Introduction:
In the world of Web3 applications, onboarding end users seamlessly and effectively is crucial for driving growth and adoption. However, a significant barrier often arises when developers use a “Connect Wallet” button as the starting point for user onboarding. While this approach might seem intuitive to developers, it fails to address the fundamental challenge of user comprehension. In this blog post, we will explore why the “Connect Wallet” button can impede user growth and discuss alternative approaches to enhance the user onboarding experience.
The Challenge of the “Connect Wallet” Button:
The phrase “Connect Wallet” assumes a level of familiarity with blockchain technology and cryptocurrency wallets that many users simply do not possess. For the uninitiated, it is a vague and confusing term that raises questions such as: What does it mean to “connect” a wallet? Do I need to have a wallet already? How do I even get a wallet? This lack of clarity and the jargon-heavy nature of Web3 can deter potential users from engaging with an application, leading to missed growth opportunities.
Democratizing Web3 Onboarding:
To overcome this barrier, developers must strive to make Web3 more accessible to a broader audience. Here are a few key strategies that can help redefine the “Connect Wallet” experience and promote user adoption:
Simplify Terminology
Outside of the crypto native community, a wallet is just something you keep in your back pocket. Asking a user to connect their wallet is a sure way to indicate that they’re moving into unfamiliar territory. When directing users, developers should use more neutral and familiar language when creating a new account for the user.
Once the user has been signed in, offer them a chance to create a new wallet using common terms such as “Account” or “Vault.” For the crypto natives, you can offer the more traditional option to connect a wallet alongside the more neutral language targeted at the uninitiated.
Simplify the Experience
Early in the development of blockchain technology, the adage was that you would be using blockchain technology in the future and never know it. Just as the average internet user doesn’t consider the meaning of HTTP, the user of a Web3 product shouldn’t have to think about their private keys unless they choose to. The customer should be able to make their own choice between security and convenience. A great service should give them enough range to choose from.
Where possible, make the management of assets in a wallet just blend into the experience of using the product. When the developer is the custodian of the account, we recommend selecting a subset of transactions that you expect to happen frequently and adding those to a whitelist for the end user to approve. Proper use of whitelisting for customer behaviors enables you to safely sign transactions without breaking the user flow unnecessarily.
In cases where the developer isn’t the custodian of a wallet, some additional creativity may be required. Queuing transactions for batch approval, for example, can create a similar effect. Think about the frequency and the timing of the transactions your app needs to make and plan your permissions accordingly. Informing the user of the likely transactions and being transparent about the process from the outset can create a vastly superior experience.
Leverage ORE ID
Integrate ORE ID, a simple user-friendly tool that allows people to create an account using logins they are familiar with (Facebook, Google, email, etc). ORE ID automatically generates a wallet on the user’s behalf whereby they do not need to understand cryptocurrency or blockchain to use your application, increasing their willingness to participate in the Web3 ecosystem.
The experience for the developer is smooth as well. Select from a variety of blockchains and implement ORE ID your way. We provide a simple REST API that can be integrated into a system of your choice. Build a desktop application, a mobile app, or leveraging the Unity game engine to break into the world of GameFi.
Conclusion:
To foster the growth of Web3 applications, developers must ensure the onboarding experience prioritizes user comprehension. The common “Connect Wallet” process, while intuitive for developers, is a significant barrier for user adoption due to its inherent technical language and lack of clarity. By simplifying terminology and implementing ORE ID, developers can pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible Web3 ecosystem.
It is through these user-centric enhancements that Web3 applications can thrive, empowering a wider audience to embrace the decentralized future and unlock the full potential of blockchain technology.