IOHK / Cardano

Cardano’s flagship light wallet, Lace

UX / UI

Introduction

This case study explores the process of creating a seamless, secure user experience for interacting with cryptocurrency, with a particular focus on accessibility in low infrastructure regions. The project aimed to cater to both cryptocurrency beginners and existing users, using comprehensive research, iterative design, and user feedback to revolutionise access to cryptocurrency and enhance user satisfaction.

Objective

The existing full-node wallet, Daedalus, developed by IOHK, presented challenges in speed and scalability. It required users to sync the entire blockchain before interacting with the wallet, limiting its use in areas with low infrastructure. Moreover, the stake pool ranking system was met with criticism from stakeholders, affecting the community's perception of Cardano. The objective was to address these issues by developing a light wallet solution that offered speed, simplicity, and a fair stake pool ranking system.

Research and Discovery

Surveys, stakeholder interviews, competitor analysis, and user interviews were conducted to gain insights and understand user needs. Engagement with over 40 users revealed a demand for a faster, more reliable wallet, transparent security measures, and user-friendly features. These insights laid the groundwork for the design process.

Design Solutions

A focus on speed and simplicity led to a user interface that was minimal and easy to navigate, reducing cognitive load for users. By avoiding unnecessary jargon and complex terminology, the wallet became more accessible to those new to cryptocurrency. Clear instructions and explanations were provided to help users understand security measures and trust the wallet's legitimacy. Hardware wallet support was integrated for top-notch fund security. Additionally, a new mathematical model for stake pool ranking was implemented to ensure fairness for all stake pool operators, fostering trust within the Cardano community.

User Testing

Throughout the design process, prototypes were iterated using tools like Protopie to validate design assumptions. User testing sessions provided valuable feedback and insights. The onboarding process was refined, simplifying the entry of the 24-word passphrase and enabling users to import wallets from other popular platforms. Interactive elements were also introduced to gamify the experience, making it more engaging for users.

Results and Impact

The iterative UX/UI design process led to a more streamlined and intuitive user experience. User and community feedback indicated a strong appreciation for the wallet's clean and simple design. An incremental release approach ensured that bugs were addressed early, contributing to a smoother user experience. The wallet received positive attention on social media, leading to increased user adoption and a more positive perception of blockchain technology.

Reflections and Learnings

The project revealed the value of incremental releases for gathering early user feedback and addressing issues promptly. The focus on simplicity and usability for cryptocurrency beginners was also crucial in enhancing user satisfaction and adoption.

Conclusion

By applying user-centric design principles, conducting thorough research, and iterating based on user feedback, a light wallet solution was successfully developed to revolutionise access to cryptocurrency. The improved speed, simplicity, and security features appealed to both cryptocurrency beginners and existing users, laying the groundwork for wider adoption of blockchain technology.