Clip Finance is a decentralized stable coin yield optimization protocol. Their goal is to simplify access to DeFi yields and to help onboard the next 1b people to crypto. Project site: https://www.clip.finance/
Year / Platform
2022 / web3
Team Role
UX Designer
Project Manager Artur. Visual Designer Unknown
DEFINITION
Challenge
Clip Finance's CEO reached out to me for assist in improving the user experience of their yield aggregator. While they had a visually appealing branding system, the overall experience was confusing and lacked clarity.
Value Proposition
The mission was to simplify the world of DeFi. The platform would offer a one-click solution for multi-strategy DeFi yield, be designed to bring the benefits of decentralized finance to the fingertips everyone. With Clip Finance, complexity would be a thing of the past. No need for constant monitoring – the platform would ensure your assets are always working their hardest for you.
Financial security is top priority and should reflect in the overall brand. We'd incorporate a reliable and secure investment experience. In addition dynamic rebalancing features keep portfolios aligned with user preferences, giving the confidence to explore the world of DeFi without the stress.
Security
Transparency
Proformance
User Profile
Meet "The Crypto Novice," a curious and adventurous individual venturing into the world of cryptocurrency for the first time. With little to no experience in the crypto space, he is eager to explore the opportunities and challenges that digital assets offer. Excited to learn and grow, The Crypto Novice seeks a user-friendly platform that provides clear guidance and educational resources to navigate this new financial landscape.
IDEATION
Process
Throughout this particular project, I encountered a myriad of challenges that required careful navigation, including gaining a deep understanding of the stakeholders involved and comprehending the complex backend processes related to smart contracts and fund flows. Fortunately, the client was well-versed and patient in providing thorough explanations.
Working closely with the CEO, I collaborated intensively to craft his vision for the platform. Our meetings were frequent, with us convening twice a week and sometimes more, ensuring alignment and clarity as we delved into the intricacies of the project.
In this project, my primary responsibility was to design and create user flows and interfaces for various critical elements, including connecting wallets, managing deposits, displaying APY charts, explaining fund allocations, handling pending deposits, providing notifications, managing minimum deposits, presenting TVL breakdowns, and enabling withdrawals and fund management.
To kickstart the process, I conducted extensive research, thoroughly analyzing the mobile and desktop interfaces of well-known crypto exchanges like 1inch and Uniswap, along with other prominent platforms. This research aimed to gain insights into user behaviors, expectations, and familiarity with transferring, depositing, and receiving funds, which served as a solid foundation for the design decisions to follow.
Despite the initial challenges, I was determined to address the UX issues and propel the project forward to meet the tight deadline. As I dove into the design process and created numerous screens, I couldn't ignore a growing concern in the back of my mind. Originally, my focus was on ensuring a seamless and straightforward deposit flow. However, as the project evolved and we engaged in continuous collaboration, additional features were added. This dynamic led to somewhat erratic decision-making regarding features and overall structure, causing a potential risk to the project's coherence and user experience.
During a call, where I presented some wires the CEO requested the addition of an APY chart to the design, inspired by another platform. Concerned about ensuring user-centered decision-making, I questioned, "How do we decide what features our users truly need?" After a brief pause, he confidently responded, "I know what they want." Understanding the significance of user feedback, I urged him to consider conducting user research and testing with a target group. He assured me he would explore this approach, and we agreed to proceed with further discussions on this matter.
One of my most significant insights from working with various web3 companies was the importance of prioritizing the main offering, which, in this case, was the Deposit flow. As the primary income generator, the royalty fee derived from profits earned was dependent on users actively depositing funds. Upon completing the terms, users would receive their assets back along with earnings. However, without user deposits, the platform would not generate any fees, making the Deposit flow crucial for sustainable revenue.
During the development process, I engaged in about four rounds of revisions to refine the Deposit flow, which played a pivotal role in the platform's success. The CEO expressed a strong desire to maintain a widget-focused structure, which was initially adopted based on industry standards.
One of my most significant insights from working with various web3 companies was the importance of prioritizing the main offering, which, in this case, was the Deposit flow. As the primary income generator, the royalty fee derived from profits earned was dependent on users actively depositing funds. Upon completing the terms, users would receive their assets back along with earnings. However, without user deposits, the platform would not generate any fees, making the Deposit flow crucial for sustainable revenue.
During the development process, I engaged in about four rounds of revisions to refine the Deposit flow, which played a pivotal role in the platform's success. The CEO expressed a strong desire to maintain a widget-focused structure, which was initially adopted based on industry standards.
SOLUTION
Prototype
As the project evolved, we incorporated essential features to enhance the user experience, including notifications for significant platform updates, APY charts, Total Value Locked (TVL), additional wallet integrations, and comprehensive fund breakdowns, among others. However, I remained concerned about understanding the user needs and preferences more thoroughly. When I asked the CEO again about user insights, he mentioned relying on advice from a friend, but due to external factors such as the market downturn and the SBR situation, we couldn't delve deeper into user research at that time. Despite the challenges, our collaborative efforts and dedication resulted in a dynamic yield aggregator platform that catered to the needs of users and provided a seamless one-click solution for multi-strategy DeFi yield, offering world-class performance monitoring and yield optimization.
Deposit (Light)
Main function and the first thing the user see.
Pending Allocation
When funds are deposited they are grouped in batched. The time indicates when the batch will be grouped.
Notification (Light)
Major platform alters or strategy changes are sent to the user through notification.
Connect Wallet
Wallets connected to the platform must frist agree to the acknowledgment.
TVL (Total Volume Locked)
This feature displays the health of the protocol.
Wallet (Connected)
When connected the wallet displays what can be deposited.
Final Thoughts
In retrospect, embarking on this project has been a transformative journey that has left an indelible mark on my approach to design and problem-solving. The insights gained from collaborating with diverse teams, stakeholders, and users have redefined my understanding of user-centered design. Navigating the intricate dance between constraints and creativity has taught me the art of finding innovative solutions within limitations.Moreover, this experience reinforced the invaluable role of effective stakeholder relations in shaping the trajectory of a project. Interacting closely with stakeholders has underscored the importance of clear communication, empathy, and compromise in steering a project towards success.
As I reflect on this project, I am reminded that every challenge we encountered presented an opportunity to grow, refine my skills, and uncover novel ways to deliver impactful solutions.Beyond the technical aspects, the deeper lesson is the symbiotic relationship between growth and discomfort. The moments of uncertainty and the need to pivot challenged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone, catalyzing personal and professional growth. As I carry the insights from this project into future endeavors, I am armed with a newfound resilience, a sharper eye for collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to creating designs that resonate with users' needs and aspirations.
In closing, this project has been more than just a design exercise; it has been a voyage of discovery and evolution. The lessons learned will continue to shape my journey, inspiring me to approach each new challenge with an open heart, a curious mind, and an unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact in the world of design.