Building on the Blockchain: Implementing Web3 design principles in Dapps
Are you curious about the future of decentralized applications? Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a successful Dapp? Look no further! In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Web3 design principles and how they are used to build Dapps that are not only functional but also user-friendly.
Decentralized applications, or Dapps (dApps), is revolutionizing the way we interact with the digital world. Built on the blockchain, they offer a new level of security, transparency, and autonomy.
Dapp platforms offer a range of services from decentralized exchanges, lending, and borrowing to insurance. They are also changing the face of the game in finance, sports, housing health-tech providing decentralized and transparent platforms accessible to everyone.
Creating a successful Dapp is not just about the underlying blockchain technology, but also about the user experience.
By understanding and implementing Web3 design principles, Dapp developers as well as designers can create applications that are easy to use, accessible to everyone, and lastly secure. In this article, we will explore these principles in depth and see how they are being used to shape the future of decentralized applications. Let’s ride on.
Note: All images in this writeup are from my design for a Dapp Zetta bridge. click to view design documentation here.
What are these Web3 design principles?
Web3 design principles are a set of best practices and guidelines for designing decentralized applications and platforms that are built on blockchain technology.
These patterns are designed to help developers and designers create dApps that are easy to use, secure, and efficient.
See below for web 3 design principles-
Non-Custodial Design
dApps should be designed to be non-custodial, meaning that users retain control of their funds at all times. This can be achieved by allowing users to sign transactions directly from their non-custodial wallet, rather than storing their funds on the platform.
To further break this down, a non-custodial wallet is a digital wallet (like Metamask, Trust Wallet, Exodus, etc.) that allows a user to hold their private keys and control their funds, sign transactions and interact with the blockchain. They also provide autonomy for a user’s assets while also ensuring its protection.
As such, dApps are expected to allow users to connect to their platform through non-custodial wallets. By doing so, users will have full control over their assets and will not have to trust the dApp to keep their assets safe.
Wallet Connectivity
Decentralized applications should allow users to connect their wallets to the platform in order to interact with smart contracts and access their funds. This can be done using web3 providers such as Metamask, or by using a hardware wallet.
Allowing users to connect their wallet in this way will make the dApp more user-friendly and will also increase security. By connecting their wallet, users will be able to interact with the smart contracts on the blockchain and access their funds without having to share their private keys with the dApp.
Gas Management
Gas is the fee that is paid to the Ethereum network for executing a smart contract or making a transaction. Web3 design patterns recommend that dApps should have a gas management system that allows users to set the gas price and gas limit, and displays the estimated gas cost for different actions. Users will be quick to understand and estimate when a particular transaction cost more/less depending on the amount of gas required.
Error Handling
Decentralized applications should have a robust error handling system that can handle errors such as out-of-gas, warn users of excessively high gas fees, insufficient funds, incomplete transactions, etc This will ensure that the dApp is able to handle unexpected errors and maintain a stable user experience. These errors should be displayed timely so users can act quickly to appropriately.
Loading States
dApps platforms should be highly responsive. Even while a transaction is in progress, it should have loading states that inform the user that a transaction is being processed. This will help to keep the user informed of the status of the transaction and will provide a better user experience.
Security
Decentralized applications should have security measures in place to prevent common attacks such as phishing and other attacks. This includes things like secure key management, input validation, and secure communication protocols. Additionally, dApps should also include measures to prevent accidental loss of funds, such as confirmations for critical actions like sending funds or any other important transaction.
Bottom line
Web3 design principles play a crucial role in the development of decentralized applications (Dapps). By utilizing these principles, web 3 designers and developers can continue to create user-friendly, secure, and accessible applications that are built on the blockchain.
As blockchain continues to evolve, web 3 stakeholders and developers should prioritize the importance of user experience. Not just for the general acceptability of their projects, but to ensure a more decentralized, autonomous, and transparent digital world.
Need a web 3 writer / uxdesigner- Email me: Badeoye312@gmail.com
#Dapps #Web3 #Blockchain
