How to Design User-Centric Web3 Applications (DApps)

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Web3 applications, or decentralized applications (DApps), are revolutionizing the internet by leveraging blockchain technology to provide transparency, security, and data sovereignty. However, user-centricity—designing with the user in mind—is critical to DApps’ success. A well-designed DApp should be easy to use, visually appealing, and give users control over their data and interactions.

This guide will walk you through essential principles and coding techniques to make your Web3 applications more user-centric. Let’s dive into the key elements for designing Web3 applications that offer great user experiences.

Understanding the User-Centric Design in Web3

Decentralization Without Complexity

User-centricity in Web3 applications involves simplifying complex blockchain operations while still providing transparency. Unlike traditional Web2 applications, Web3 requires users to have wallets, manage keys, and understand smart contracts, which can be intimidating for many users.

Objective: Simplify the complexity of blockchain interactions while retaining the core features, such as data ownership and decentralization.

Importance of Onboarding

Onboarding is critical in a DApp, as users need a brief introduction to blockchain concepts if they are unfamiliar with Web3. This involves:

  • Setting up or connecting a wallet
  • Explaining the transaction fee (gas fee) structure
  • Providing demos or walkthroughs of basic DApp functionalities

Onboarding UI Flow in a React DApp

Using React, let’s implement an onboarding component to guide users through connecting their wallets and understanding key features of the DApp.

javascript
import React, { useState } from "react";
import Web3 from "web3";const Onboarding = () => {
const [connected, setConnected] = useState(false);
const [account, setAccount] = useState(“”);const connectWallet = async () => {
if (window.ethereum) {
const web3 = new Web3(window.ethereum);
try {
await window.ethereum.enable();
const accounts = await web3.eth.getAccounts();
setAccount(accounts[0]);
setConnected(true);
} catch (error) {
console.error(“Connection failed:”, error);
}
} else {
alert(“Please install MetaMask to use this DApp.”);
}
};return (
<div>
{!connected ? (
<button onClick={connectWallet}>Connect Wallet</button>
) : (
<p>Connected: {account}</p>
)}
</div>
);
};export default Onboarding;

This example demonstrates the importance of simplifying the onboarding process by guiding the user to connect their wallet with a single click and showing them feedback when the connection is successful.

Ensuring Wallet and Transaction Transparency

Gas Fees and Transaction Breakdown

A common pain point in DApps is the opacity surrounding gas fees. Many users do not fully understand the concept of gas fees and why they vary. A user-centric DApp should display transparent information about each transaction, including:

  • The gas fee estimation
  • Why the fee is necessary
  • How users can potentially reduce costs

Gas Fee Estimation with Ether.js

Here’s a code snippet to show gas fee estimation for Ethereum transactions using ethers.js.

javascript

import { ethers } from "ethers";

async function estimateGas(transactionData) {
const provider = new ethers.providers.Web3Provider(window.ethereum);
const signer = provider.getSigner();
try {
const gasEstimate = await provider.estimateGas({
…transactionData,
from: await signer.getAddress(),
});
console.log(“Estimated Gas:”, gasEstimate.toString());
} catch (error) {
console.error(“Gas estimation failed:”, error);
}
}

Displaying estimated gas fees within the DApp will help users make informed decisions when interacting with the blockchain.

Clear Transaction Feedback

After initiating a transaction, users should be notified about the transaction status. Providing feedback on whether the transaction is pending, successful, or failed helps users stay informed.

javascript
async function sendTransaction(transactionData) {
const provider = new ethers.providers.Web3Provider(window.ethereum);
const signer = provider.getSigner();
try {
const tx = await signer.sendTransaction(transactionData);
console.log("Transaction Sent. Hash:", tx.hash);// Listen for transaction confirmation
await tx.wait();
console.log(“Transaction Confirmed!”);
} catch (error) {
console.error(“Transaction failed:”, error);
}
}

Building Accessible and Intuitive UI Components

Wallet and Account Management

To make Web3 user-friendly, clear and accessible wallet information must be available. Display the user’s wallet address and balance prominently within the DApp.

javascript

import { useEffect, useState } from "react";

const AccountInfo = () => {
const [balance, setBalance] = useState(“”);
const [address, setAddress] = useState(“”);

useEffect(() => {
const fetchAccountData = async () => {
if (window.ethereum) {
const accounts = await window.ethereum.request({ method: “eth_accounts” });
setAddress(accounts[0]);

const balance = await window.ethereum.request({
method: “eth_getBalance”,
params: [accounts[0], “latest”]
});
setBalance(ethers.utils.formatEther(balance));
}
};
fetchAccountData();
}, []);

return (
<div>
<p>Account: {address}</p>
<p>Balance: {balance} ETH</p>
</div>
);
};

export default AccountInfo;

This code snippet displays the user’s wallet address and current balance in ETH. By implementing a clear, user-friendly wallet overview, users can manage their assets within the DApp seamlessly.

Using Familiar UI Patterns

Use familiar Web2 patterns like modals, progress indicators, and notifications to enhance accessibility. These patterns make interactions more predictable, which is crucial for new users.

Custom Modal Component for Transaction Confirmation

javascript
import React from "react";
import "./Modal.css"; // Create custom CSS for your modalconst Modal = ({ isOpen, onClose, message }) => {
if (!isOpen) return null;return (
<div className=“modal-backdrop”>
<div className=“modal-content”>
<p>{message}</p>
<button onClick={onClose}>Close</button>
</div>
</div>
);
};export default Modal;

Implementing a modal to confirm transactions provides a familiar user experience similar to traditional applications, reducing the learning curve.

Leveraging Smart Contracts for User-Centric Features

User-Controlled Smart Contracts

One core element of Web3 applications is the ability for users to interact with smart contracts. Smart contracts should be designed to prioritize user control and ownership, allowing users to view, manage, and even revoke permissions.

Solidity Contract with Permission Control

Here’s a simple Solidity smart contract that enables users to give or revoke access to their data.

solidity
// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.0;contract UserData {
address public owner;
mapping(address => bool) public authorizedUsers;constructor() {
owner = msg.sender;
}modifier onlyOwner() {
require(msg.sender == owner, “Not the owner”);
_;
}function authorizeUser(address user) external onlyOwner {
authorizedUsers[user] = true;
}function revokeUser(address user) external onlyOwner {
authorizedUsers[user] = false;
}function isAuthorized(address user) external view returns (bool) {
return authorizedUsers[user];
}
}

By implementing such smart contracts, you provide users with complete control over who can access their data.

Integrating Smart Contracts with Frontend

Integrate this smart contract with your frontend using ethers.js to allow users to authorize and revoke permissions within the DApp interface.

javascript
async function authorizeUser(contractAddress, userAddress) {
const provider = new ethers.providers.Web3Provider(window.ethereum);
const signer = provider.getSigner();
const contract = new ethers.Contract(contractAddress, UserData.abi, signer);try {
const tx = await contract.authorizeUser(userAddress);
await tx.wait();
console.log(“User authorized successfully.”);
} catch (error) {
console.error(“Authorization failed:”, error);
}
}

This code enables users to manage their permissions with just a few clicks, enhancing their sense of control within the DApp.

Creating Responsive and Mobile-Friendly DApps

Responsive Layouts

Use responsive design to ensure that your DApp functions well on mobile devices. Many users access Web3 applications through mobile, making it crucial to optimize for smaller screens.

css
/* CSS for responsive layouts */
.container {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
padding: 20px;
}@media (min-width: 768px) {
.container {
flex-direction: row;
}
}

By creating responsive layouts, you make your DApp accessible to a larger audience and improve usability on various devices.

Conclusion

Designing user-centric Web3 applications involves making DApps accessible, intuitive, and empowering for users. By integrating familiar UI patterns, clear onboarding processes, transparent transaction handling, and responsive design, you can provide a smoother Web3 experience. A good DApp minimizes complexity and enhances user control over data and interactions, all while leveraging the benefits of blockchain technology.

Emphasizing user-centricity in Web3 is essential for the growth and acceptance of decentralized applications. With careful attention to user needs and thoughtful design, DApps can offer the best of Web3 without sacrificing ease of use, fostering a more inclusive and decentralized internet for all.