.

Web3, also known as the decentralized web, is the next generation of the internet that aims to give users more control over their online data and interactions. It is built on blockchain technology, which allows for decentralized, secure, and transparent systems that do not rely on a central authority.

It means dApps have the potential to offer a more seamless and reliable user experience, as they are not dependent on a central point of failure. But how is it going UX (User Experience) wise? How can we design the future of our online interactions ?

A world of privacy and responsibilities

With great power comes great responsibility.

Within Web3, users have more control on their data compare to the Web2 ecosystem. In order to ensure a seamless transition between spaces, builders must educate users about the implications of this change.

It implies that users will have more responsibilities in this space. For example, they will have to trust themselves regarding the security and storage of their private key and seed phrase. In opposition to Web2 where those data were trusted to centralized actors of the ecosystem.

The wallet revolution

As we know, a wallet is the user-facing block of the blockchain environment. It can be confusing for new users since it regroups two Web2 capabilities : Payment & Identification.

What does it mean UX-wise?

I won’t have a password to access Web3 services

Wallets are password protected, and you’ll need to unlock it to interact with Web3 services. Apart from this security measure, you won’t have to set or remember a password per Web3 service. This might be the end of the “Forgot your password?” workflow as we know it, and kick off the emergence of simplified registration processes.

I won’t have to enter my credit card details to pay

While navigating the Web3 using your wallet to interact with services, you’ll be able to experiment a new check-out workflow. No more credit card information needed, no more bank validation, no more email confirmation.

2 steps are enough to buy, but can it take some time. User need to be guided and reassured, help them understand why they have to wait for blockchain confirmations

Don’t mistake speed and precipitation, stay safe, mistakes happen and with blockchain, there’s no going back.

ETH, BTC, ADA, DOGA…

Those simplifications translate into new challenges for users. Most of us used only one asset since our birth ($/€/¥). Now, users have new assets in their wallet which they can use to interact with Web3 services. Our mission is to educate them on these assets and how they fit into our ecosystems.

I won’t have to verify my email?

Since users connect through their wallet, they don’t provide you with email. And of course, they don’t have to verify their email during the registration process, which is great.

Relieved? Wait a sec!

This as a negative externality users might struggle with. Let’s take an example, I connect my wallet to OpenSea to trade NFTs. I list my NFT. Some time later, someone makes an offer. How am I notified?

How OpenSea solved this problem? Simple, they let users fill up a profile section where they can save their email address. It centralizes information, and doesn’t fit with Web3 principles in the long run, but offers an immediate fix that improves user experience.

How will you help users?

Conclusion

It is our responsibility to create inclusive products where experts and neophyte can enjoy a seamless experience of the same quality.

Please, prioritize tutorials, FAQ section and every useful resource to enable anyone in understanding your product and its ecosystem.

Let’s onboard everyone the right way.

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