ComnVault
A Complete Decentralized Platform for Managing ComnCoins
Overview
ComnVault is a decentralized application (dApp) that serves as a management platform for the digital currency known as 'ComnCoins’ Created by Opus.ai
ComnCoin is a cryptocurrency specifically developed for use within the Opus Ecosystem.
Fall 2023 - 3 Months
Company’s Vision and Product Goals
Decentralized system
Create a decentralized system for Opus Ecosystem.
Economic system
Discover innovative strategies to encourage users to invest and actively participate in Opus's thriving digital economy.
UX in blockchain
Identify UX enhancements in blockchain. Reduce the learning curve
Start on-boarding and building the commnity
Gather users, create community, test & refine ideas before main product launch. (text-to-video AI)
Role
Solo Product Designer involving skills:
UX Research, Strategy, UI Design, Interaction Design, 3d & 2d Illustrator
Later on 1 Illustrator and 1 Product Designer/Ilustrator joined. Plus two expert stakeholders helped a lot.
Research
Starting with a deep dive into the technology, followed by expert interviews, analyzing user data, and concluding with direct conversations with users
Understanding core principles and terminologies was cruical to design a system and present this technology in a most friendliest way possible.
Experts and Interview Takeaways
which proved to be a significant advantage. Having technically proficient stakeholders can greatly benefit a designer by providing valuable insights and ensuring alignment with complex technical requirements.
Asra Nadeem
Venture Capitalist
Coaching and Investing in Blockchain Startups/Space
@ Draper University since 2016.
Adnan Yunus
Embeded Engineer
Technologist since 1995
Ethnographic User Study - USA
17% of U.S. adults have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrency
Young men under 50, particularly those aged 18-29, are the largest demographic among users. For instance, 42% of men in this age group have engaged with cryptocurrency compared to just 17% of women of the same age
Higher-income households are more likely to have invested in cryptocurrency (23%) compared to middle-income (18%) and lower-income (14%)
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Limited understanding among consumers and decision-makers hinders broader adoption
GEMINI
About 63% of U.S. adults have little to no confidence in the current systems for trading and using cryptocurrencies.
A significant portion of the population remains skeptical of cryptocurrency's safety and reliability. Confidence is notably higher among those who have invested in cryptocurrencies (19% express strong confidence)
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
For those who have invested in cryptocurrency, 38% reported that their investments performed worse than expected.
Despite this, 60% stated that cryptocurrency investments neither helped nor hurt their finances significantly
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Usage varies by race, with 28% of Asian adults, 20% of Black adults, and 14% of White adults reporting cryptocurrency engagement
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Since the product can be used globally, I wanted to understand how a completly different set of people appraoch this topic
I gained an evident understanding through journey, empathy and affinity mapping, and divided users in 3 demographs
Tech-inclined audience
Opportunities identified
Given the insights, I proposed a targeted approach to stakeholders
Focus on tech-inclined users
This group presents significant potential for growth if their hesitations can be addressed. Simplifying onboarding, reducing technical jargon, and offering clear, transparent messaging can build trust and reduce confusion.
Leverage crypto enthusiasts as advocates
Confident crypto users are not only more likely to convert but can also act as brand ambassadors within their networks. Building solutions tailored to their advanced needs can deepen their loyalty and create organic advocacy.
Solutions
Targeted solutions for phase 1
NFT Passports
Designed by two Illustrators, While I was designing Book NFTs. Book NFTs have a different story.
Cat NFTs serve as loging credentials to Opus ecosystem. They are divided among different tiers, each tier has their own perks and benefits, starting from a free teir. First batch contained 10k NFTs.
ComnCoin Design
Comncoin’s design went through two phases. Initially it was designed around the theme of “Flow” to give it it’s own identity. But later on it was merged with company’s on going theme of cats.
Token’s Sale’s Page
Similarly to the change in coin’s identity, Token Sale’s Page design also went through two phases.
First direction was coin centered, giving coin its own identity, but in the 2nd itereation we shifted the focus on binding coins identity with brand's identity of cats.
The sale’s page is primarily for the crypto enthusiasts, since they are expected to be the first one to invest.
ComnVault
Comnvault is comprised of two elements. Extension and Mobile Application
Users can choose to continue onboarding through traditional methods like email and password or opt for a decentralized approach.
Skipping extension’s screens since the study is already too long :)
Onboarding within the application is decentralized
Once users choose to use the app to manage their ComnCoins at a more advanced level and unlock all features, they are required to create a decentralized account.
Progressive disclosure
A UX principle where features and information are revealed gradually, ensuring users are not overwhelmed and can adapt as they explore.
Exploration through switchers
Switchers let users access specific parts of the app without being overloaded:
●
The Home switch provides key features for coins and finances.
●
The Community & Profile switch focuses on secondaries like governance, challenges, and future updates.
●
The Locker switch securely stores all NFTs.
Feature priortization
Feature priortization
●
Transfer of funds
●
Minting and visiting their personalized coins.
●
Transactions
●
Treasury
Treasury
The Treasury serves as a hub for users to store and manage their CommCoins and personalized coins. It will continuously evolve alongside the Opus ecosystem and its economic framework. Initially, the management feature will be locked and will be developed in alignment with the economic system, which is still under design.
Navigation center
Think of it as the app's help lobby, your go-to spot for guidance or exploring the application. It’s also where new features are introduced, ensuring users stay informed and engaged.
Minting Personalized Coins
Minting your own personalized coin is a pretty novel concept in the world of blockchain. Our goal was to
●
Create a means of strenghtning the bond of a creator and its supporters which will indirectly help strengthen Opus’s Economy.
●
We had to make the process feel engaging and game-like and strike a balance. Process should be challenging enough to reflect effort but rewarding enough to convey accomplishment.
●
The process is divided into several steps, each easier to overcome, but providing different experience.
Wrap up
The design language of the application centers on combining mechanical and futuristic elements and enforcing a sense of gaming.
Reflection
Wish I get to user test
Our focus was on building the community first, planning user testing only after the ideas were fully developed. Unfortunately, I parted ways with Opus before testing could happen, a missed opportunity that still resonates with me. The potential was immense, and I hope the designer who takes it forward can refine and enhance the product, building on the foundation I helped create.
Looking back
With the experience and perspective I have now, I’d approach this project differently. The UI could have been significantly improved, and I’d prioritize early user testing. Starting with an MVP and involving users sooner would have been ideal. But every project is a learning journey, and this one taught me valuable lessons for the future.