Fanstake

Overview

As the lead designer for Fanstake, a novel NIL staking platform for NCAA football and basketball, my primary goal was to create a user-friendly, engaging, and visually appealing interface that would attract and retain users while effectively facilitating the staking process. As a Zero-1 product, I started off thinking of how the overall experience could help set the right tone for the entire product cycle.

What We Did

Product Design
Design Systems
Product strategy
Prototyping

Team Size

Co-founder
UX Designer
Full Stack Engineer
Myself

Year

2024

Process

Understanding the User

  • Identifying Key User Segments: We defined two primary user segments:
    • College Sports Enthusiasts: Passionate fans who wanted to support their favorite athletes and potentially earn financial rewards.
    • Investors: Individuals seeking alternative investment opportunities with a sports-related angle.
  • User Research: Through surveys, interviews, and usability testing, we gathered insights into user needs, preferences, and pain points.

Defining the Design Goals

  • Simplicity and Clarity: The platform needed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for users who were new to staking or NIL concepts.
  • Trust and Security: Given the financial nature of the platform, it was essential to instill a sense of trust and security in users.
  • Engagement and Gamification: We aimed to create a fun and engaging experience by incorporating gamification elements and personalized features.

Design Process and Iterations

  • Wireframing and Prototyping: We created low-fidelity wireframes to establish the basic layout and functionality of the platform. These were then iterated upon and refined through user testing.
  • Visual Design: The visual language of Fanstake was designed to be modern, dynamic, and aligned with the excitement of college sports. We used a color palette that evoked energy and passion, while maintaining a professional and trustworthy aesthetic.
  • User Testing and Feedback: Throughout the design process, we conducted usability testing to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. This iterative approach allowed us to refine the design based on real-world user experiences.

Key Design Features

  • Staking Dashboard: A personalized dashboard provided users with a clear overview of their staked athletes, current returns, and upcoming events.
  • Athlete Profiles: Detailed profiles featured athlete statistics, news, and social media links, enabling users to make informed decisions.
  • Community Features: A built-in community forum allowed users to connect with other fans, discuss strategies, and share insights.
  • Educational Resources: We provided educational content to help users understand NIL concepts, staking mechanics, and risk management.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape for NIL deals presented a significant challenge. We worked closely with legal experts to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
  • Balancing User Experience and Security: Striking a balance between a seamless user experience and robust security measures was crucial. We implemented industry-standard security practices while minimizing friction for users.

Outcome

The design of Fanstake was a collaborative effort that involved careful consideration of user needs, market trends, and regulatory requirements. By focusing on simplicity, clarity, and engagement, we were able to create a platform that resonated with our target audience and facilitated the growth of the NIL staking market.

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