Wega: A NFT betting platform

Introduction

In 2022, as an experienced Web3 UI/UX designer, I teamed up with three friends to launch a Web3 startup focused on addressing the liquidity challenges in the NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) space. Our solution was to create "Wega," a groundbreaking NFT betting platform where users could actively engage with their NFTs beyond mere ownership. Next to being part of the founding team designing the solution, my primary role involved leading UI/UX research and design, aiming to create a simple yet powerful application that offers a seamless user experience. Through Wega, users can play games like Dice, Coin Flip, and Slots, using their NFTs as wagers and unlocking new interactive possibilities for NFT holders.

UX objectives

To achieve this I conducted a few user interviews with various stakeholders of the NFT space in web3. With the following objective;

• Understand the users in the web3 NFT space
• Analyze their main motivation, user pains, etc., and create application features to tackle or accommodate these.
• What are their needs when it comes to NFT betting
• Generate effective user flows for Wega's NFT betting platform
• Test our team's assumptions regarding what the user would want from a web3 betting platform.

UX research outcomes

• Conducted extensive Interviews with 3 potential users who live and breathe NFTs
• Identified three main types of user personas, namely:
• The artist, Wants their art to be seen and valued
• The NFT collector, Invests in NFTs to flip them later
• The Young student, Wants to play games to win
• Designed 7 robust user flows
• Designed a sitemap
• Designed a transaction flow: Because the app is blockchain-native, a designer must understand where the app interacts with a blockchain and when it does not.

See the UX outcomes on figjam

UI objectives

With a clear understanding of our users, the next priority was to define the branding and visual direction for Wega. Our goal was to create an engaging, intuitive, and distinct look and feel for the platform. The following objectives guided our UI design for the Wega web app:

• Make Web3 Feel Accessible: Design an interface that feels familiar and intuitive, so users don't feel they are navigating a complex Web3 application.
• Establish a Unique, Minimalistic Brand: Craft a brand identity that is fresh, minimalistic, and energetic, setting Wega apart in the NFT space.
• Develop a Scalable Design System: Create a cohesive design system as a foundation for Wega’s current and future design needs.
• Design Key User Interfaces: Design both web and mobile versions of the landing page, the complete betting platform, and three core game interfaces for Dice, Coin Flip, and Slots.
• Create Social Media Branding: Design social media visuals to support Wega's launch and establish its presence.
• Test Usability with Users: Conduct usability testing on mock-ups to refine the experience and ensure it meets user expectations.
• These objectives drove the UI design process, resulting in a visually engaging and user-centered application that bridges Web3 functionality with a seamless user experience.

UI design outcomes

This section provides all the key design components that shaped the Wega brand's look and feel. First a bento box of design components and a presentation of mock-ups.

Bento Box

Mock-ups

This is a presentation of some pages designed for the Wega MVP. You can find more in the design file linked to this project.

Mini Prototype

This is a short Wega platform prototype to get a feel of the user flows and component animations.

Learnings

This project, as one of my first lead roles in UI/UX design, provided invaluable learning experiences while collaborating closely with my talented team members, Jash, Niko, and Fernando. Key takeaways from this journey include:

• Leading Design Decisions: Taking ownership of UX/UI decisions was both challenging and rewarding, sharpening my ability to balance user needs with project goals.
• Improving Design Organization: I learned the importance of structuring design files in a way that developers can easily navigate and implement, enhancing team efficiency.
• Refining the Handover Process: This project underscored the need for a polished, thorough design handover process to ensure a smooth transition from design to development.
• Branding and Visual Identity: Designing a memorable logo and cohesive visual identity for Wega was a fulfilling challenge that deepened my understanding of brand design principles.
• Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Space: Working within the Web3 and NFT space taught me how to pioneer design in an emerging field, building adaptability and innovation into the project.

These insights have strengthened my skills as a designer, preparing me for even more complex and innovative projects in the future.

Conclusion

Working on Wega as a lead UI/UX designer was a transformative experience, giving me the opportunity to tackle design challenges unique to the rapidly evolving Web3 and NFT spaces. Through extensive user research, persona development, and careful UI design, we built an intuitive and visually distinct application that bridges the gap between blockchain technology and user experience. This project deepened my skills in UX/UI design, branding, and the technical nuances of Web3 product development, preparing me for future ventures in this dynamic industry.