Opinion The Hour Demands Chain Abstraction as the Foremost Requirement for Web3 Users
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editorial team at crypto.news.
In the ever-evolving realm of web3, there persists a prevalent misconception among developers and startups: that the choice of blockchain holds utmost importance for users, or that adhering strictly to the ethos of web3 serves as the guiding star. A notable example is the emergence of decentralized social networks within the web3 framework.
One of the initial selling points of many decentralized social networks was the promise of user data ownership. While this remains a core principle for web3 social networks, the harsh reality is that achieving widespread adoption necessitates addressing concerns beyond data ownership and privacy settings. Large platforms like Facebook/Meta have gradually incorporated these features, albeit after significant delays.
For decentralized social networks to achieve mass adoption, they must not only champion web3 ideals but also prioritize the user-friendly experience that centralized platforms have refined. This transformation demands a novel approach that harmonizes technological innovation with user behavior.
While early adopters of web3 might be enthusiastic, the majority of users—whether from web2 or web3—are indifferent to the intricacies of blockchain selection or data portability across networks. This misguided emphasis often leads to an overemphasis on the technical aspects of decentralized applications (dApps) at the expense of user experience (UX) and engagement.
However, as web3 matures and strives for broader acceptance, it becomes increasingly evident that average consumers prioritize the seamlessness of user interfaces (UI) and the tangible benefits offered rather than the underlying blockchain infrastructure.
Seamless UX/UI: Crucial for web3 Adoption
The success of any consumer-oriented application, be it web2 or web3, hinges on its usability. In the realm of web3, where complexity can deter users, delivering a seamless UX isn’t merely beneficial—it’s imperative. Users gravitate towards applications offering intuitive navigation, responsive performance, and a familiar interface.
Consider successful web2 platforms like Instagram or Spotify, renowned for their clean, user-friendly interfaces that simplify interactions. They satisfy fundamental human needs for communication, socializing, and content sharing, becoming integral to daily life. These platforms adapt swiftly to new trends, user feedback, and technological advancements to enrich user experience and maintain relevance. Web3 apps must emulate this approach, enabling users to interact with dApps without grappling with blockchain intricacies. Integration of wallets, transaction processing, and asset management should be as effortless as logging into an email account.
Incentives: Tokens, Whitelists, and Status
Beyond UX, the driving force behind user engagement in web3 apps lies in their incentive structures. Gamification and reward mechanisms play pivotal roles in attracting and retaining users:
Tokens: Users are motivated by the prospect of earning tokens with real-world value, usable within the app or tradable/stakeable for additional benefits. Clear pathways to token acquisition significantly enhance user activity and retention.
Whitelists: Exclusive access to new features, beta tests, or token sales through whitelisting fosters a sense of community among early adopters, bolstering their connection to the project.
OG Status: Recognizing early and active users with OG (Original Gangster) status, accompanied by special privileges like badges or enhanced earning opportunities, nurtures a sense of belonging and importance within the community.
Integration with platforms such as Discord, Telegram, and X (formerly Twitter) enhances community engagement among web3 and web2 users, fostering deeper involvement and increasing overall engagement.
User Perspective: Engagement, Retention, and Revenue
As the web3 ecosystem expands, the focus must shift from blockchain technicalities to enhancing user experience and engagement strategies. Users prioritize ease of interaction and potential gains over blockchain specifics.
For web3 startups, success lies in designing dApps that prioritize seamless UI/UX and implement compelling reward mechanisms. Integration with social platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Twitter/X can further boost user engagement, retention, and revenue, converting users into loyal participants. Ultimately, while the blockchain powers the app, it’s the user experience, rewards, and social integration that drive adoption.
For more insights, read:
Web3 adoption would be impossible without intuitive UX and convenience | Opinion
Robert Kao is the co-founder of Plato, bringing a wealth of experience in consumer mobile development and serial entrepreneurship.
