Introduction
As the number of decentralized apps (dApps) grows, it's important to remember certain basic web3 design principles when designing a dApp. Furthermore, developing these apps requires following a set of UI/UX guidelines. This article will summarize a framework of UX standards for blockchain-based distributed applications based on beltran's web3 design principles.
Transparent and Trustless
Transparency and trustlessness are two essential elements of web3. Designers should work on delivering transparency in the following areas to incorporate these two concepts in web3 products:
- Transparency in Data Provenance
- Transparency in Transactions
- Transparency in Smart Contract Events
- Transparency in Interaction History
- Transparency in Code
In order to help web3 become more widely known, the designs of dApps should take a methodical approach to the following tasks:
- Trust in Data
- Trust in Transactions
- Trust in Smart Contracts
- Trust in Interaction History
- Trust in Code
Each of the five guiding principles will be the subject of a different post, so we won't go into great length about each one in this piece. For the time being, we'll focus on summarizing web3 design best practices.
Web3 Design Best Practices
The design principles mentioned above aim to help developers build the most user-friendly interfaces possible. However, given the many terminologies of the web3 space, it can confuse new users who use a dApp for the first time. Users must be able to browse and utilize the dApp efficiently for this to happen.
As for the interface itself, developers should ensure that there is consistency with the design layout of the app by having a grid-based structure that features negative spaces. And the negative space should provide meaning and have appropriate proportions around it. Along with that would be the proper use of colors and textures to ensure that they are optimized for the user’s visibility while still providing meaning and familiarity with the app.
Consistent typography is essential and should align with the “blockchain color.” For example, neon and blue, as well as futuristic themes and bright metallic textures, are all examples of "blockchain color," according to Fireart's article. Finally, it should guarantee that the app's design language is present so that users from all over the globe may access and utilize the app.
On the other hand, when it comes to the community, it is vital to categorize the members properly in order to make clear how many and what kinds of members there are. Subgroups may also create a visible community structure by assigning them the duties they must do for the project.
More Key Design Principles
Now that you have a grasp of the five web3 design principles, the following is a list of other critical design elements that you should think about while designing or constructing a dApp.
- Time and wait management
- Format for human-readable hashes
- Price of “gas” and the reversal of transactions
- A feeling of belonging (i.e. community spirit)
You may go ahead and check out beltran's post if you want to dive into the specifics of the technical aspects of each one.
The Road Less Traveled
In conclusion, web3 is still in its infancy stage, so it is important to take into account the design principles we've outlined in this article when building and designing your dApp. Remember that the UI/UX is of utmost importance, so make sure to focus on creating a platform that is both beautiful and easy to use. In the next articles, we'll talk more about each design principle in further detail.
