The UX Factor in Adoption of Blockchain.
Blockchain is poised to revolutionise our digital world, much like the internet did in the ’90s. Yet, it lingers on the outskirts of mass acceptance. The game-changer? User experience (UX).
Every tech giant today, from Apple to Google, realised that to capture the masses they had to focus on simplifying technology aka improving the user experience.
The internet was a complex network until web browsers like Netscape Navigator introduced a graphical interface.
The turning point for PCs was the transition from command-line interfaces to graphical interfaces.
The debut of the iPhone with its intuitive touchscreen interface revolutionised the way we interact with mobile technology.
Platforms like Amazon and eBay simplified navigation, search, and payment processes.
Each of these innovations removed barriers, reduced anxiety, minimised complexity and by adapting to user behaviours made user experience a priority. This ultimately led to the conversion of sceptical observers into active participants.
Cut to today. Blockchain is here, knocking at our doors. But to the average person, it’s still complex jargon. People like simplicity and clarity, not cryptographic puzzles. That’s the current state of most blockchain applications — powerful yet perplexing for many. Most of these applications have been developed by the developers for developers. Geth, weth, tx hashes, cryptographic addresses, pick your gas price, the blockchain is congested… You get the point right?
Blockchain by its nature decentralises control, handing over the responsibility to its users which introduces a level of complexity that can be daunting. This decentralised approach, while revolutionary, comes with a cognitive load that poses significant adoption barriers.
For blockchain to develop from a niche innovation that is restricted to the developer community into a world-altering force, it must pivot from a technology-first approach to a human-centred approach.
It’s not merely about building sophisticated features; it’s about creating experiences that fit seamlessly into individuals’ daily lives, addressing real-world needs and expectations. By empathising with the end-users i.e. understanding their hesitations, demands, and usage contexts, developers can craft blockchain solutions that feel familiar and intuitive.
The strategic alleviation of the decentralisation burden through empathetic design can be a game-changer, introducing a broader audience to the power of blockchain technology.
Users find themselves burdened with the responsibility of security, and find themselves lost in the technical intricacies of simple transactions. Without the cushion of institutional support, each step in the decentralised space can feel like walking a tightrope — one slip, and there’s no safety net to catch you. If the users send funds to the wrong address, fall prey to a scam, or face technical glitches, there’s no intermediary to mediate or reverse harm. This immense responsibility screams out the need for user-friendly experiences in blockchain technology.
As UX designers, we see a clear need for change. Our goal? Make blockchain as easy as using familiar apps. That means clear language, streamlined security, consistent and intuitive interfaces, and real support. By reimagining the experience from the user’s perspective, we can make blockchain a comfortable space, inviting for all, not just tech enthusiasts.
What if using blockchain applications were as simple as browsing social media? That future is possible, but it demands a shift in focus. We need to design with empathy, prioritize simplicity, and remember: that we’re solving problems for real people, not machines.
