The current user experience (UX) of Web3, which refers to the decentralized web built on blockchain technology, has been compared to driving a manual transmission car. While it offers more control, many users find it clunky and difficult to navigate. UX designers have identified several challenges that make it challenging to build user-friendly Web3 applications.
One of the main issues with cryptocurrency applications is that every action is “irreversible” on the blockchain. Unlike Web2 applications where you can easily undo a mistake, mistakes on the blockchain can be costly. 0xDesigner, a Web3 UI/UX designer, compared this to driving a stick-shift car, where you need to understand the gears and clutch and constantly monitor the tachometer to avoid damaging the transmission or stalling the car.
According to 0XDesigner, most users may not prioritize the control and ownership that blockchain offers. They argue that the broader population might not even care about the sovereignty aspect of Web3. This sentiment is echoed by Thomas Ling, a former user interface (UI) designer for blockchain tech firm Immutable and Web2 gaming studio Riot Games. Ling explains that Web3’s unique feature of user ownership and control adds complexities on the backend, requiring more steps to complete actions compared to Web2 applications.
Web3 UI/UX designers face limitations when trying to create an easy-to-use application while maintaining the user’s control and ownership. These trade-offs create a paradox where simplifying Web3 flows often means reducing user control, which contradicts the fundamental principles of Web3. Additionally, the prioritization of security and error prevention in Web3 projects further limits the resources available for UX design.
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0xDesigner argues that most product teams in the Web3 space are engineering-driven, with lower designer-to-developer ratios compared to Web2. This focus on engineering often results in more technical solutions rather than a user-focused approach. The high stakes involved in Web3, especially in financial applications, contribute to this emphasis on security and error prevention.
In order to drive mass adoption of Web3, 0xDesigner believes that there needs to be a truly useful application for it, such as gaming and music. They emphasize that the adoption problem is primarily about usefulness rather than usability. Cryptocurrency applications should also aim to feel invisible to users, meaning that users should not have to know that they are interacting with blockchain technology unless they actively seek that information.
However, not everyone agrees that UX/UI is the main barrier to Web3 adoption. Ryan Selkis, CEO of Messari, downplays the problem of UX/UI during a Twitter Spaces session. Selkis argues that wallets and other user interfaces in the Web3 space are fine and that other factors like off-chain social and regulatory issues play a more significant role in long-term adoption.
Despite the challenges, UX designers continue to work towards improving the user experience in Web3 applications. Simplifying complex processes, reducing friction, and prioritizing user needs are key areas of focus. The goal is to create applications that are both easy to use for mainstream users while still preserving the core principles of Web3, such as user control and ownership. As the Web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, the user experience is likely to improve, driving wider adoption of decentralized applications.
