Jito
Jito Foundation (Network) is an MEV infrastructure company that develops systems to scale Solana and maximize validator rewards. Users can deposit SOL to earn JitoSOL. The Jito Stake Pool delegates SOL to MEV-enabled validators who auction blockspace and earn MEV rewards. These rewards boost the stake pool's APY, and users holding JitoSOL also benefit from MEV rewards, enhancing their overall returns alongside staking rewards. This setup allows users to maximize their earnings through staking and MEV opportunities on the Solana network.
Completion
July 2023
Industry
Blockchain
Tools
Figma, After Effects, Notion
Services
Research, Product & Web Design
Client Background
Revolutionizing financial empowerment through cutting-edge technology, our fintech company seamlessly connects individuals with personalized solutions, enabling them to achieve their financial goals with confidence.
Designing the Jito Staking Platform
After checking out the product documentation on specifications and expectations, I had a friendly discovery call with the team. During the call, I discovered that the goal of the project was to build a platform that is similar to Marinande Finance. This means that the Jito platform will only be different from its competitors by offering a better Annual Percentage Yield (APY), which is a great unique selling point (USP). However, it was important to me to learn more about what they want to offer to their potential users, so I asked some questions to get a better understanding.
Research & Discovery
So, I started out by checking out some other platforms that offer staking services to their users besides Marinande Finance. Platforms like Socean, Lido, and JPool all seem to focus on either Degens (people involved in crypto and financial spaces) or Noobs (newbies), and that seems to be working well for them. Now, Jito, like Marinande, wants to make their user experience simpler for novices. But, why can't we do both? Let's make it happen!
Interviews
To validate my initial assumptions gotten from my research i decided to conduct an interview on people who stake SOL or people who stake generally. The goals of the interview were quite straight forward
1. Understand User Needs: Gain insights into users' staking goals, preferences, and pain points to tailor the tool to their specific requirements. 2. Collect Feedback: Gather user feedback to validate assumptions, prioritize features, and enhance the overall user experience. 3. Identify Pain Points: Discover and address potential obstacles or concerns users may have when engaging in Solana staking. 4. Prioritize Features: Determine which features and functionalities are most crucial to users, ensuring the tool's development aligns with their priorities. 5. Build Trust and Empathy: Establish trust with users by valuing their input, and create an empathetic user-centric design that enhances satisfaction and usability.
User Personas
Interview Questions
Interview Questions
The user insights provided by the three personas show that potential users have a variety of preferences and priorities. Sarah, a financial analyst, values detailed analytics and is looking for a staking platform that is easy to use, so she can diversify and maximize her investments. Carlos, a small business owner, wants simplicity and efficiency to supplement his business income, and he also emphasizes the importance of security. Emily, a college student, is eager to learn and wants a beginner-friendly platform with low-cost options. She's driven by her desire to expand her knowledge. These insights highlight the need for a Solana staking platform to have both a straightforward, user-friendly interface and advanced features to accommodate a wide range of users with their unique goals.
Alpha (Version 1)
The goal for V1 was to create a perfect UX, with visual design as a secondary concern. Therefore, we broke the design sections into 3 parts: - Basic simplified staking - Explore an advanced staking interface - Explore the feature to transfer assets from other platforms to Jito (Vampire Attack) - Optimize for mobile responsiveness
During the design process for the Jito Staking Platform, the client expressed a strong desire to use the color green in their design. This was partly because green is part of Solana's color scheme, but also because they were interested in learning from what other successful platforms like Marinande were doing. After exploring different design options for three days, we were able to create Version 1, which incorporated the client's desired use of green as well as other design elements that we felt would best meet the needs of the platform's users.
Version one by components…
Screens on version 1
After testing and confirming that it meets the basic requirements and more, including the introduction of the advanced mode, we proceeded to create the marketing site before pushing it to production. This led to further discovery, but first…
The marketing page
During the initial phase, we extensively explored various design directions, all of which maintained the visual direction consistent with the product UI. However, we soon realized that there were certain accessibility concerns related to the color scheme and typography. These issues prompted us to delve into alternative design directions, as clearly depicted in the second and third frames showcased in the image above. Drawing inspiration from other successful products within the Solana ecosystem, we ultimately made the decision to incorporate a captivating purple color into our product. This color choice was arrived at after an extensive and meticulous series of explorations, where we rigorously tested and refined different shades until we discovered the perfect one to complement our product.
New Problem
The final design of the product was carefully curated to feature a unique and eye-catching purple color scheme, a sleek new typography, and a crisp white background that was further elevated by a subtle yet impactful drop shadow. While the design was aesthetically pleasing, it posed a problem when the marketing site and the product appeared to be two different entities.
As a result, updating the design system became a high priority for V2 to better align the design of the marketing site and the product. Fortunately, the update was a seamless process due to the foresight of the team in creating components and styles during the design of V1. In just 24 hours, we were able to produce a completely new and improved design for the product that was both visually stunning and cohesive with the marketing site. The update not only improved the appearance of the product, but it also served as a testament to the team's dedication to creating a seamless and user-friendly experience for their customers.
Usability Testing
Usability testing is a critical phase in the development of the Jito Staking Platform. During this phase, we conducted thorough testing with real users to evaluate the platform's user interface and overall user experience. Here are some key findings from our usability testing:
- Positive Feedback on Simplicity: Users appreciated the platform's simplicity and user-friendly design, especially in the basic staking interface. This aligns with our goal of catering to both novice and experienced users. - Advanced Features Exploration: Users who explored the advanced staking interface found it comprehensive and valuable. They particularly liked the ability to access detailed analytics and optimize their staking strategy. - Smooth Mobile Experience: The optimized mobile experience received positive feedback, with users commending its responsiveness and ease of use. This aligns with our emphasis on mobile usability. - Alignment with User Goals: Users found that the platform met their staking goals effectively, whether it was for earning passive income, maximizing returns, or gaining insights into their staking activities.
..Some components created in the style guide
Takeaways
Based on our usability testing and the development journey of the Jito Staking Platform, we've gathered several key takeaways:
- User-Centric Design Pays Off: Prioritizing a user-centric design, simplicity, and mobile responsiveness has resulted in a positive user experience, attracting both novice and experienced stakers. - Balance Simplicity and Advanced Features: Our ability to offer a straightforward staking experience while providing advanced features is a significant competitive advantage. It appeals to a wide range of users and aligns with their diverse goals. - Mobile-First Approach: The decision to optimize for mobile and provide a personalized mobile experience has resonated well with users. It's essential to continue refining the mobile interface. - Feedback is Invaluable: Usability testing and user feedback have been instrumental in shaping the platform's development. Continuous user engagement is crucial for ongoing improvements.
Final Thoughts
The journey of designing and developing the Jito Staking Platform has been a rewarding one. We set out with the goal of creating a platform that caters to both simplicity seekers and those who crave advanced features. Our commitment to user-centric design, coupled with a focus on the mobile experience, has positioned Jito as a standout player in the Solana staking ecosystem.
Future Recommendations
As we look to the future, we have several recommendations to ensure the ongoing success and growth of the Jito Staking Platform:
- Enhanced Analytics: Continuously improve and expand the analytics and insights offered to users, enabling them to make more informed staking decisions. - Education and Support: Develop comprehensive educational resources to help users, especially beginners, understand staking and MEV opportunities better. Provide robust customer support channels. - Security Measures: Strengthen security measures and regularly audit the platform's security to ensure the safety of users' assets. - Community Building: Foster a strong and engaged user community by hosting events, webinars, and forums for discussions and knowledge sharing. - Integration and Partnerships: Explore opportunities to integrate with other DeFi protocols and forge partnerships to expand the platform's capabilities and offerings.
In conclusion, the Jito Staking Platform stands as a testament to the power of user-centric design, adaptability, and continuous improvement. With a firm commitment to meeting user needs and expectations, we're excited about the platform's future and the positive impact it will have on the Solana staking community.
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