Designing for Web3: What You Need To Know

There is no denying it now, Web3 is coming, and this is what most developers have dreamed of, a new internet.

With Web3, users own the platforms and content they create online. However, revolutionizing the internet requires multiple design challenges-primarily, creating user interfaces that resolve the confusion and safety concerns caused by Web3's unique features.

Developers, in general, would want Web3 to become mainstream. And to do that, developers must create Web3 programs that are more logical and consistent.

Web3 is just on the rise, so it would be given that web3 designs may impose some challenges for web designers and developers. But do not fret. This blog post will walk you through some of the fundamental Web3 Design Principles, as well as the essential things you should know when designing for web3.

4 Web3 Design Principles

Design is crucial to the success and acceptance of web3. Since dApps will be the primary way that most users interact with the blockchain, the design will have a big impact on how consumers interact with this emerging technology.

DApps, like Web2 apps, are designed differently depending on their type (for example, gaming, finance, arts and collectables). There are a few broad design principles to take into account given the nature and current level of blockchain usage.

Consider the User When Designing

Considering the user means you educate them through the designs. There is a lack of awareness among the public regarding the capabilities and opportunities of the blockchain. So as a designer, you must present a viable application to educate the public.

For the user to understand the processes within the blockchain, it is essential to focus on education. A designer needs to be clear about the mechanism behind their app since users may be hesitant to move their money online.

Since web3 is in its infancy, it's critical to give users confidence in using this brand-new platform. Although this design approach is centered on education, it might be challenging to get used to. Providing a sense of security to the user is essential.

For most people, Web3 is too complex and difficult to understand - especially for those without experience with crypto, blockchains, etc. The average Internet user is unlikely to understand the meaning of Web3, NFTs, DeFi, Tokens, and DAOs.

You can use simple user interfaces like animations, pop-ups, or more straightforward language to help the users understand what they are about to do and make it easier for users to navigate the app.

Additionally, to ease the user's cognitive burden and improve his enjoyment of your software, use as little jargon as possible. When you must use technical terminology, think about including a tiny text that provides a succinct clarification of the phrase. Using familiar language and concepts, you can better relate the product to the user.

Design with Transparency

As for Web3, all-around transparency seems to be an essential factor to consider in addition to educating users. You must communicate to your users how, where, and why you handle, store, and use their data if you want them to trust and use your Web3 applications.

Transparency in transactions should be there to some extent. Users should be required to have access to pending and confirmed transactions as well as the breakdown of a transaction, especially for De-Fi dApps. Ensure that users can manage and comprehend the actions they take when using your software.

Users shouldn't be guessing, and it's not enough for them to assume that "all" data is stored in the blockchain. Through the designs, you must clarify actions action for the following:

Actions that are irreversible
Actions involving money
Actions which may lead to the identification of users
Actions that create new contracts for users.

Additionally, think about allowing users to view cryptocurrency values in FIAT money. If you are creating a cryptocurrency wallet, for instance, you would want your users to be able to quickly comprehend the values of the various crypto-currencies they might send or receive.

Since most people still view currencies like the US dollar and the euro as regular currencies, you should allow users to learn about the value of various crypto-currencies. This choice will make entering the crypto space easier for novice participants.

To build trust with your users, you must be transparent about the app's security. The word is that blockchain technology makes hacking extremely challenging, if not outright impossible – in reality, though, it certainly is still possible.

In essence, the security of dApps depends on the strength of their blockchain codes. Consider giving tech-savvy users access to documents that outline security measures and fallbacks so they can learn more about them. By being open about security, there's a higher chance of earning the users' trust.

Design to Develop Trust

Trust is another important consideration when it comes to designing Web3. As a matter of fact, it is one of the core principles of a web designer.

Products from Web3 should be transparent about the security precautions taken and the transaction process. This is largely accomplished by encouraging transparency right away, directing users through a particular Web3 product step-by-step, giving them reminders and alerts when they are about to make transactions or decisions that cannot be reversed, and encouraging transparency throughout the entire process.

Maintaining user trust is essential since many users work in sectors that deal with extremely sensitive information. The blockchain is "new" to almost everyone(Web3 specifically), with various degrees of confidence and understanding. Users must view a website as stable, trustworthy, and reliable.

Design with Consistency

As you design the overall look of Web3, it is essential to establish consistency in visuals across all sections and customer experience.

When you think of the visuals, make sure you consider the following:

Consistency on typography: consistency in terms of type choices across the project and use the same "blockchain colour" if possible.
Use relevant colours: consistency in terms of colour is also essential. Maintaining a similar colour scheme and colour associations.
Layout: If possible, utilize a grid-based layout to create a meaningful and proportional negative space.

Conclusion

As a web3 designer, most projects are digitally based, and there isn't enough interconnection until web3 becomes mainstream. Web3 work may require a different type of designer based on its nature.

But generally speaking, it's not as big of a jump as you might think! The core skills you have as a designer remain the same regardless of the type.

Despite the change in environment, web2 design remains agnostic, and you need the skills to design for it.

Truth be told, there aren't enough designers in the industry, and it's no secret that designers are a hot commodity in web3. Mainly because designers who create excellent Web3 designs make a significant impact on the legitimacy and help build the hype all the more.

The Web3 phenomenon is still relatively new, and it is still too far from the mainstream. As a result, most people either don't understand it, or mistrust it. Developers can create more accessible and trustworthy dApps and websites by focusing on user education, transparency, and design for trust and consistency.