UX Design and Web3

What is Web 3.0?

Simply put, Web 3.0 is the latest version of the World Wide Web based on blockchain technology to help ensure data security and increased privacy for users. Contrary to the precedent version of the internet, Web 3.0 gives users a chance to have a share on the network through tokens and cryptocurrencies. Web 3.0 offers a decentralized system of internet usage rather than leaving it to the hands of the ‘big tech’ companies like the previous versions. The term was coined by Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum, in 2014, and the year 2021 saw the concept gain worldwide attention.

UX Design in Web3.0; Uniqueness to Other Versions

UX design in Web 3.0 demands that a designer be able to incorporate cryptocurrency and wallets in their design. In Web 2.0 and older versions, there was a sparse number of organizations that introduced crypto on their platforms. Web3.0 UX designers have to make sure accessing and connecting their crypto wallets is easy for the user

It has become necessary to reassure users of their safety in Web 3. A UX designer is tasked with highlighting the safety of the user and their data on the platform.

UX design in Web 3.0 carries along the technical terms and lingo of the crypto world. In contrast to Web 2.0 and older versions, designing in Web 3.0 demands a simplification of language to the understanding of the average user.

Design Tools and Principles Common in Web3.0

Some common UI/UX design tools in 2022 are:

Finity

VAExperience

Deepwork Studios

Due to the gaping difference between Web 3.0 and the older versions of the Internet, there is a need for a designer to implement certain principles. Some of them are as follows

A UX designer must be able to bridge the knowledge gap of the users. Most people are yet to attain a high level of blockchain literacy, therefore a UX designer must make sure their designs bridge what the users know and what they should know.

A UX designer must ensure that their designs do not overwhelm the users. While trying to educate the user, the designer has the task of weaving education and interaction to give the user the ultimate experience.

Best UX Design practices in web3.0

Some of the best UX design practices to employ in Web 3.0 are:

Clarity of Information: UX designers need to ensure that every organization’s platform contains clear and precise information that will be easily comprehended by the user.

Using Familiar Currencies: Cryptocurrencies are volatile assets with fluctuating prices. Keeping track of these changing prices may be difficult for the average user. A UX designer should provide price conversions or utilize local currencies where it is required.

Clarify Transaction Waiting Times: On platforms where tokens and cryptocurrencies are bought, sold or transacted in any form, a UX designer must make sure to communicate the time required to complete the transaction to the user. A progress bar or countdown clock is a great example of how this can be done to make the user experience better.