PROJECT OVERVIEW
Enhancing Ease of Use & Security in Defi Crypto Wallets through Context Aware Design
A context aware defi crypto wallet designed to help non technical users build trust in defi wallets. We presented this project at Indiana's UXPA event.
Role
Project Lead
Team Members
UX Designers * 2
UX Researchers * 2
Timeline
Jan 2024 - March 2024
Problem
People who are new to defi cryptocurrency wallets (digital apps that store your crypto) often struggle because it feels like learning a new language - there's too much technical jargon & it's hard to tell if you're keeping your money safe. The big challenge is: How do we make these wallets as easy to use as regular banking apps, while still keeping people's assets secure and allow them to navigate confidently.
User Needs
1. Easy to use interface
2. Intuitive Security features
3. Lower Learning Curve
Target Users
1. Non-technical Users
2. Crypto Enthusiasts
SOLUTION
Contextual & Personalized Guidance: Provide Assistance with respect to users context & experience level
Our solution utilizes contextual access tokens that consider the user's current situation when granting access. For example, the selected wifi network, location & time for conducting transactions are authorized. The users can customize the permissions while on-boarding on the application.Furthermore, the on-boarding flow asses the users experience with crypto wallets to provide them with guided assistance. This tailored approach ensures that any user iirespective of having a technical background can use crypto wallet confidently.
Before
After
Process
Understanding Users
User interviews & analyzing reddit threads to understand pain paints
Literature Reviews
Review current research efforts & analyze current market solutions
Define
Identify gaps in current market space & define scope of the project
Design & Prototype
Brainstorm, design wireframes & prototype
User Feedback
Think-aloud user testing & iterate on design
01 UNDERSTANDING USERS
Understanding of User's Pain Points
I conducted a total of 10 user interviews and analyzed Reddit channels to understand user pain points. The interviews included crypto wallet users with varying levels of experience (from beginners to those with 2-3 years of experience). I supplemented these findings with secondary research. Using affinity mapping, we then identified key themes.
Fear of Security Risks
The lack of recovery options in decentralized wallets creates anxiety, as users know a single mistake with security can lead to permanent loss of funds.
Huge Learning Curve
The current application fails to effectively educate beginners, forcing users to spend weeks self-learning DeFi concepts, terminology, and market trends before they can use the wallet confidently.
Technical Complexity
Users without technical backgrounds find the wallet's terminology overwhelming and difficult to understand.
“When I was a beginner, there was so much to learn, not much learnt in the onboarding, mostly for defi apps. I spent around 3 weeks just learning about defi, current trends and the jargon involved” - Interviewee 3
"I feel lot of times the notifications are not really very human readable. Like again, they're very technical" -Interviewee 2
Major Findings:
02 BUSINESS NEEDS
Why do we need Personalized Guidance?
I found that the Technology Acceptance Model, or TAM, is highly relevant in the context of crypto wallets. TAM suggests that a user's intention to adopt a new technology is primarily influenced by two factors: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. In the case of crypto wallets, many potential users perceive the technology as complex and difficult to use, which significantly hinders adoption. Contextual security features powered by access tokens supported by educative on-boarding empowers new users to confidently store, trade & buy assets
​The current research confirms that when people understand something, they are more likely to engage with it.

03 DEFINE
How are others doing it?
Through our analysis of leading DeFi platforms, we examined how major lending, borrowing, and staking applications approach user experience and security. Our research focused on AAVE, Lido, and Compound - three widely-used protocols that represent different aspects of DeFi functionality.
1. AAVE Application
1. No explanation of the difference between APY and APR
2. No clear indication of which rate applies to lending vs borrowing
3. No step-by-step guidance for first-time borrowers.
​
2. MetaMask
1. Complicated language used to communicate error
2. No clear indication of how many tokens can be accessed
​
2. Compound Application
1. No step-by-step walkthrough for first-time borrowers
2. Complex terms like "collateralization ratio" used without explanation
3. No flagging unusual Wi-Fi networks
03 DESIGN & PROTOTYPE
Visualizing Ideas through Sketches
We explored many ideas for component style & data visulizations. I took leadership on designing the MVP feature screen peak-load breakdown.
Explorations
Final Screen- Monthly Load Overview
Final Screen- Peak Load Breakdown
04 DESIGN & PROTOTYPE
Sketches to Wireframes
Monthly Load Overview
Login Screen
Peak Load Breakdown
Settings Screen
Soothing Colors & 3D icons
We chose blue for its association with trust and focus, and red to highlight critical information that requires attention. Additionally, we incorporated 3D icons to enhance recognition over recall, making it easier for users to quickly understand utility information.
Utility Health Card
Navigation
Utility Connected Card
05 USER FEEDBACK
Iterating Based on User Feedback
I had the opportunity to attend Indiana's Manufacturing Road Show, it was a golden chance to finally meet our target audience and validate our design. Determined to gain insights, I actively engaged with potential users—sometimes even chasing them down to our stall—ensuring we received the feedback we needed to refine the product.
1. Utility Information Hidden
In the first iteration, it wasn't clear which utilities are plugged into the dashboard. This information was hidden in the settings screen. The users felt confused while navigating the monthly overview screen.
​
"Is this for the entire floor? or is it for one load?"- User 1
Setting Screen
Utility Information Shown Upfront
Positive Feedback for Peak-Load Breakdown
I was thrilled to receive positive feedback for the peak-load breakdown screen from both the CEO of Opto 22 and our client. It was especially rewarding because I had taken full ownership of this screen, conceptualizing and leading its design from start to finish. Their recognition validated the effort I put into creating a solution that aligned with the users' & business needs.
"The utility demand visualization will be very helpful to the plant managers!"
Benson Houghland
Opto 22 CEO
"This visualization provides essential information, I want to use it in our product"
Rebecca Gillespie
Energy Insights Managing Director
Introducing...The Final Screens
IMPACT
Simplifying Insights for Manufacturers
The granular component breakdown transformed complex data into simple, digestible chunks, enabling manufacturers to gain clear and actionable insights from the dashboard. This approach, in contrast to the previous design, received highly positive feedback from both the client and users.
REFLECTION
Work with information at hand, iterate, and stay ahead!
We faced a significant challenge in recruiting users for interviews. To address this, I conducted scenario-based interviews with integrators who worked closely with our users and were familiar with their frustrations. We further validated our findings through secondary research. This experience taught me how to effectively work with the information at hand, a common reality when companies have limited budgets for user research
We accomplished this project within 2 months, prioritizing swift iteration, regular updates, and actively seeking feedback from potential users, stakeholders & design community.
Happy faces after a tiring yet satisfying design sprint, with our beautiful instructor Terri Wadda..
