Flux is a Web3 wallet design that rethinks how crypto apps handle security onboarding. The MVP is a progressive security system that scales with the user's actual financial risk.
Role
UXUI / Product Design
Focus
UX research, UX/UI design, AI image generation, DeFi Education
Scope
App onboarding to first purchase
tools
Figma, Midjourney
Designing for behavior, emotion, and progression
I designed the experience around how users actually think and feel over time, using progressive disclosure, behavioral triggers, and revealing seed phrase complexity only when needed, guiding actions through subtle triggers, and specific UI decisions.
Researching patterns behind user decisions
I combined platform audits with real user interview to identify recurring friction and blind spots. Beyond usability issues, I focused on where users feel lost, anxious, or overconfident, and used those insights to shape clearer, more supportive flows.
Crafting a cohesive, modern visual system
Designing a visual system that's modern and playful. Flux’s branding conveys clarity, trust, and approachability. With a custom logo, dark mode mobile first screens, consistent AI-generated 3D illustrations – creating a distinct, cohesive visual identity across the product.
Making Web3 concepts clear and usable
The product is grounded in real Web3 constraints — self-custody, security trade-offs…etc. I use interactive quizzes to turn concepts like wallets and private keys into flows that feel less intimidating, helping users navigate Web3 without needing deep technical knowledge.
00 – the problem
It all sounds simple until you try
Decentralized finance is built on something I really believe in — ownership, transparency, no middle layer. But the actual experience don't always feel so positive. Complex wallet setups and unclear custody moments make it hard for first-timers to understand what they own and control. and what self-custody actually means.
01 – Research
Every wallet falls into one of two traps
I combined competitive analysis and user research—reviewing apps, forums, and interviews with crypto beginners—to map their emotional journey and identify key friction points and unmet needs.
Key insights that emerged include:
1. Early wallet setup creates friction.
2. Users want to experience value before taking custody.
3. Unclear ownership signals reduce drop-offs.
I then analyzed 5 Web3 platforms — Base, Uniswap, MetaMask, Phantom, and Jupiter, — focusing on wallet setup, security education timing, and ownership clarity to find patterns.
Pattern A: The gate keeper
Force seed phrase memorization and quizzes before the user has done anything. MetaMask, Trust Wallet do this. Users quit before seeing any value.
Pattern B: The silent custodian
Let users buy instantly but never surface backup urgency. Base, Uniswap do this. Users lose access when they switch phones. I experienced this firsthand.
02 – user profile & emotional patterns
The people de-fi trading keep losing
I focused on one archetypes from my analysis – The curious newcomer that are scared of doing something irreversible they don't understand, and need to see value before committing to complexity. Understand what they own in plain language.
03 – Design concept
Pattern C: security that grows with you
Instead of choosing between "gate everything" and "gate nothing," the decision is made to be progressive security model where each layer activates based on how much the user has at stake.
There will be 3 stages of security layers.The wallet starts protected by passkey/cloud backup at Level 0. The seed phrase is an upgrade to full self-custody, rather than a prerequisite.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
04 – branding & UI
Designing Flux's personality
05 – The result & User flow
Level 0- Zero friction entry
Welcome
Email/Apple/Google
Home (guided $0)
When a new user first arrives, they go through a simple setup. The wallet is already created in the background — no seed phrase to deal with. You land on the home screen with a clear prompt guiding you to make your first purchase.
Level 1- First purchase
Buy crypto
Review order
Purchase Complete
Home (Post purchase nudge)
Level 2- Balance growth triggers
Home (reminder banner)
….
Wallet Secure
At purchases of $50 or more, a persistent banner with a progress ring appears to remind users to secure their wallet. If the user chooses to ignore it, the banner remains visible for a limited time, balancing security awareness with uninterrupted user flow. This design gently reinforces the importance of wallet protection without creating friction, allowing users to act on it at a convenient moment.
Level 3- High-Stakes Security
Home
Buy/Swap/Send
Back up required warning
Wallet security quizzes
Security back up complete
At $500+, if a user attempts to buy, send, or swap, the app gates the action and immediately guides them through a security education flow, including access to their seed phrases via short interactive quizzes.
Why include education + quizzes
This ensures users understand wallet security and can confidently manage assets. Active engagement, rather than just showing seed phrases, reduces risk, reinforces security habits, and makes the experience educational and actionable.
