According to several UX designers, the current user experience (UX) of Web3 is often compared to driving a manual transmission car. While it offers more control, many users find it unnecessarily clunky. The focus on improving the user experience and ease of use has been a central topic in discussions about mainstream adoption of Web3.
However, a Web3 UI/UX designer named 0xDesigner recently pointed out that certain blockchain properties pose challenges in building user-friendly applications similar to those found in Web2. One of the main issues with cryptocurrency applications, as stated by 0xDesigner, is the irreversibility of actions on the blockchain. Unlike Web2 applications, there is no “undo button,” and mistakes can be costly.
Using an analogy, 0xDesigner described Web2 as driving an automatic car—simple and straightforward. On the other hand, Web3 is compared to driving a manual transmission car. It requires understanding the gears, the clutch, and constant monitoring of the tachometer to avoid damaging the transmission or stalling the car.
While blockchain technology offers users sovereignty (control and ownership), 0xDesigner believes that the broader population may not even care about this aspect. Thomas Ling, a former UI designer for blockchain tech firm Immutable and Web2 gaming studio Riot Games, explained that in Web2, UI is typically simpler because ownership and control are vested with the user. However, in Web3, the backend becomes more complicated, as all the necessary steps must be displayed for users to achieve an action and retain the value proposition of Web3.
Due to these challenges, Web3 UI/UX designers face limitations in creating easy-to-use applications. Ling emphasized that design decisions often involve tradeoffs, particularly when product teams strive to balance functionality, usability, and the unique features of Web3.
In conclusion, the current user experience in Web3 is considered clunky by many UX designers, resembling the complexity of driving a manual transmission car. The irreversibility of actions and the need to display all steps in the user interface pose challenges in creating user-friendly applications. However, designers continue to explore ways to strike a balance between functionality and ease of use in the Web3 space.
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