User-Friendly Interface Design for Blockchain Payment Solutions
In the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology, designing a user-friendly experience is essential for user adoption. As a product designer, my focus was to create a seamless and transparent interaction experience within a blockchain-based payment system. This included designing clear workflows for users to send and receive Finent Coins and enhancing platform usability through a consistent visual and functional design.
Client
Finent
Team
1x Product Manager
1x Product Designer
1x Full Stack Developer
1x Backend Developer
My role
Product Design and management
Year
May — September 2019
Background
Too technical and lacking guidance
In 2019, blockchain technology was still highly technical, with limited user-friendly applications available in the market. While industries were beginning to explore its potential in sectors like finance and supply chain management, most blockchain solutions remained focused on technical functionalities rather than user experience. This created a significant gap between the technology's potential and its accessibility to everyday users.
For the Finent project, our goal was to bridge this gap by offering a blockchain-based payment solution tailored to various industrial environments. We aimed to create a seamless user experience that would help Finent’s alliance merchants grow the platform and increase user engagement. To achieve this, we focused on delivering a user-friendly design that simplified blockchain processes for end-users.
One of the key objectives was to ensure that Finent Coin could be easily recognized and tracked within the user’s wallet through consistent branding and clear visual design. Additionally, our design emphasized transparent interactions between sending and receiving coins, providing users with real-time feedback and making blockchain transactions more intuitive. By applying user-centered design principles, we transformed a technology-first solution into a product that was both innovative and accessible, addressing the broader challenges of the 2019 blockchain ecosystem.
Problem & Finding
Through extensive research and analysis using Competitive Research, we identified several key insights that exposed significant user experience issues with existing blockchain applications. My research involved reviewing numerous articles, books, and technical documents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technology and its implications.
- User Understanding Gap
Users, especially newcomers to cryptocurrencies, struggled to grasp blockchain transaction concepts, making asset management challenging. - Confusing Backup Systems
Backup processes were complex and poorly integrated, leading to user frustration and reluctance. - Lack of Clear Feedback
Existing interfaces did not provide transparent feedback, making it hard for users to track their Finent Coin transactions effectively.
This personal insight into the advantages of distributed ledgers—such as increased security through decentralization, improved data integrity, and reduced reliance on intermediaries—highlighted the importance of designing a blockchain solution that is both user-friendly and technologically advanced. By addressing the identified issues through user-centered design, we aimed to make blockchain technology more accessible and intuitive for all users.
Solution
With the insights gathered, we redefined the user journey to minimize confusion and streamline the backup and transaction processes. By creating user personas (from beginners to crypto enthusiasts), we crafted a more accessible and intuitive flow for different user types.
Transparent State Indication
Recognizing that backup is a critical step for ensuring the security of cryptocurrency, I prioritized making this process as straightforward as possible.
I incorporated visual cues to clearly indicate the backup status of the wallet, both before and after the backup process. This transparency helps users understand the progress and completeness of their backup, reducing confusion and increasing confidence in the system.
Backup System Improvement
To address the challenges associated with the backup process, I focused on creating a design that ensures clarity and ease of use at every step. The goal was to make the backup process visually clear and intuitive for users, while also paying close attention to UX writing to guide them effectively.
Especially, I paid careful attention to UX writing to make instructions and status updates clear and actionable. The language used was designed to be straightforward and supportive, helping users navigate the backup process without confusion or frustration.
Transaction with Advanced Mode
To cater to both beginners and advanced users, I implemented two distinct modes in the transaction flow for Finent Coin. In the default mode, users could select from three speed levels: Low, Medium, and Fast. Each level was visually tied to the corresponding Gas Fee, ensuring that even beginners could understand how their choice impacted transaction speed and cost. This simple, tiered approach allowed users to make informed decisions without needing a deep understanding of blockchain mechanics.
For more experienced users, the Advanced Mode provided granular control over Gas Fees through a slider interface, replacing the standard select option. This allowed users to fine-tune their Gas Fees, optimizing for speed and cost efficiency based on their transaction needs. By giving these users more precise control, the design supported power users who prioritize cost management and transaction efficiency.
Flowchart
In designing the flowchart, we took into account the diverse needs of our target users, including both crypto-newbies and cryptocurrency enthusiasts. We made sure to include all essential features and cover the entire blockchain transaction process, from sending to receiving Finent Coin. By focusing on creating well-defined user journeys, we aimed to make the flowchart intuitive and easy to follow, ensuring that users at various levels of experience could understand and navigate the process clearly.
Promotional Asset
Result
Creating the Finent wallet was a pivotal experience in my journey as a product designer. This project pushed the boundaries of UI/UX design by integrating cutting-edge blockchain technologies with a user-centered approach. The wallet enabled users to manage not only Finent’s native token but also Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it a versatile and comprehensive tool for cryptocurrency management. By focusing on usability, we strengthened the brand’s identity and created a seamless experience that contributed to the broader integration and functionality of Finent’s services.
Although the service has since been discontinued, the project was invaluable in honing my skills in product design, user research, and analytics. I gained deep insights into user behavior and needs through analysis platforms like Google Analytics and engagement with P2P service planning. The experience equipped me with the ability to design intuitive, user-friendly blockchain products, applying these insights to future projects to improve retention and user satisfaction across digital currency platforms.