From barrier to breakthrough: Solving UX can catalyze mass adoption of crypto

Let’s be honest — it is hard to envision the mass adoption of crypto. As exciting as it is to imagine a world where crypto banking is as common as discussing the weather, or where classrooms are abuzz with conversations about the latest developments in the crypto space, the reality is the industry is a considerable distance away from this widespread acceptance.
Thus, rather than fixating solely on this distant dream, it’s crucial to zoom out and instead focus on the stepping stones that will guide the industry toward that future. One of the most overlooked fundamental factors that plays a pivotal role in driving mass adoption is user experience (UX).
Complexity stands as one of the major obstacles to crypto adoption. Understanding the basics of cryptographic algorithms, digital wallets, public and private keys as well as blockchain nodes can be overwhelming for most users, leading to the discouragement of exploring the space further. This only further emphasizes the need for developers to focus on creating more intuitive interfaces and standardized user experiences that simplify the interaction with crypto protocols and platforms.
A detailed report by Hubspot revealed that a staggering 88% of consumers online avoid revisiting a website if they have had a negative experience. Moreover, this further extends to mobile applications, where 90% of users have abandoned an app due to underwhelming performance and overall experience. These figures serve as a powerful reminder of the influence UX holds over user acquisition, retention and engagement, with implications for the crypto industry as well.
Beauty and invisibility
Technology pioneer and guru Steve Jobs had a profound understanding of the importance of UX. He held the belief that technology should either be beautiful or remain invisible. His innovative products such as the iPhone and iMac alongside his unwavering commitment to exceptional UX were not only a testament to this belief, but also transformed industries and set a benchmark for excellence.

Source: Unsplash
The lessons learned from the success of Web2 corporations and the importance of UX are equally relevant in the context of Web3. In Web2, companies such as Apple proved that sleek design and a clean user experience can not only attract users but also foster deep emotional connections with products and heaps of anticipation for product releases.
Of course, such a level of anticipation did not emerge out of thin air. It was the result of relentless commitment to delivering an exceptional end-to-end experience for the user. It goes without saying that this dedication to creating seamless and captivating experiences played a pivotal role in Apple’s resurgence and ascent to becoming one of the most significant companies of its generation.
Steps to be taken

Source: Unsplash
Just as sleek design and a seamless user experience propelled Apple to new heights, the same principles can be applied to crypto platforms and protocols.
User experience goes beyond just aesthetics and visual appeal. It encompasses the entire end-to-end journey that a user experiences when interacting with a platform, from the minute they land on the website or application to the onboarding process and subsequent usage of the platform.
Besides upgrading the user interfaces, to enhance UX within the crypto space, steps must be taken to both simplify and streamline the journey for users. One existing solution to this is the integration of digital identity providers such as Ethereum Name Service (ENS), which simplifies the user experience by enabling the use of human-readable domain names instead of complex crypto addresses. This streamlines usability, reduces errors significantly and improves overall user satisfaction.
Although platforms such as ENS offer a solution to enhancing user experience, projects should aim to go beyond isolated implementations and instead focus on building comprehensive systems that bring together various user-centric features and functionalities. This includes not only simplifying digital identity management but also addressing other pain points such as wallet management, transaction processing and user support.
By prioritizing UX and building comprehensive systems, platforms will be able to provide users with a cohesive experience.
Bottom line
In the crypto industry, where complexity and technical jargon evidently create barriers to mainstream adoption, user experience will play a crucial role in both attracting and retaining users. Thus, in an increasingly competitive landscape, organizations that prioritize intuitive and seamless user experiences will be better positioned to drive mass adoption, foster trust and shape the future of this transformative industry.
Ultimately, the end goal is to shape the crypto industry to be accessible, inclusive and user-centric, empowering users to participate in this new digital economy with confidence and ease.

Kirthana Devaser is an economist turned financial writer and speaker in the Web3 space. She’s a strong believer in using technology for good and believes that Web3 will drive meaningful change and build a better tomorrow for all. Currently, Kirthana serves as the content and copy manager at , where she oversees and champions all things content and brand identity across the company.

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