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.

Contributions

Product Design
Design Systems
Product strategy
Prototyping

Team

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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