Seeded Network
Lending & Borrowing Protocol on Solana
My Role
Creative & Product Designer , I led the visual storytelling, design strategy, and user experience decisions that helped bring Seeded Network to life.
Team
1 Project Lead
1 Rust Developer
1 Marketing Manager
1 Advisor
1 Product Designer (Me)
Overview
At Seeded Network, I had the opportunity to wear multiple hats, merging creative vision with hands-on product design. My job was to turn complex blockchain tech into a smooth, engaging experience. Working closely with developers on everything from smart contracts to NFT staking, I made sure our design was both innovative and super user-friendly.
BRANDING & VISUAL IDENTITY
Building a Trustworthy and Bold Identity
Planting the Seed 🌱
Stepping into Web3
Designing for a decentralized future meant taking risks and embracing bold ideas. I set out to create a brand that felt fresh and innovative while still exuding the reliability of traditional finance. Our approach was built on three simple pillars: Innovation, Security, and Community.
Every detail, from our color choices to typography and icons, was chosen to reflect a vibe that was both secure and forward-thinking.
Using Solana gave us the performance boost and funding opportunities we needed to push the boundaries of what was possible.
Market Analysis
I dove deep into the market, looking at how traditional banks and leading DeFi platforms crafted their identities. This research made it clear that we could stand out by mixing a modern, tech-forward look with elements that users already trusted.
Visual Strategy
We blended bold, modern colors with classic tones, and chose fonts that were both stylish and easy on the eyes. The aim was to create an identity that was as reliable as it was cutting-edge.
Comprehensive Documentation
I put together a straightforward brand guide that covered everything from typography and colors to logo usage and tone. This way, anyone on the team or among our partners could easily bring our brand vision to life.
Training & Implementation
It wasn’t just about writing down guidelines, I also hosted interactive workshops to ensure everyone got the vibe. Keeping the brand consistent across all channels was key, and these sessions really helped nail that down.
Market Differentiation
In a crowded DeFi market, we needed a look that was unmistakably ours. I focused on a design that grabbed attention and clearly communicated what made Seeded Network different, mixing futuristic elements with familiar cues that reassured users.
The result was a visual identity that spoke volumes: it was innovative yet approachable, instantly setting us apart in the space.
Outcome
Our branding work not only boosted recognition but also built trust with our community. By fusing blockchain innovation with a dependable aesthetic, Seeded Network emerged as a leader in the DeFi arena.
LENDING & BORROWING PRODUCT
Making DeFi Simple and Accessible
A DeFi Protocol, with a Twist
Overview
I set out to turn the sometimes intimidating world of lending and borrowing into a smooth, user-friendly journey. From selecting assets to confirming transactions, every step was reimagined to be clear, simple, and even a little fun, even for DeFi newcomers.
One challenge was that many smart contract developers were used to EVM chains, so we had to design creative workarounds for a non-EVM environment.
Back in 2021, there were few DeFi products on Solana. We were truly exploring new territory, which meant designing robust solutions from scratch.
Objective
The goal was simple: create an intuitive, no-fuss experience for lending and borrowing that cut through the complexity of DeFi.
Simplifying User Flows
I broke down the journey into easy-to-follow steps, giving users a clear path from start to finish. Every interaction was designed to feel natural and efficient.
Helpful tooltips and real-time tips were sprinkled throughout the interface to guide users and smooth out any bumps along the way.
Error Prevention and Recovery
Since real money was involved, I made sure the design helped prevent mistakes. Clear validations, friendly error messages, and simple recovery options meant that if something went wrong, users could easily get back on track.
Smart Contract Integration
Working closely with the developers, I helped integrate secure smart contract features directly into the interface, turning complex backend processes into a seamless user experience.
User Testing
We ran plenty of user tests, talking to both beginners and experienced users, to find out what worked and what needed tweaking. Their feedback was key in refining the experience.
Dynamic Data Display
Real-time updates showing interest rates, collateral values, and liquidity were built into the design, so users always knew where they stood. It was all about making data feel immediate and useful.
Complexity of DeFi Operations
DeFi can be a maze, but I focused on breaking down the complexity with clear language and smart design choices, making advanced features accessible to everyone.
Security Considerations
Security was front and center. Every design element reinforced our robust smart contract protocols, giving users peace of mind while they navigated the platform.
INCUBATION PROGRAM
Cultivating Tomorrow’s DeFi Innovators
Planting the Seeds for a Brighter Future
Overview
The Seeded Network incubator was designed to give emerging DeFi projects a real boost. By offering hands-on support, from mentorship and technical advice to marketing know-how, we helped these ventures grow and thrive in a competitive landscape.
Every project came with its own set of challenges, so we tailored our support to fit each one’s unique needs.
As the incubator grew, keeping our support top-notch was key to ensuring every project could flourish.
Holder-First, Easy Access
We built our lending solution with mobile users in mind. Whether on a phone or desktop, the interface was designed to be smooth, secure, and packed with all the info you needed, no fuss, just clear functionality.
The incubator was modular, too. Projects could pick the support they needed, be it technical guidance, marketing strategy, or community building, at whatever stage they were in their journey.
Plus, I helped build a network of industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs to mentor these projects, offering down-to-earth advice and practical insights to navigate the DeFi world.
Funding Mechanisms
Holding a Seeded Network token wasn’t just for bragging rights, it unlocked exclusive access to private sales and early investment opportunities. We also created a streamlined onboarding process for new projects, ensuring they were set up for success from day one.
By mixing different funding options, like token sales and staking, we helped projects secure the capital they needed while keeping things aligned with their long-term goals.
Want to dig a little deeper? Check out the detailed project file here.
