In today’s digital landscape, websites and applications have become essential components of our daily lives. Whether for businesses, startups, or individual projects, both Web2 and Web3 initiatives typically begin with a website to showcase their vision and offerings. However, the transition from Web2 to Web3 introduces a myriad of differences that designers must navigate.
Web3 design is not just an evolution; it represents a paradigm shift that requires a rethinking of traditional design principles. Designers in the Web3 space face unique technical limitations and opportunities that significantly influence the design development process. Understanding these differences is crucial for creating effective user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) in decentralized environments.
The Distinct Nature of Web3 Design
Unlike traditional design paradigms in Web2, where centralized control often simplifies user interactions, Web3 applications must consider the decentralized nature of blockchain networks. This includes the integration of cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and a heightened emphasis on security and privacy. As users engage with decentralized applications (dApps), their expectations and experiences differ markedly from those in centralized platforms.
This series of articles aims to deepen the understanding of the fundamental differences between Web2 and Web3 design paradigms. We will explore best practices for building strong user interfaces and enhancing user experiences in the Web3 world.
Challenges for Designers in Web3
Most challenges in Web3 design stem from users’ limited understanding of blockchain technology. This lack of familiarity can hinder the widespread adoption of dApps. Let’s explore some key issues that designers face in this evolving landscape.
Registration: The first step for users to access your application
The first step in using any online service is registration. Most Web2 applications and websites inevitable use several types of registration options, such as Google email connection and registration by phone number, among others. The most important thing for all applications is to create the simplest possible registration scheme to reduce the user’s entry barrier. If your registration process is complicated and takes more than 5 minutes, users will prefer another similar service that has an easier way to access the service. Google’s connection service helps with this in Web2.
But what do we have in Web3? The classic registration way here is wallet connection. For new-arrival users this task is more then just “connect wallet”. They need to recognize what they will need the wallet for, find a crypto wallet in the internet, create the wallet, download a browser extension or download a wallet application. Already sounds quite difficult, doesn’t it? And now imagine that the user doesn’t know anything about Web3 and the task becomes impossible or very time-consuming. Therefore, the designer’s task becomes to simplify this process.
One effective solution to streamline registration is to present users with a curated selection of compatible wallets. Often, this is implemented as a pop-up that displays several wallet options. By doing so, designers can significantly reduce user friction — offering a clear path rather than leaving users to navigate the vast landscape of wallet providers on their own. This approach not only narrows down their choices but also provides guidance and reassurance, making the onboarding experience less intimidating and more user-friendly.
Complicate terminology
The second challenge for new users in the blockchain world is to communicate with the service in a single language. All blockchain applications use a lot of specific terms, such as “gas fee”, “stake”, “hold”, “blocks”, “smart contract”, and others. Design should play an educational role for users, teaching them how to use the service and product and how the product works step-by-step. However, if you explain every word in text on the website, you risking overloading the user. The user experience should be immersive and intuitive.
To address this challenge effectively, consider incorporating the following design features:
- User-Friendly Pop-Ups: Contextual pop-ups that appear when users hover over or click on specific terms can provide quick definitions without cluttering the main interface.
- Warning Messages: Clear warnings or confirmations before critical actions can help users understand the implications of their choices, particularly when dealing with complex transactions.
- Interactive Glossary Links: Embed links to an interactive glossary throughout the application. Users can click on unfamiliar terms to access concise explanations without leaving the current page.
- FAQ Section: A well-organized FAQ section can serve as a valuable resource for users seeking clarification on common questions and terminology.
- Infographics and Animations: Visual aids can simplify complex concepts, making them more digestible. Infographics and animations can illustrate how blockchain technology works or explain specific processes in an engaging way.
Do not hesitate to use all these tricks on your website or in your application. Imagine that you are helping a child learn math when designing an interface. Of course, all the concepts will be explained in the project documentation, but it’s important for the user to receive instructions and explanations at every step of using your service without having to dig through the documentation.
Transparency with Financial Operations
In the blockchain world, transactions are immutable; once executed, they cannot be canceled. This reality means that every click carries significant weight, and a single mistake can lead to irreversible loss of assets. Therefore, it’s essential that all transactions are conducted with the user’s full understanding and consent. Users must be informed about what they are sending or receiving, and their additional confirmation should be sought before finalizing any operation.
To foster trust and confidence, transactions and operations should be as transparent as possible. This transparency empowers users to comprehend the actions they are taking and reinforces the notion that these actions are permanent. By clearly displaying transaction details — such as amounts, recipient addresses, and associated fees — users can make informed decisions without ambiguity.
Moreover, enhancing transparency will significantly reduce the volume of support requests related to transaction cancellations. Ultimately, a commitment to transparency in financial operations is not just a best practice; it is essential for building a trustworthy relationship with users in the blockchain space.
Bad news for designer: all blockchain products are fast-evolving
Blockchain technologies are developing every day and discovering new features and products that enter the market every day. Startups are racing to deliver new products before their rivals. For designers, this means that they are designing onlyshort-term solutions and must quickly switch and refine their designs in accordance with innovations in development. The mission of every designer is to quickly adapt their design to the changing development landscape. There is no escape from this!
Audience Analysis
In the world of Web2, UI/UX design heavily relies on thorough audience and competitor research. However, the transition to Web3 complicates this process significantly. Many users prioritize anonymity, often withholding critical demographic information such as age, gender, and preferences — data that typically informs design decisions. As a result, we are essentially working blind.
In this case, design tests come to the rescue. We test them and make changes accordingly. Also, if you have the opportunity, you should definitely collect feedback from users after rolling out a new design in production, or create interactive design testing.
Conclusion
The primary challenges facing UX/UI design within the blockchain realm stem from the unfamiliarity many new users have with the technology. Cryptographic terminology and complex concepts inherent to a decentralized web can be daunting, making it difficult for individuals to understand the significance of the product and learn how to manage their funds effectively. However, a thoughtfully designed Web3 experience can serve as an educational tool, providing newcomers with a user-friendly interface that demystifies the technology. By fostering confidence and understanding, designers can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge blockchain innovations and everyday users.
