Project Overview
Project Overview
The goal of this case study is to introduce a new feature within the Coinbase app that prevents users from sending funds to the wrong wallet and reduces anxiety during the transaction process.
The goal of this case study is to introduce a new feature within the Coinbase app that prevents users from sending funds to the wrong wallet and reduces anxiety during the transaction process.
Roles
Roles
UX Designer
Researcher
UI Animator
UX Designer
Researcher
UI Animator
Tools
The Problem
The Problem
In the world of crypto, transactions are final, there’s no undo button.
If a user sends funds to the wrong address, there’s no way to reverse it unless the recipient sends it back voluntarily.
This lack of a safety net creates anxiety, especially for new users.
Many aren’t familiar with tools like Etherscan that help verify transaction status, leading to confusion, stress, and sometimes repeated or mistaken transactions. The current experience lacks built-in guardrails that could prevent errors or ease uncertainty during high-stakes moments.
In the world of crypto, transactions are final, there’s no undo button.
If a user sends funds to the wrong address, there’s no way to reverse it unless the recipient sends it back voluntarily.
This lack of a safety net creates anxiety, especially for new users.
Many aren’t familiar with tools like Etherscan that help verify transaction status, leading to confusion, stress, and sometimes repeated or mistaken transactions. The current experience lacks built-in guardrails that could prevent errors or ease uncertainty during high-stakes moments.
How might we
How might we
Introduce a safety net that respects the decentralized nature of crypto, yet helps users avoid sending funds to the wrong address?
Introduce a safety net that respects the decentralized nature of crypto, yet helps users avoid sending funds to the wrong address?
Introduce a safety net that respects the decentralized nature of crypto, yet helps users avoid sending funds to the wrong address?
How might we
How might we
Ease transaction anxiety without relying on centralized intervention or compromising user control?
Ease transaction anxiety without relying on centralized intervention or compromising user control?
The Solution
The Solution
This project aims to explore a new feature within the Coinbase ecosystem designed to reduce anxiety and prevent mistakes when sending funds on decentralized platforms. By providing users with an easy way to double-check recipient details and receive real-time transaction updates, it helps prevent sending funds to the wrong address—while staying true to the core values of decentralization.
This project aims to explore a new feature within the Coinbase ecosystem designed to reduce anxiety and prevent mistakes when sending funds on decentralized platforms. By providing users with an easy way to double-check recipient details and receive real-time transaction updates, it helps prevent sending funds to the wrong address—while staying true to the core values of decentralization.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Key Insights
Key Insights
I analyzed and compared the core transaction security features across MetaMask, Binance, and KuCoin to identify where gaps still exist in preventing user errors and reducing anxiety.
Despite offering 2FA, email/PIN verification, and user identity safeguards, none of the competitors assist with confirming wallet address accuracy, reminding users of previously used wallets, or providing real-time transaction tracking.
Most features focus on who is transacting, not where the funds are going.
I analyzed and compared the core transaction security features across MetaMask, Binance, and KuCoin to identify where gaps still exist in preventing user errors and reducing anxiety.
Despite offering 2FA, email/PIN verification, and user identity safeguards, none of the competitors assist with confirming wallet address accuracy, reminding users of previously used wallets, or providing real-time transaction tracking.
Most features focus on who is transacting, not where the funds are going.
I analyzed and compared the core transaction security features across MetaMask, Binance, and KuCoin to identify where gaps still exist in preventing user errors and reducing anxiety.
Despite offering 2FA, email/PIN verification, and user identity safeguards, none of the competitors assist with confirming wallet address accuracy, reminding users of previously used wallets, or providing real-time transaction tracking.
Most features focus on who is transacting, not where the funds are going.
User Interviews
Understanding How Users Navigate Trust and Transactions
Understanding How Users Navigate Trust and Transactions
I interviewed 8 crypto app users some met through Crypto Mondays networking event and some through my close circles.
The goal was to learn what purposes they use crypto apps for, how beginner-friendly they find them, and whether they feel confident navigating features like transaction history or using external tools such as Etherscan or Polyscan.
I also explored how users typically communicate with the recipient, whether they know and trust them, and how they verify transaction status. Especially in moments of uncertainty or delay.
I interviewed 8 crypto app users some met through Crypto Mondays networking event and some through my close circles.
The goal was to learn what purposes they use crypto apps for, how beginner-friendly they find them, and whether they feel confident navigating features like transaction history or using external tools such as Etherscan or Polyscan.
I also explored how users typically communicate with the recipient, whether they know and trust them, and how they verify transaction status. Especially in moments of uncertainty or delay.
I interviewed 8 crypto app users some met through Crypto Mondays networking event and some through my close circles.
The goal was to learn what purposes they use crypto apps for, how beginner-friendly they find them, and whether they feel confident navigating features like transaction history or using external tools such as Etherscan or Polyscan.
I also explored how users typically communicate with the recipient, whether they know and trust them, and how they verify transaction status. Especially in moments of uncertainty or delay.
Focus Area of Research:
Navigational Confidence
Navigational Confidence
Navigational Confidence
Trust and Communication
Trust and Communication
Trust and Communication
Transaction Patterns
Transaction Patterns
Transaction Patterns
Tools Used:
Tools Used:
Takeaways
Takeaways
Mistakes Are Common, Especially for Beginners
Mistakes Are Common, Especially for Beginners
Users admit to making errors early on like mistyping addresses and confusing features
Users admit to making errors early on like mistyping addresses and confusing features
Users are comfortable receiving crypto from unknown sources, but sending to unfamiliar addresses causes hesitation unless it’s a business transaction
Users are comfortable receiving crypto from unknown sources, but sending to unfamiliar addresses causes hesitation unless it’s a business transaction
This highlights a clear imbalance in trust behavior and a desire for reassurance when initiating outbound transfers.
This highlights a clear imbalance in trust behavior and a desire for reassurance when initiating outbound transfers.
This highlights a clear imbalance in trust behavior and a desire for reassurance when initiating outbound transfers.
Confirmation Is Key to Reducing Anxiety
Confirmation Is Key to Reducing Anxiety
Uncertainty about transaction completion timing causes stress, prompting users to seek visual proof via notifications or blockchain explorers.
Real-time confirmation or feedback mechanisms can significantly improve user confidence during and after transactions.
Uncertainty about transaction completion timing causes stress, prompting users to seek visual proof via notifications or blockchain explorers.
Real-time confirmation or feedback mechanisms can significantly improve user confidence during and after transactions.
Uncertainty about transaction completion timing causes stress, prompting users to seek visual proof via notifications or blockchain explorers.
Real-time confirmation or feedback mechanisms can significantly improve user confidence during and after transactions.
Affinity Mapping
Affinity Mapping
Through affinity mapping, two key pain points emerged across user interviews:
Lack of in-app confirmation tools
Many users either rely on external platforms like Etherscan or Polyscan, or don’t even know where to check transaction status, highlighting a need for real-time updates and confirmations directly within the app.
Desire for a Secondary Verification Step
Users commonly send a small test amount first. A built-in feature that prompts confirmation for new addresses could help reduce anxiety and prevent irreversible mistakes.
Lack of in-app confirmation tools
Many users either rely on external platforms like Etherscan or Polyscan, or don’t even know where to check transaction status, highlighting a need for real-time updates and confirmations directly within the app.
Desire for a Secondary Verification Step
Users commonly send a small test amount first. A built-in feature that prompts confirmation for new addresses could help reduce anxiety and prevent irreversible mistakes.
Personas
Personas
Alice Rosenberg
(Trader and Giver)
Age
33
Experience Level
Intermediate
Crypto Trader
Age
35
Experience Level
Advanced
Rob Nozic
(Experienced )
Chen Yuting
(New Crypto User)
Age
25
Experience Level
Beginner
Alice Rosenberg
(Trader and Giver)
Age
33
Experience Level
Intermediate
Crypto Trader
Age
35
Experience Level
Advanced
Rob Nozic
(Experienced )
Chen Yuting
(New Crypto User)
Age
25
Experience Level
Beginner
User Flow
User Flow
Wallet Address Detector Notification
Wallet Address Detector Notification
The user flow demonstrates how the app alerts users when the input wallet address hasn’t been used before, prompting them to double-check it.
Users can then go back to the wallet address bar to correct any mistakes before proceeding
The user flow demonstrates how the app alerts users when the input wallet address hasn’t been used before, prompting them to double-check it.
Users can then go back to the wallet address bar to correct any mistakes before proceeding
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Sketching the Solution
Sketching the Solution
After conducting user interviews and analyzing patterns across responses, I designed Low-Fi Wireframes of two key features to address common pain points around crypto transactions in Coinbase app.
After conducting user interviews and analyzing patterns across responses, I designed Low-Fi Wireframes of two key features to address common pain points around crypto transactions in Coinbase app.
After conducting user interviews and analyzing patterns across responses, I designed Low-Fi Wireframes of two key features to address common pain points around crypto transactions in Coinbase app.
1.Address Verification Warnings
1.Address Verification Warnings
I explored this flow using a bottom sheet format simple animation.
This feature detects whether a wallet address has been used before. If it's new, the app prompts the user with a warning and suggests sending a small test amount first.
For familiar addresses, the app displays the last transaction amount and date to reinforce user confidence.
The goal is to offer a subtle but effective checkpoint that prevents irreversible errors.
I explored this flow using a bottom sheet format simple animation.
This feature detects whether a wallet address has been used before. If it's new, the app prompts the user with a warning and suggests sending a small test amount first.
For familiar addresses, the app displays the last transaction amount and date to reinforce user confidence.
The goal is to offer a subtle but effective checkpoint that prevents irreversible errors.
I explored this flow using a bottom sheet format simple animation.
This feature detects whether a wallet address has been used before. If it's new, the app prompts the user with a warning and suggests sending a small test amount first.
For familiar addresses, the app displays the last transaction amount and date to reinforce user confidence.
The goal is to offer a subtle but effective checkpoint that prevents irreversible errors.
2.Transaction Status Tracker
2.Transaction Status Tracker
Users shared feelings of anxiety while waiting for funds to go through
This feature introduces a real-time tracker within the app that shows each step: when the transaction is submitted, confirmed by the network, and when it's received by the recipient. This reduces uncertainty and builds trust in the app's transparency.
Users shared feelings of anxiety while waiting for funds to go through
This feature introduces a real-time tracker within the app that shows each step: when the transaction is submitted, confirmed by the network, and when it's received by the recipient. This reduces uncertainty and builds trust in the app's transparency.
Initial sketches and rough animation ideas
Initial sketches and rough animation ideas
During the high-fidelity stage, the designs evolved with additional options and refinements.
During the high-fidelity stage, the designs evolved with additional options and refinements.
Hi-Fidelity Wireframes
Hi-Fidelity Wireframes
Refining UX with Micro-interactions
Refining UX with Micro-interactions
Moving into high-fidelity frames, user testing feedback highlighted a few key areas that opened up opportunities to solve problems using micro animations.
When the system detects an unfamiliar wallet address, instead of using a red color (which typically signals an error), I chose to address the issue by shaking the address bar. A new or unused address isn't necessarily a mistake—but it does warrant a second look. This subtle animation prompts the user to double-check without triggering unnecessary panic.
Moving into high-fidelity frames, user testing feedback highlighted a few key areas that opened up opportunities to solve problems using micro animations.
When the system detects an unfamiliar wallet address, instead of using a red color (which typically signals an error), I chose to address the issue by shaking the address bar. A new or unused address isn't necessarily a mistake—but it does warrant a second look. This subtle animation prompts the user to double-check without triggering unnecessary panic.
To further increase awareness, I added an animated exclamation mark that briefly draws the user's attention.
This animation warns the user, then guides them back to the address bar to re-check the input.
To further increase awareness, I added an animated exclamation mark that briefly draws the user's attention.
This animation warns the user, then guides them back to the address bar to re-check the input.
Reinforcing Trust with Micro-Feedback
Reinforcing Trust with Micro-Feedback
When a user types in a previously saved, familiar address, the system recognizes it to reinforce a sense of trust and familiarity. A green check mark, accompanied by subtle, confetti-like visual elements, is used to ease tension and add a touch of excitement—encouraging the user to feel confident and continue with the transaction
When a user types in a previously saved, familiar address, the system recognizes it to reinforce a sense of trust and familiarity. A green check mark, accompanied by subtle, confetti-like visual elements, is used to ease tension and add a touch of excitement—encouraging the user to feel confident and continue with the transaction
Visualizing Transaction Status with Microinteractions
Visualizing Transaction Status with Microinteractions
The second feature addresses user anxiety around crypto transaction delays by visually tracking the status of a funds transfer. The system illustrates each step in the transaction journey—from “Submitted” to “Network Confirmed,” and finally, “Received by Recipient.”
Initial rough concepts were tested with users, who later voted on their preferred design for the high-fidelity stage. Usability testing revealed that users strongly desired a clear “Received” confirmation—something the earlier versions lacked. Most users preferred Design C, citing its familiarity with traditional banking apps and the sense of progression it provided.
To enhance the feeling of completion, I incorporated a green checkmark micro-animation at the final step.
This subtle animation reinforces that the transaction is complete and confirmed without needing to ask the recipient. It’s a small but impactful interaction that helps reduce stress and builds trust in the process.
The second feature addresses user anxiety around crypto transaction delays by visually tracking the status of a funds transfer. The system illustrates each step in the transaction journey—from “Submitted” to “Network Confirmed,” and finally, “Received by Recipient.”
Initial rough concepts were tested with users, who later voted on their preferred design for the high-fidelity stage. Usability testing revealed that users strongly desired a clear “Received” confirmation—something the earlier versions lacked. Most users preferred Design C, citing its familiarity with traditional banking apps and the sense of progression it provided.
To enhance the feeling of completion, I incorporated a green checkmark micro-animation at the final step.
This subtle animation reinforces that the transaction is complete and confirmed without needing to ask the recipient. It’s a small but impactful interaction that helps reduce stress and builds trust in the process.
c)
Conclusion
Conclusion
Where Micro Meets Macro: Reflections on Crypto UX
Where Micro Meets Macro: Reflections on Crypto UX
Coinbase is a great brand, and working within the decentralized crypto space brought a unique kind of inspiration. The blend of user-centered design with philosophical research understanding what decentralization means and how users interact with it made the experience especially rewarding.
Just like choosing the right words, colors, or typography micro animations play a subtle but powerful role in shaping how users feel. In this project, they helped reduce anxiety, add delight, and guide attention during critical moments like address verification and transaction status updates. I aimed to design not just for usability, but for emotional clarity. Prototyping with a high level of realism was also key I wanted the feature to feel native to Coinbase, staying true to its brand system while mimicking real product behavior.
Coinbase is a great brand, and working within the decentralized crypto space brought a unique kind of inspiration. The blend of user-centered design with philosophical research understanding what decentralization means and how users interact with it made the experience especially rewarding.
Just like choosing the right words, colors, or typography micro animations play a subtle but powerful role in shaping how users feel. In this project, they helped reduce anxiety, add delight, and guide attention during critical moments like address verification and transaction status updates. I aimed to design not just for usability, but for emotional clarity. Prototyping with a high level of realism was also key I wanted the feature to feel native to Coinbase, staying true to its brand system while mimicking real product behavior.
