Responsibilities

User Research, White Paper Documentation, Application Prototype Design, and Patent filing assistance.

Above diagrams as rendered by by our engineering team lead based on my white paper

Situation

In the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain development, I worked as a UX Researcher. This environment was characterized by constant innovation and high speed, demanding a nimble and forward-thinking approach.

Task

I was tasked with the complex and crucial role of capturing and documenting the innovative concepts of Dan Larimer, the CTO, in a written, illustrated, mockup and prototype form that could be easily understood and shared. Furthermore, I was asked to conduct comprehensive research on the market to understand potential applications and competitors. Additionally, I was to demonstrate the usability of these concepts through detailed UX views and prototypes, providing a tangible manifestation of the ideas.

Actions

I began my tasks by carefully recording everything during brainstorming and technical whiteboard sessions, ensuring no idea was overlooked.

[can not be shown here]

• Next, I conducted thorough research on potential real-world applications for these concepts and reported back with detailed findings to inform further development. [not shown]
• To provide an accessible view of these concepts, I created an initial white-paper document that encapsulated the ideas in an easy-to-understand yet comprehensive way. [not shown]
• In addition, I designed wireframes and created prototypes to demonstrate the practical usability of these concepts, providing a tangible and visual representation of their potential. [not shown]
• Finally, all the documentation, research, design, and prototypes were meticulously put together and shared as reference materials for creating formal IP documentation. [not shown]

Validation Design

To better illustrate the functionality of the concepts, I developed an example application. This application serves as a practical demonstration of the ideas in a real-world context, allowing users and stakeholders to visualize and understand the potential impact and usability of these concepts.

Details of the application cannot be shown here due to confidentiality reasons.

Design Flow

Prototypes

1. Creating an Account and Inviting Friends

The prototype includes a feature for creating a new account and inviting friends to connect. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, simplifying the task of inviting friends to join the platform after creating a new account.

2. Account Recovery - The Primary Purpose of Identity

The network plays a crucial role in account recovery, emphasizing the importance of identity. If users lose access to their accounts, they can verify their identity with the help of trusted network members. This verification process ensures the security and integrity of the users' decentralized identity.

3. Adding Local Members

Users can locate and add local members to their contacts using Bluetooth. After adding a new contact, users can enhance their identity with that individual by adding a photo.

4. Network

Users can select a contact from their network and attach a photo to strengthen their connection. Users are encouraged to regularly check their notifications tab for any identity confirmation images from individuals in their network. This practice helps strengthen their digital identity and build trust within the network.

5. Notifications

The notifications tab is designed to keep users fully updated on all activities related to their account. This includes confirmations of identity pictures from individuals either in close proximity or within their chosen network.

6. Rewards

The prototype includes a rewards system where users can earn, purchase, and utilize rewards within their contact network. This feature enhances the gamification aspect of the application experience and encourages active participation within the platform.

Result

Our work led to a successful patent filing submission, and the patents were later granted, marking the successful completion of the project. This experience underscored the significance of my role as a Senior UX Designer-Researcher in identifying, researching, and demonstrating the usability of complex new concepts.

The granting of the patents confirmed the project's success. This further highlighted the importance of my abilities as a Senior UX Designer-Researcher. I effectively captured, researched, and demonstrated the practicality of intricate new concepts, playing a crucial role in the project's accomplishment.

Patent contributions

During this process, I contributed to several patents, including:

• Systems and methods for creating a verified digital association
• Creating a secure digital identity
• Digital identity social graph
• Systems and methods for incentivizing digital identity verification

Thank you!

©2024 Thomas Hallgren