The Good Tech Companies - How to Design User-Centric Web3 Applications (DApps): Tips and Tricks

Episode Date: October 21, 2024

This story was originally published on HackerNoon at: https://hackernoon.com/how-to-design-user-centric-web3-applications-dapps-tips-and-tricks. Pick up tips and tricks for designing the user-friendliest Web3 dApps. Plus, learn how AI personalizes Web3 UX/UI. Shared by aelf, Layer 1 AI blockchain. Check more stories related to product-management at: https://hackernoon.com/c/product-management. You can also check exclusive content about #ui-ux, #web3-dapp-development, #web3-applications, #web3-ai, #user-experience, #feedback-loop, #web3-ux-design, #good-company, and more. This story was written by: @aelfblockchain. Learn more about this writer by checking @aelfblockchain's about page, and for more stories, please visit hackernoon.com. Pick up tips and tricks for designing the user-friendliest Web3 dApps. Plus, learn how AI personalises Web3 UX/UI. Shared by aelf, Layer 1 AI blockchain.

This audio is presented by Hacker Noon, where anyone can learn anything about any technology. How to Design User-Centric Web3 Applications, dApps, Tips and Tricks, by iELF. In the slow but sure shift from Web2 to Web3, decentralized applications, DAPPs, promise to be a step up from their Web2 counterparts with greater user empowerment and data ownership. Nevertheless, the traditional principles of UX, UI, I, E, consistent interface elements, smooth user onboarding, concise language, still hold value. On the flip side, there are unique challenges facing UX, UI designers and developers striving to create engaging user experiences in DAPPs. In fact, a statistic has

shown that only 25% of Web3 users feel confident about using decentralized applications. Users are expecting more autonomy, demanding intuitive interfaces that allow them to navigate complex Web3 concepts and networks effortlessly. Web3 developers often require close collaboration with designers to realize their creations. The decentralized nature of Web3 invites them to rethink human behavioral variables such as the trust factor, considering that DAPPs no longer lie on middlemen and centralized agencies. What makes a Web3 user tick? Unlike traditional web applications, Web3 caters to a diverse audience, ranging from seasoned crypto enthusiasts to newcomers getting their feet wet in DeFi. When designing a DApp, consider these varying levels of technical

understanding. Crypto natives. These users are comfortable with concepts like wallets, private keys, and gas fees. They may prioritize advanced features and customization options. Backslash. Newcomers. These users may be unfamiliar with blockchain terminology and require clear explanations and guidance. Simplicity and ease of use are paramount for this group. Key principles of intuitive design for Web3. When delving into the intuitive design for Web3 and blockchain DAPPs, understanding the user's mindset and journey becomes paramount. Begin by considering the mental model of your audience. Are they new to blockchain technologies or veterans of the space? Designing

with their knowledge level in mind can dramatically improve usability. 1. Bring the WEB2 familiarity to WEB3 port over metaphors and workflows from Web2 where relevant. This doesn't mean you should shy away from innovative elements of Web 3, but rather weave in traditional UI components. Familiarity breaks down barriers. When users recognize patterns, they navigate more easily and confidently. 2. Less is more The idea of Web 3 itself is already, a lot. Clarity and simplicity should guide design choices. Confusing layouts can derail user engagement. Instead, aim for a clean, uncluttered interface that emphasizes core

features. Essential elements should be front and center, reducing cognitive load and helping users make swift decisions. 3. Feedback loop Another crucial aspect is feedback. In ADAPT, every action, like a swap transaction or data entry, should be acknowledged through feedback such as obvious confirmation screens or animations. In the same vein, there should be instant feedback and solution offerings when users bump into error messages, or, in UX, UI parlance, unhappy paths. This reassures users that their actions are recorded and effective, building a sense of trust and reliability. 4. Consistent experience across device types

Like most Web2 applications, DAPPs run on mobile, desktop, and tablets. Designing for consistency across various platforms enhances the user experience. Whether on a desktop application or mobile interface, consistent navigation and visual cues help users form a mental map of the application, making the transition between devices seamless. It also cuts down unnecessary paranoia during certain transaction activities, like using two different devices to scan QR codes and input wallet addresses. 5. Security and privacy security cannot be understated in Web3, since users often manage valuable digital assets, imagine the sheer volume moved by whales alone. Prioritize robust

authentication methods, clear warnings about potential risks, and educational resources on best security practices. Although Web3 and blockchain are known for immutable records, advocate for the use of strong encryption techniques to protect user data, and clearly communicate precautions to reassure users. Providing detailed transaction summaries and activity history is also a way to foster reassurance. Practical tips for Web3 UX, UI design. Let's translate these principles into actionable design strategies. 1. Onboarding First Impressions Matter Users might be wary of complexity or security risks, so it'll be a good practice to create a smooth and engaging onboarding process that guides new users through the essentials of DAP.

Consider interactive tutorials or step-by-step guides, both in-app and on the web. Single-screen sign-up is a classic approach that may be more suitable for experienced Web3 users who already know what to expect and are comfortable diving straight into the thick of it. Swipable onboarding screens may be ideal for newcomers. The digestible form helps them absorb the core features and value proposition of the DAP. Evanthen, a good practice is to keep it to no more than three swipes, as every additional step increases user drop-off. 2. WEB3 Wallet Integration Connecting a crypto wallet is often the first real interaction a user has with ADAP.

A clunky wallet integration process can lead to frustration and abandonment. Some ways to make it seamless include one-click connect. Wherever possible, aim for a one-click connection. Utilize wallet connect or similar protocols to minimize the number of steps involved. Backslash dot wallet detection. Automatically detect the user's installed wallets and display their preferred options prominently. QR code support. Offer QR code scanning as an alternative connection method, especially for mobile users. Multiple wallet support. Cater to a wide range of users by supporting popular wallets like

Metamask, Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, Argent, Rainbow, and of course, Portkey, the account abstraction, ah, wallet built on the IELF ecosystem. Guidance for newcomers. Prov provide clear instructions and visual aids to guide users through the connection process especially if they are new to web3 wallets security reminders display clear and concise security reminders during the connection process emphasizing the importance of protecting their private keys three know your customer kyc integration while decentralization is a core principle of Web3, many DAPPs, especially those dealing with financial transactions or sensitive data, require know-your-customer, KYC, processes to comply with

regulations and ensure security, transparency and clarity. Clearly explain why KYC is required and how user data will be handled. Be upfront about the information that will be collected and how it will be used. Backslash dot. Streamlined process. Make the KYC process as efficient as possible. Minimize the number of steps and the amount of information required. Backslash dot. Secure data handling. Emphasize the security measures in place to protect user data. Consider using decentralized identity solutions to enhance privacy. Backslash dot. User-friendly verification. Integrate with reliable KYC providers that offer a smooth and user-friendly verification experience. Clear feedback and status updates.

Keep users informed throughout the KYC process. Provide clear feedback on the status of their verification and any required actions. 4. Transaction flows. Transactions are at the heart of most Web3 interactions. Simplify transaction flows by providing clear explanations of gas fees, estimated transaction times, and confirmation steps. Visual clarity. Use clear visual cues to highlight key information like transaction amounts, gas fees, network fees, and estimated completion times. Real-time feedback. Use loaders, progress bars, or status notifications to give users real-time transaction updates. Dynamic price updates. For transactions involving token swaps or trades, display dynamic price updates to reflect market fluctuations.

Include clear disclaimers about price volatility and its potential impact on the final transaction amount. Backslash dot. Background processing. Whenever possible, allow users to navigate away from the transaction screen and perform other activities within the DAP while the transaction is processing in the background. Provide notifications or alerts upon completion or if any errors occur. Backslash dot. Confirmation steps. Implement clear confirmation steps to prevent accidental transactions.

Require users to review and explicitly confirm transaction details before submission. Backslash dot. Transaction history. Provide a detailed transaction history that is easily accessible and searchable. Allow users to filter transactions by date, type, or status. 5. Error handling errors are inevitable. Instead of displaying generic error messages, provide a specific and informative guidance on how to resolve issues. This is best supplemented with empathetic language. Specific and informative messages. Avoid generic error messages like transaction failed. Provide specific details about what went wrong, such as not enough funds for gas

fees or there's a network connection error. Backslash dot contextual guidance. Offer contextual guidance on how to resolve the error. For instance, if a transaction fails due to insufficient funds, provide a direct link to the user's wallet or a guide on how to acquire more of the required cryptocurrency. Backslash. Error prevention. Whenever possible, implement measures to prevent errors in the first place. Use input validation to ensure users enter correct data formats and provide clear warnings about potential risks before they initiate actions. Backslash dot recovery mechanisms. Offer recovery mechanisms for common errors. For example, if a user initiates a transaction with a low gas fee that causes a delay,

allow them to speed up the transaction by submitting a new one with a higher fee. Backslash dot user-friendly language. Avoid technical jargon, i.e. error 404 in error messages. Use clear, concise, and natural conversational language that is easy for all users to understand. 6. TOOLTIPS and explainers didn't assume users understand all the terminology. Consider generous use of tool tips or expandable info tabs across the digital touchpoints. Explain complex terms like gas fees, smart contracts, blockchain networks, or NFT, in a concise and layman way. It is also a good practice to build a knowledge bank or a dedicated FAQ within the DAP to house longer form help content. 7. Testing and iteration

The work never ends, even after launch. Diligently testing and updating the DAPPTO fix bugs is a given, but it is the backbone of keeping up with evolving user needs. Earlier in the article, we mentioned user research through surveys, interviews, and usability tests. It is a gold mine of findings to help improve the DAPP experience in a focused manner. A, B testing and user verbatim are two of the most common methods to affirm UX, UI design prototypes and assumptions. Be prepared to pivot based on findings, and keep track of what works, and what doesn't. These steps should bring you much closer to your creations, North Stars. In closing, a bonus tip. The success of your Dapp can hinge on an X

factor. Will users remember your creation or come back to it? Delivering personalized experiences could be the answer. This means users can get tailored recommendations as they interact with the Dapp based on their behavior and preferences. It could be something as simple as a preset shortcut of a user's most frequently used function or bespoke suggestions to aid in an activity. AI integration can help with that by analyzing on-chain activity, predicting user preferences, and even offering proactive assistance. User-centric experiences and interfaces also extend to the software and platform developers and designers work on, the builders or users themselves too. If you're building on IELF, a high-performance Layer 1 AI blockchain, its AI toolkit and user

friendliness of the IELF Playground integrated development environment takes the tedium out of the building process, so you and your team can focus solely on designing the best possible user experience. Info disclaimer. The information provided on this blog does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other form of professional advice. IELF makes no guarantees or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information on this blog. You should not make any investment decisions based solely on the information provided on this blog. You should always consult with a qualified financial or legal advisor before making any investment decisions. About AEL FAILF, the pioneer layer 1 blockchain, features modular systems, parallel processing,

cloud-native architecture, and multi-sidechain technology for unlimited scalability. Founded in 2017 with its global hub based in Singapore, IELF is the first in the industry to lead Asia in evolving blockchain with state-of-the-art AI integration, transforming blockchain into a smarter and self-evolving ecosystem. IELF facilitates the building, integrating, and deploying of smart contracts and decentralized apps, DAPPs, on its Layer 1 blockchain with its native C-sharp software development kit, SDK, and SDKs in other languages, including Java, JS, Python, and Go. IELF's ecosystem also houses a range of DAPPs to support a flourishing blockchain network. IELF is committed to fostering innovation within

its ecosystem and remains dedicated to driving the development of Web3, blockchain, and the adoption of AI technology. Find out more about IELF and stay connected with our community. Website, X, Telegram, Discord Thank you for listening to this Hackernoon story, read by Artificial Intelligence. Visit hackernoon.com to read, write, learn and publish.