PROBLEM

RESEARCH

SOLUTION

FINAL

PRODUCT

BESPOKE

Timeline

2 weeks

Role

Product / Brand Designer

Tools

Figma

OVERVIEW

Problem

My team set out to create a marketplace where artisans could sell digitally authenticated goods with full transparency, leveraging blockchain technology through RFID.


However, we were concerned that customers unfamiliar with blockchain might find the concept confusing.

"How might we ensure that the use of RFID is seamless and intuitive, eliminating any potential barriers to understanding?"

Research

User Interviews

We tested with over 20 users and identified significant barriers and hesitations around blockchain technology. Using these insights, we strove to design a seamless and approachable blockchain integration.

"I don't know anything about blockchain technology, will this app be hard to use? I'm not sure if I want to download it."


- Andy Peng (USC)

"I don't know anything about blockchain technology, will this app be hard to use? I'm not sure if I want to download it."


- Andy Peng (USC)

"Do you have to make the purchase with crypto currency or can it be standard fiat and just do the verification on the blockchain? "


- Samuel Taxin (USC)

"Do you have to make the purchase with crypto currency or can it be standard fiat and just do the verification on the blockchain? "


- Samuel Taxin (USC)

"When I think about digital assets and web3 technology I get intimidated. I'm not sure where to start."


- Grace Paik (Founder of JaqJaq Bird)

"When I think about digital assets and web3 technology I get intimidated. I'm not sure where to start."


- Grace Paik (Founder of JaqJaq Bird)

"I don't know anything about blockchain technology, will this app be hard to use? I'm not sure if I want to download it."

- Andy Peng (USC)

"Do you have to make the purchase with crypto currency or can it be standard fiat and just do the verification on the blockchain?"

- Samuel Taxon (USC)

"When I think about digital assets and web3 technology I get intimidated. I'm not sure where to start."

- Grace Paik (Founder of JaqJaq Bird)

We built out a lo-fi mockup, roughly mapping the flow of the app

Research

Blockchain Integration

To guide us in our journey, we hoped to explore these questions:


  • How can RFID technology be integrated into a marketplace to enhance usability without requiring technical knowledge?

  • What are the key touch points in the user journey where RFID interactions need to be frictionless?

  • How can designers balance introducing innovative technologies with maintaining a sense of familiarity in the user interface?

  • How can design reinforce trust and transparency in a marketplace that leverages blockchain technology?

research

RFID Integration

We integrated RFID interactions seamlessly into the purchase and verification process. Buying and selling would be as follows:


  1. Users would purchase their artisan good

  2. The payment would wait in escrow

  3. Upon receiving their purchase, users could scan the included RFID tag to confirm delivery

  4. The payment would be instantly released to the seller from escrow

  5. The scanned RFID tag would then be instantly recorded on the blockchain

I then narrowed down to a few screens to hyper-focus the subtle integration of blockchain technology

research

Competitor Analysis

Given the two-week sprint, I prioritized simplicity and accessibility. I used open-source Google fonts and created original assets, eliminating the need for credits or citations. The color palette was kept minimal with black and white, achieving a clean, elevated, and straightforward visual approach.


I studied the mobile design of GOAT, HBX, and Acne Studios and noted key similarities across all three brands:


  • Minimal use of design elements which allows the product to shine

  • Prices of items listed right on discover page allowing for transparency and trust

  • No rounded edges, clean elevated look

  • Uniform sans serif font

Final Screens

We integrated RFID interactions seamlessly into the purchase and verification process. Upon receiving their purchase, users could scan the included RFID tag to confirm delivery, which would then be recorded on the blockchain.

research

RFID Interaction

RFID Interaction

We integrated RFID interactions seamlessly into the purchase and verification process. Buying and selling would be as follows:


  1. Users would purchase their artisan good

  2. The payment would wait in escrow

  3. Upon receiving their purchase, users could scan the included RFID tag to confirm delivery

  4. The payment would be instantly released to the seller from escrow

  5. The scanned RFID tag would then be instantly recorded on the blockchain

research

RFID Interaction

RFID Interaction

solution

UX Design

I consistently focused on the North Star for the app: creating a beginner-friendly application of RFID and blockchain technology. Here's a link to the final design.

Companies like Phantom and Robinhood served as valuable references, demonstrating how complex concepts can be distilled into simple, user-friendly experiences.

Buying Flow + RFID Integration

solution

Key Metrics

After interviewing 20 users…

  • 15 out of 20 said the Blockchain and RFID integration was almost unnoticeable

  • 20 out of 20 were pleased by the easy navigation

  • 50% increase in engagement

solution

Takeaways

I am incredibly proud of my team for their dedication and hard work in developing such a robust product under a tight timeline. Within just two weeks, we shipped a 67-frame low-fidelity wireframe and 15 fully designed screens. Additionally, we conducted over 10 user interviews, providing valuable insights for future iterations of the design and concept.


I’m thrilled to confirm the continuation of this project and look forward to exploring new questions, such as:


  • What metrics or user feedback mechanisms can be implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of the design in simplifying blockchain and RFID concepts?

  • What visual or interactive cues can demonstrate the security and reliability of blockchain authentication to users?

  • How might the design approach vary for different cultural or demographic groups to accommodate varying levels of familiarity with technology?


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