challenge
As the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer for Ideosphere, I faced a challenge that extended beyond the core platform design. My primary task was to create a Web2.5 platform that bridges the gap between Web2 and Web3 audiences, making it accessible to non-crypto natives while leveraging blockchain capabilities.
The existing landscape of crypto-based research funding, dominated by DAOs with complex onboarding processes, presented a significant barrier for researchers seeking to tap into the crypto donations market. Our goal was to create an intuitive interface that abstracted the complexities of blockchain technology, enabling researchers without advanced crypto knowledge to easily access this new funding paradigm.
Additionally, I was tasked with designing and developing a compelling landing page that effectively communicated our value proposition to two distinct audiences: science enthusiasts and researchers. This required crafting clear, concise UX copy that resonated with both groups.
All of these elements needed to be developed alongside the main platform, requiring efficient time management and a holistic view of the entire user experience from initial landing page visit through to platform usage. This comprehensive approach demanded a deep understanding of user psychology, web design principles, and the ability to translate complex blockchain concepts into accessible, user-friendly interfaces.
process
To determine and prioritize features for Ideosphere, I implemented a comprehensive UX research and design strategy. The process began with a series of in-depth interviews with both researchers and potential donors, allowing us to uncover latent needs and pain points in the current research funding landscape.
My approach involved creating low-fidelity wireframes to rapidly iterate on core functionalities, followed by high-fidelity prototypes that were. I placed particular emphasis on designing intuitive onboarding flows and simplified blockchain interactions, ensuring that the technical complexities remained hidden from the end-users.
Throughout the development process during Buildspace Season 5, I maintained a tight feedback loop with the CTO, ensuring that our user experience vision aligned with technical feasibility and blockchain integration.
Outcome
The culmination of our efforts resulted in a groundbreaking Web2.5 platform that effectively demystifies blockchain-based research funding. Our user testing revealed a significant reduction in onboarding friction for non-crypto native researchers, with a 90% completion rate for first-time users setting up their research funding campaigns.
The innovative approach of Ideosphere garnered industry recognition, leading to our acceptance into the prestigious Creative Destruction Lab bootcamp. This validation from industry experts underscored the platform's potential to revolutionize scientific funding and bridge the gap between traditional and blockchain-based research support mechanisms.
Our first iteration of this project (formerly Swirl) also won several awards at the ETH Global hackaton in NYC.
🥇 Privy Best UX Award
🥇 UMA Award for Best on UMA/Across
🤝 Polygon Best Public Good Award
🏊♂️ Arbitrum Pool Prize
