Blockchain is a modern jargon that connotes clarity, unchangeability, and security. Due to its tokenized, distributed, and decentralised structure, it has drawn interest from corporate executives across the globe. Governments and businesses are investing in blockchain initiatives at an increasing rate.
However, it is important to understand the fundamentals of creating UX designs for blockchain, as the number of decentralised applications reaching the market keeps increasing
Nevertheless, many people are of the opinion that blockchain is still just a collection of technical words like “distributed ledger,” “tokens,” and “smart contracts,” with little to no understanding of its real-world uses. This ignorance creates a climate of distrust. Since the majority of people are not blockchain enthusiasts, Blockchain apps must carefully evaluate how they integrate blockchain technologies into the regular activities of their clients.
Why do blockchain apps need strong UX design?
In order to promote user acceptance and engagement on blockchain networks, user experience (UX) must be prioritised. Design should constantly take into account the requirements, constraints, and capabilities of people. These are the explanations behind
1.Simplifying Complicated Concepts: UX design is essential in helping the general user understand and relate to blockchain concepts such as smart contracts, decentralised networks, and cryptographic keys.
2.Reducing Mistakes: In the realm of blockchain, mistakes can have severe consequences, including losing tokens forever. Good UX design lessens the possibility of these errors by guiding users.
3.Establishing Confidence and Trust: In blockchain transactions, where anonymity is frequent, users must have faith in the technology. A well-designed user experience (UX) promotes predictability and transparency, which strengthens confidence.
4.Getting a Competitive Edge: As the blockchain industry expands, a platform with a superior user experience may differentiate itself from its rivals and draw in and keep more users.
5.Encouraging Transition: Blockchain applications frequently reinvent current services (such as supply chain management and finance). A comfortable user experience facilitates consumers’ transition to these new tools and increases user acquisition.
6.Minimising Dependency on Support: A well-thought-out UX reduces the requirement for user assistance. Users are more inclined to stick with and interact with the programme if they can browse and finish activities on their own.
Downsides of UX design in blockchain
There are particular difficulties in designing the user experience (UX) for blockchain apps because of the following:
1.Finding a balance between security and usability: while blockchain technology is extremely secure, its intricate security protocols can occasionally make it less user-friendly. It is up to designers to discover a solution to keep things secure without sacrificing usability.
2.Interoperability and Standardisation: Variations in user experience may result from a lack of consistent standards between various blockchain systems. A major issue for designers is to provide a unified user experience (UX) that spans these disparate technologies.
3.Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Blockchain and cryptocurrency regulations are subject to a wide range of international laws that are constantly changing. It is important for UX designers to consider how these legal considerations may affect user expectations and interactions.
4.Technical Difficulty: The nature of blockchain technology is extremely intricate. To ensure that even consumers with little technological experience can navigate and comprehend the platform, designers must reduce these intricacies without sacrificing important information.
5.Onboarding New Users: There is a barrier when introducing blockchain principles to new users. In order to assist consumers comprehend and adjust to the blockchain ecosystem, UX design should provide a seamless onboarding experience.
6.Data Visualisation: Complex data is frequently involved in blockchain systems. It is imperative that this data be effectively and aesthetically visualised in order to facilitate user comprehension and engagement with the platform.
Guidelines for creating an excellent blockchain user experience
Using the best practices for blockchain design is essential when creating an interface that appeals to a wide range of users. Our goals of promoting a socially conscious culture within ELEKS and making the technology more widely used among staff members were both accomplished with the aid of this strategy. The following are important best practices:
1.Maintain Uniformity: Preserving consistency is essential while offering novel experiences. It facilitates users’ comfort level when utilising the product. The user experience can be greatly improved by using consistent design elements, procedures, and terminologies, which also makes the technology more approachable and user-friendly.
2.Integrate Gamification:Even though gamification may not be appropriate for blockchain applications at the enterprise level including smart contracts or cryptocurrency, it can be quite useful in other situations. Gamification has been an effective tool for engagement and learning for us internally.
3.Emphasise the Transparency of Transactions: The irreversibility of transactions is a key component of blockchain. Ensuring consumers are fully aware of this attribute is imperative. Errors can be avoided and user confidence in the platform increased by providing clear confirmations and warnings prior to completing each transaction.
4.Encourage Feedback: Feedback is particularly valuable when offering a new experience, as there may not be established patterns of user behavior. Creating avenues for users to share their suggestions or grievances is essential. This feedback loop can lead to continuous improvement and refinement of the user experience.
By following these best practices, a blockchain-based UX can be designed in a way that is user-friendly, educative, and engaging, ultimately leading to wider adoption and better user satisfaction.
In conclusion,achieving a balance between technological intricacy and user-friendliness is crucial when designing a user experience for blockchain applications. Developers and designers can create blockchain apps that not only fulfil technical standards but also resonate with consumers by identifying typical UX difficulties, implementing best practices, and putting trust building first. This strategy is crucial to the success and broader acceptance of blockchain technology, as it guarantees that customers receive genuine value and an amazing experience.