Private Bitcoin Donations with BIP47 (PayNyms)

Open-source projects thrive on community support, but traditional donation methods often expose donor identities or require manual address management. This project aimed to solve that by designing a privacy-first web application that allows users to donate Bitcoin seamlessly using BIP47 (PayNym).

Currently in development with beta versions released, we’ve fine-tuned the user journey to remove friction, ensuring even non-technical users can contribute effortlessly. The UI is intentionally minimalist—designed to enhance clarity, minimize cognitive load, and keep the focus on privacy, security, and ease of use.

Building a privacy-preserving financial tool meant balancing security, usability, and transparency—without overwhelming the user.

Simplifying BIP47 for Everyday Users – While powerful, BIP47 isn’t widely adopted due to complexity. We focused on abstracting away unnecessary steps, making PayNyms approachable even for Bitcoin newcomers.

Reducing Onboarding Barriers – No lengthy sign-ups, no complex wallet connections—just plug in your PayNym, select a project, and send funds.

Cross-Device Optimization – With a focus on both desktop and mobile, the UI adapts to different workflows, whether someone is sending a quick donation from their phone or exploring projects on a larger screen.

Security-First Design – Every UX decision accounted for privacy-preserving defaults, minimal data exposure, and clear signposting for users who need reassurance in handling their Bitcoin securely.

Early testing revealed key pain points that shaped our design iterations:

Trust & Transparency Issues – Users needed confidence that their funds were going where intended. We added visual confirmations and clear, human-readable breakdowns of the donation process.

Address Confusion – Many users were unfamiliar with how PayNyms function. We designed intuitive explainer modals and integrated subtle micro-interactions to guide them through the process.

One-Tap Donations – Initial flows had too many steps. We refined the experience to eliminate redundant clicks, reducing friction while maintaining security.

Dark Mode & Minimal UI – Bitcoiners love clean, distraction-free interfaces, so we leaned into aesthetic simplicity, prioritizing contrast, legibility, and minimal clutter.

How do we balance privacy and usability without requiring deep Bitcoin knowledge?

How do we educate users without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity?

How do we ensure donor trust when sending funds to an unfamiliar PayNym?

How do we optimize mobile interactions without sacrificing security measures?

The beta version has already streamlined private Bitcoin donations for early testers with promising feedback on usability and clarity. While the project is still evolving, we’ve successfully:

Reduced onboarding time while maintaining a secure, PayNym-powered flow

Simplified donation steps, making Bitcoin giving frictionless

Created a responsive, high-trust UI that works seamlessly across devices

Educated users along the way, ensuring they feel confident in their contributions

With further iterations ahead, we’re doubling down on privacy UX, security enhancements, and real-world testing to make anonymous Bitcoin donations a new standard for supporting open-source work.

Beyond designing the user experience, I also took the lead on branding—shaping the app’s visual identity, tone, and overall feel. Privacy tools can often feel intimidating or overly technical, so I aimed for a brand that was inviting, trustworthy, and aligned with the ethos of open-source communities.

From logo design to color psychology, every choice reinforced the app’s mission: clean, minimal, and privacy-first. The typography and dark mode aesthetics weren’t just stylistic decisions—they reflected the preferences of Bitcoiners who value discretion and usability. Messaging was equally intentional, avoiding jargon while keeping things clear, concise, and reassuring.

Owning the branding process meant wearing multiple hats. From UX designer, visual designer, and product strategist, all to ensure that when users land on the app, they instantly understand its purpose and feel confident using it.