Crypto & Web3 UX: How to Design for a Non-Technical Audience

Making Web3 Simple for Everyone
Most people find Web3 and crypto confusing - 98% struggle with basic terms like NFTs and stablecoins, and nearly half abandon platforms when asked to use a wallet. Poor design, unclear fees, and security fears drive users away.

Here’s how to fix it:

• Simplify Wallets: Let users explore without setting up a wallet immediately. Add features like guest access or email signups.

• Clear Fees: Show gas fees in dollars, explain them simply, and offer preset options like “Fast” or “Standard.”

• Easy Navigation: Use familiar design patterns from Web2 platforms like shopping carts and clear layouts.

• Security First: Add biometric logins (Face ID, fingerprint) and clear recovery options like social logins or trusted contacts.

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Break down complex actions into smaller steps with progress bars, tooltips, and plain language.

Designing Web 3's UX UI for humans

Basic Design Rules for Web3 UX

Creating a user-friendly Web3 experience means breaking down complex blockchain concepts into something everyday users can easily grasp. By following a few key principles, designers can bridge the gap between technical intricacies and practical usability. These foundational rules set the stage for tackling more specific challenges, like wallet setup and transaction transparency.

Use Common Web Design Patterns

Familiarity is key. Web3 platforms should incorporate design elements that users already know from Web2. Sticking to recognizable formats can dramatically ease the learning curve for newcomers.

For instance, NFT marketplaces can adopt standard e-commerce features like shopping carts and checkout flows. These should seamlessly integrate wallet connections and offer straightforward explanations of gas fees. By doing so, users can navigate with confidence, relying on mental models they already understand.

"Try not to change anything too quickly in your Web3 design. People are used to things being the way they are, so whatever steps you are taking to improve elements in your design, make them gradually so your users can have time to get used to them." - Elizabeth Hyliuk, Head of Design, Merge Development

Show Information Step by Step

When it comes to Web3, throwing too much information at users all at once can overwhelm them. Instead, break it down:

• Progressive Feature Disclosure: Start with the basics and gradually introduce advanced features as users grow more confident.

• Clear Transaction Flows: Provide detailed transaction summaries, showing amounts, fees, and expected outcomes in an easy-to-read format.

• Contextual Education: Add tooltips and on-screen guides to explain features as users encounter them.

A great example of this is RelayPay’s 2024 platform redesign. It simplifies crypto transactions by walking users through the process step by step, ensuring clarity and security at every stage.

Keep Design Simple and Clear

Simplicity is the cornerstone of effective Web3 design. BlockEarner’s 2024 fintech app demonstrates how to streamline complex processes without sacrificing clarity. Here’s how they do it:

"Sometimes there is a need to implement a solution that is ugly and not sweet. It doesn't try to be optimal, but instead, it tries to be robust and provide a clear solution even when things fail. It's important to process the very specific user experience issues that annoy people." - Vitalik Buterin

For even greater simplicity, tools like Ethereum Name Service (ENS) can replace long, encrypted addresses with easy-to-remember names, making interactions smoother and less intimidating.

Making Wallet Setup Simple

When it comes to creating a user-friendly Web3 experience, simplifying wallet setup is crucial. For many new users, the process of setting up a wallet can feel like a major hurdle. In fact, over half of users abandon wallet setup due to confusing seed phrases and overly complex onboarding flows. Below are some practical strategies to make wallet onboarding easier, especially for non-technical users.

Let Users Start Without a Wallet

One way to ease users into Web3 is by allowing them to explore your platform without committing to a wallet right away. This approach mirrors familiar user experience (UX) patterns and can significantly boost retention rates. For example, decentralized apps (DApps) that offer tiered experiences report up to 40% higher user retention.

Here are a few ways to implement this:

"Without intuitive design and guidance, users may abandon the process entirely. Digital wallets must evolve from developer-centric tools to consumer-ready experiences to foster broader adoption." – Meri Sargsyan, UXCentury

Simplify Gas Fee Display

Another common pain point for users is understanding gas fees. Simplifying how these fees are presented can make the process less intimidating. Here’s how you can make gas fees easier to digest:

• Show fees in local currency (USD) first, with the ETH equivalent as secondary information.

• Provide estimated time ranges for transaction completion.

• Use preset options like “Fast” or “Standard” instead of relying on technical gas limits.

• Add clear explanations to help users understand why fees fluctuate.

For example, you can break down fees as: (Base Fee + Tip) × Gas Limit = Total Transaction Fee. This kind of clarity can go a long way in building user confidence.

Add Fingerprint and Face ID Login

Biometric authentication is another game-changer for wallet security and ease of use. By integrating technologies like Face ID and fingerprint scanning, wallets can offer a seamless yet secure login experience. ZenGo’s 2024 rollout of biometric recognition is a great example of how replacing cryptographic keys with biometrics can simplify access without compromising on security.

The demand for biometric security is growing fast, with the global market projected to hit $150 billion by 2030. This trend aligns well with user preferences - 57% of U.S. crypto owners are millennials, a group already accustomed to using biometric features on their devices.

For a secure and flexible implementation, make sure biometric data is stored locally on users’ devices. Additionally, always provide traditional authentication methods as a backup. This dual approach ensures a smooth user experience while maintaining robust security.

Making Blockchain Actions Clear

Improving the user experience (UX) for non-technical users in blockchain means making actions more transparent. Clear displays of blockchain activities can reduce confusion and help users feel more confident about their interactions with the technology.

Show Transaction Progress Clearly

Providing real-time updates on transaction progress is key to keeping users informed. Here’s how you can break it down:

By dividing complex transactions into smaller, easy-to-follow steps and showing progress, users are less likely to feel overwhelmed. This same approach can be applied to other blockchain processes, like interacting with smart contracts.

Make Smart Contracts Easy to Use

"A smart contract is a set of promises, specified in digital form, including protocols within which the parties perform on these promises".

Smart contracts often seem intimidating, but simplifying their use can make a big difference. Here are some ways to make them more user-friendly:

• Use plain, everyday language instead of technical jargon.

• Allow users to preview all actions before confirming.

• Clearly display important details, like amounts and contract addresses.

Adding tooltips to explain why certain transactions need signatures and giving clear warnings about potential risks can also help users navigate smart contracts more confidently.

Display Account Info Clearly

Apart from transaction details, presenting account information in a clear and organized way is just as important. Consider these key points:

After completing a transaction, provide a simple, concise summary. Include guidance on accessing transaction history and issue clear warnings before users take any irreversible actions.

Design for Security and Trust

Once blockchain actions are clearly defined, the next step is ensuring robust security. This is critical for building trust, especially among non-technical Web3 users. With global digital wallet payments surpassing $9 trillion in 2023, the importance of secure design practices cannot be overstated.

Make Key Storage Clear

Managing private keys is a significant hurdle for new users. Simplifying this process can make blockchain technology more accessible. Here are some ways to tackle this challenge:

Add Backup Account Options

Providing backup options is another way to enhance user confidence. Consider these features:

• Multiple authentication methods: Include options like email verification and social logins.

• Biometric authentication: Allow mobile users to secure accounts with fingerprints or facial recognition.

• Clear recovery steps: Offer detailed instructions with visual progress indicators to simplify the process.

Smart contract wallets now allow for programmable accounts with social recovery features. These enable users to assign trusted contacts for account recovery. This method is particularly useful for non-technical users, as it combines simplicity with security.

While secure key storage and backup options are essential, proactive design can also play a vital role in protecting users from scams.

Prevent Scam Attempts

The rise of sophisticated crypto scams calls for user interfaces that actively safeguard users. For example, malicious tools like DaaS (Drainer-as-a-Service) kits can be purchased for as little as $100. To counter such threats, consider these design elements:

Incorporate real-time validation and user-friendly error messages to guide safe interactions. For instance, when users engage with smart contracts, permissions should be explained in plain language, with risks clearly highlighted before confirmation.

"I really don't know how Whatsapp works, and I use it every day." - Idris Elba

This quote perfectly illustrates that users don’t need to understand every technical detail to use an app effectively and safely. The goal should be to design security features that function seamlessly in the background while ensuring users are informed about critical decisions.

Conclusion

Creating user-friendly Web3 experiences means striking the right balance between simplicity and functionality. With Web3's market projected to reach $81.5 billion by 2030, designing interfaces that cater to users of all technical backgrounds is more important than ever.

The most successful platforms manage to hide the complexity of blockchain technology behind clean, intuitive designs. Take NBA Top Shot, for example. By August 2024, it had attracted 1.5 million users and facilitated $1 billion in transactions. Their success shows that prioritizing ease of use can significantly drive adoption. As Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, aptly puts it: "Users don't need to know what chain they are on or what stablecoin they are using, they just need to know that it's a frictionless interaction".

Here are three core design principles that can help achieve this balance:

These principles are key to making blockchain technology more approachable. With DappRadar reporting 10 million daily active wallets in Q2 2024, it’s clear that user-friendly design is essential for broader adoption.

"Although Web3 dApps continually gather feedback from users and iterate improvements, the most practical step in upgrading the design level of the platform is conducting a professional UX audit. By systematically identifying and addressing potential issues, a dApp can create a seamless and intuitive user experience, which is crucial for building trust and engagement in the Web3 space." - Eugene Potemsky, CTO at Dexola

The future of Web3 design depends on creating experiences that feel as natural as using traditional applications while preserving the transformative benefits of blockchain. By focusing on user needs and continuously refining interfaces, Web3 platforms can bridge the gap between complex technology and everyday usability, making blockchain accessible to everyone.

FAQs

What are the best ways to make wallet setup easier for non-technical users on Web3 platforms?

To make setting up wallets easier for people who aren't tech-savvy, Web3 platforms can implement a few smart strategies. One approach is using Wallet-as-a-Service (WaaS) solutions. These allow users to create wallets with familiar Web2 login options, like signing in through social media or email. This approach simplifies the process and makes onboarding feel more natural.

Another idea is to automate wallet creation during account setup. By taking care of technical tasks like managing private keys behind the scenes, platforms can remove unnecessary steps and make the process hassle-free. Adding clear, beginner-friendly resources - such as in-app guides or helpful tooltips - can also demystify unfamiliar terms and boost users' confidence.

By keeping things simple, minimizing barriers, and offering educational support, Web3 platforms can create a welcoming experience that appeals to a wider audience.

How can I explain gas fees in crypto to users who are new to the concept?

To help beginners grasp the concept of gas fees, it’s helpful to use relatable comparisons and straightforward tools. Think of gas fees like shipping costs for packages or tolls on a highway - they’re necessary payments to ensure your transaction gets processed. These analogies make the idea more accessible and easier to visualize.

Adding simple visuals or infographics can also go a long way in explaining how gas fees are calculated. For instance, you could show how fees fluctuate depending on network congestion or activity levels. This kind of visual aid helps demystify why costs aren’t always consistent.

For an even smoother experience, consider offering real-time guidance within your interface. Features like suggesting the best gas fee settings or showing the ideal times to transact can save users money and stress. By translating complex concepts into everyday terms and offering practical tools, you can empower users to handle gas fees with ease.

Why is it important to use familiar Web2 design patterns when creating Web3 applications for non-technical users?

Using design patterns from Web2 in Web3 applications plays a key role in helping non-technical users feel at ease while exploring these new platforms. By tapping into what users already know about traditional web interfaces, it shortens the learning curve and makes the often-complex world of Web3 more accessible.

Features like straightforward navigation, intuitive layouts, and familiar icons can make a big difference. These elements create a smoother, more user-friendly experience, making it easier for people to get started. This approach doesn't just simplify the onboarding process - it also helps bridge the gap, encouraging more people to engage with decentralized technologies.

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