Understanding the difference between the front and back end is crucial with Web3 technology. The term “front end” describes the portion of Web3 applications with which consumers interact directly. This includes the user-facing side of the technology, websites and decentralized applications (DApps).
The backend, on the other hand, refers to the complex system that supports these Web3 applications. Everything from distributed ledgers and smart contracts to consensus protocols are included here.
However, accessibility and simplicity are important for Web3 adoption. When Web3’s technical complexities are too prominent on the front end – such as managing cryptographic keys or understanding blockchain concepts – it can alienate a significant portion of potential users. It is important to make the user experience and interactions smooth and easy to understand so that the end user does not have to worry about the technical details.
By prioritizing accessibility and simplicity, Web3 technology can be more attractive to diverse users. This approach helps bridge the gap between early adopters who are well-versed in blockchain technology and the broader mainstream audience.
Harrison Hines, CEO and co-founder of Fleek, a Web3 app development platform, told Cointelegraph: “Simplicity and accessibility have been key to the mainstream growth of computers, smartphones, mobile apps and even very recently AI. Hiding technical complexities on the back end follows the same logic. Developers are also end users and they need tools/infrastructure that are easy to use and build.”
Benefits of hiding Web3 in the backend
The user experience can be improved by making blockchain-based apps easier to navigate. When users are protected from the technical complexities associated with blockchain technology and cryptographic keys, they can interact with Web3 applications in a manner similar to using traditional web applications. This streamlined experience encourages users to explore and adopt Web3 applications without being intimidated by their complexity.
Simplified onboarding for non-technical users
When the onboarding process is simple, individuals unfamiliar with blockchain technology can quickly get started with Web3 applications. This approach shortens the learning curve and allows a broader and more diverse user base to access the benefits of Web3 without the need for an in-depth understanding of its technical aspects.
For example, Immutable Passport simplifies the onboarding process for WAGMI Defense users by offering a simple and password-free login experience. With just a few taps, users can create an account, eliminating the need for password management. In combination with this, Passport sets up a non-custodial wallet in the background, providing a secure repository for users’ digital assets.
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Authentication options have been streamlined, allowing users to choose from familiar methods such as logging in to Google, Apple, or email.
Passport’s interoperability feature also enables seamless logins to all games and marketplaces within the immutable ecosystem.
This approach ensures a user-friendly experience, especially for those unfamiliar with Web3 technologies. According to Web3 gaming franchise WAGMI Games, this feature makes it possible to get more players on board.
Immutable Passport enables social login for gaming platforms like WAGMI Games. Source: WAGMI
Kostas Kroustaloudis, development director at WAGMI Games, told Cointelegraph: “Simplifying the onboarding process for non-technical users is crucial to driving mainstream adoption of Web3 technology. The majority of people have little patience for complicated, technical interfaces.”
Kroustaloudis continued: “In fact, the likelihood of someone uninstalling an app increases with each additional click or tap required to achieve their goal. This is especially crucial when introducing gamers to new titles. The difference between success and failure can often depend on the reduction of just one additional click.”
Attracting more users and developers
Keeping Web3 technology in the back end can bridge the gap between early adopters and regular users, expanding the Web3 user base beyond the tech-savvy and blockchain enthusiasts. As Web3 applications become indistinguishable from their traditional counterparts in terms of user experience, they are more likely to attract users who may have hesitated to explore the technology due to its perceived complexity.
According to some experts, making it easier to build apps that hide Web3 components in the back end could attract more developers, bringing more Web3 apps to the market.
Fleek’s Hines said: “The key benefit is that it will make it easier and more accessible for more developers to build applications using Web3 technologies in their backend.”
Hines continued, “It’s just a numbers game. The more developers you have building more Web3-powered applications, the more likely (and faster) you will find those breakthrough success apps that drive mainstream adoption. It’s the same as what we saw happening in Web2 and mobile. Users discovering new Web3 apps they like will encourage them to try others.”
Minimizing user errors and risks
Hiding the Web3 technology on the back end has the added benefit of minimizing user error and risk. When users are not exposed to technical complexities, they are less likely to make critical mistakes, such as mishandling cryptographic keys or entering into unsafe transactions.
This is especially important in decentralized finance applications, where small errors can lead to significant financial losses.
Minimizing user errors and risks
A notable example of a back-end Web3 implementation is the Ethereum Name Service (ENS). ENS allows users to replace long, cryptic Ethereum addresses with human-readable domain names.
ENS enables human-readable names for wallets. Source: ENS
This technology can be integrated into applications, giving users a seamless experience. Users can send cryptocurrency to ‘john.eth’ instead of ‘0x4cbe58a94d991087fa2dc648b1e33f55dbb53f4f2’, making transactions less prone to errors.
Coinbase uses cb.id usernames, an ENS domain form, to streamline cryptocurrency transfers and user interaction. These usernames are linked to the ENS infrastructure, simplifying complex wallet addresses by providing a human-readable alternative.
In addition, cb.id usernames automatically redirect web users to the respective Web3 profiles at profile.coinbase.com.
When it comes to blockchain gaming, WAGMI Games is another example. The WAGMI Defense mobile app uses a free-to-play business model and offers a familiar user experience. Players start by obtaining a free basic card set. Suppose a player wants to participate in more challenging games with the chance of higher ranks and potential prizes. In that case, they can purchase NFT characters with real money, similar to traditional apps.
While the blockchain serves as the basis for the game’s technology, players interact with the game through a more traditional interface. This design can reduce the perceived complexity and difficulty of using blockchain and NFT features, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Actionable advice
For builders looking to create more user-friendly and seamless Web3 apps, an important consideration is implementing gas optimization strategies. Gas fees are an inherent part of many blockchain transactions and can be a significant barrier for users.
Builders can improve the gas cost problem by using layer 2 solutions such as state channels, rerouting transactions off the main chain, reducing congestion and improving user experience, especially for gaming DApps.
Moreover, they can choose low-cost blockchains such as BNB Smart Chain, Solana or Polkadot to create budget-friendly environments, especially for microtransactions.
Kroustaloudis agreed, telling Cointelegraph: “Gas fees, especially in the context of apps that rely on microtransactions, can be a significant hurdle. Even a $0.10 gas fee, if paid frequently, can be problematic. With the emergence of several new L2 chains, such as Coinbase’s BASE and Immutable’s L2 solution, gas costs are no longer a concern.”
“Depending on the nature of the app, the choice to build on layer 2 becomes an obvious choice to achieve mass adoption. To embark on this journey, developers must thoroughly investigate the needs of their target groups and determine the most appropriate gas optimization strategy for their project.”
Zero-knowledge (ZK) technology, specifically ZK rollups, can reduce the burden on the main chain by bundling off-chain transactions into a single smart contract, offering faster confirmation times and lower costs. Builders can integrate ZK rollups to make their applications more efficient and cost-effective while improving the user experience.
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Builders should also consider optimizing for mobile devices. Many users access Web3 apps on their smartphones, so ensuring an app is mobile responsive and functions seamlessly across different screen sizes and devices is critical to widespread adoption.
For users who want to use Web3 apps, it is essential to maintain awareness and knowledge about the technology. Web3 and blockchain are evolving quickly, and staying up to date on the latest developments, security best practices, and user guidelines can help users make informed decisions to protect their digital assets.
