Blockchain is a unique and currently one of the fastest-growing segments in technology, but its complexity can scare away ordinary users. This postulates loads of challenging-to-complete requirements for designers, who need to create a highly intuitive user experience, with every step understandable and safe, to make blockchain technologies available and convenient for everyone. Danila Kropotkin, a design expert with over 3 years of experience mentoring other specialists in blockchain, AI and fintech, delves into the key modern UX problems of blockchain and proposes the solutions to make the financial digital revolution real.
What problems can be solved through design?
Coins and networks
Inexperienced users often don’t know that coins can belong to different networks. If you choose the wrong network and send your coins through it, you can lose your money.
Danila suggests that designers should create automatic network determination for every coin.
“For example, if you choose the wrong network, there will be a pop-up notification or warning. I believe that even a small description would be fine.”
Network service fee: hidden costs
Users often don’t expect that there can be a service fee for the transaction, which can lead to frustration and erode trust in the platform when it happens unpredictably for the users. Transparent communication about these fees, such as displaying the total cost upfront and highlighting the breakdown of charges, can improve user trust and create a more seamless experience.
“I believe it would be great if designers made the final price (money they want to send plus transaction fee) transparent. They can add a ‘service fee on’ button to the interface. This way, users see the exact amount of money sent and received.”
Keys and seed phrases
Users underestimate the importance of a seed phrase. If they lose keys to their account or wallet, they will never be able to restore access to it.
Danila believes that it’s designers again who can solve this problem: “Notifications, where users can read some information about the importance of seed phrases or keys, may prevent critical mistakes in the future. Detailed instructions and confirmations may also help.”
Address and transaction security
Cryptocurrency addresses normally consist of a difficult combination of characters. Even one wrong digit can lead to mistakes and lost money.
“I see a couple of solutions here. Firstly, designers can highlight the first and last digits of the address so it would be easier to prove. Secondly, designers can add tips and notifications if the destination address doesn’t suit the chosen network. I also like QR codes instead of long rows of digits. Just scan it, and there will be no critical mistakes.”
Long transaction confirmations
Users are afraid of situations when their transaction is not confirmed for a long time. Blockchain technologies are difficult for ordinary users; there’s a high chance of errors, and cryptocurrency is associated with high financial risks.
Danila Kropotkin suggests a great solution to implement in various spheres: “Designers can create visual indicators that show transaction status. Users can see the estimated time of confirmation and the estimated time of destination and are less nervous. Transparency of inner processes reduces the level of associated risks and increases customer trust.”
Conclusions
Blockchain platforms have great potential, but their complexity can scare users away. For instance, simplifying wallet interfaces and adding visual transaction indicators have already helped increase adoption by reducing user anxiety and making interactions more intuitive. The number one role of design in blockchain is to break down these walls and introduce innovative solutions for the mass adoption of blockchain. User-friendly interfaces, detailed navigation, and clear visual tips will help make blockchain more accessible and comfortable for a wider audience, bringing the digital revolution in the financial sector closer.
