The Design Thinking behind Pixel Eco System’s Coin
First thing’s first: What is the Pixel Eco System’s Coin?
An ecosystem for authentic engagement between brands, influencers and fans
The Pixel ecosystem solves the problem of verifying engagament with its native network token, Pixelcoin. The incentive structure and mechanism design enables a decentralised network of stakeholders whom transact, stake, and earn Pixelcoins, while at the same time help curate the authenticity of each stakeholder in the network. In the case of influencer marketing: brands are able to verify that real humans (i.e. not bots) engaged with their content, influencers are able to increase the engagement and loyalty of their audiences, and fabs are able to engage with their idols in more authentic and personal ways.
Second question: Why Aztec?
The Aztec: Trading, currency, economy
Aztecs created their own ecosystem of trade and commerce, based on barter
Trading was in the Aztec times a very important act, that kept society moving and pushing forward. The Aztec people would trade daily, visit the market place and use the various forms of accepted currency to make their purchase. Amongst them, 2 are the most noticed
Cocoa beans
- Most common because of its availability
- Can be considered as the main currency for small purchases
Quachtli
- Large purchases were traded with Quachtli or cloth
- Its value grew if it was woven tightly and it could cost as much as 300 cocoa beans
- In Aztec times it was believed that around 20 lengths was enough for an average family to live on for a year
- Quachtli was very important but also quite rare to own in large amounts
The Aztecs: Design, communication, Lifestyle
The Aztecs are one of the most impressive civilizations regarding the usage of graphical representation of physical elements. Each cocoa bean was traded through a good conversation and each quachtli was made to translate a specific story
Cocoa beans
- Aztec Graphical representation of the cocoa bean
- Today’s simple digital translation of the graphical representation of the cocoa bean
Quachtli
- The Aztecs used Ambigrams in their graphical designs so the story can be read however the quachtli was held
- Bright colors were used to create the best contrast and attract the eyes
Introducing the Pixel Coin
Layer 1: Coin background
Octagon Shape
- Shades away from the recent coin designs
- Integrates better with artworks
- Creates more contrast between the background and the coin
- It could include a profile picture
Layer 2: Coin Ornaments
Aztec Ambigrams solves the rotation issues
- Aztecs created their own ecosystem of trade and commerce based on barter
- Aztecs used several elements such as cocoa seeds as currency
- The absence of a true monetary system is the closest resemblance with pixel coin
Layer 3: Coin Code
12 levels of code reading, 12 levels of security
- The code is made of 12 6x6 squares
- Each 6x6 square can be used to store a particular information
- Or the 12 squares can be used as a whole information Code
Layer 4: Coin Markings
Starting point and 4 visual cues for coin location
The Pixel Coin in action
Let me know what you think!
