The problem stems from users having no simple way to identify high-yield vaults across different chains. Our goals are to help users optimize on-chain yield through tailored vault recommendations, drive product growth, and increase engagement. By gamifying the experience, we aim to make discovery and participation both rewarding and intuitive.
This project was initially conceived as part of Dora’s blockchain search ecosystem. In this MVP we decided to explore it as an independent concept, narrowing the focus to a single on-chain action: committing yield to vaults. This gave us the opportunity to test how a simplified, goal-oriented experience could engage users more effectively.
I conducted research on successful gamification patterns to understand how to motivate users to complete actions that might otherwise feel tedious or intimidating. Two examples I studied closely were Robinhood and Duolingo, both of which transformed how people engage with complex or effortful tasks.
Robinhood helped make stock trading — once seen as high-risk and reserved for professionals — accessible to everyday users. Duolingo redefined language learning, turning it from a serious obligation into a fun, goal-oriented daily activity. Both products illustrate how strong design and psychology can shift perception, encouraging participation and sustained engagement.
Some of the effective gamification and incentivization UX patterns I observed:
I designed a simple, intuitive onboarding flow with a clear progress indicator. Users can either connect an existing wallet or create a new one, following crypto conventions. From a product strategy standpoint, we added an incentive for first-time deposits into yield, encouraging initial adoption while guiding users toward meaningful on-chain actions.
For vault discovery, I designed a swipe interaction that lets users browse and select vaults in a playful, engaging way. This UX, inspired by patterns seen in dating apps and even children’s toys, enables tailored recommendations and encourages exploration, transforming a typically dry financial process into an interactive, habit-forming experience.
Security is priority when it comes to financial assets. We provided a list view for vaults to allow users to compare options across the board. Each staking step is clearly communicated, ensuring users always know where their money is going and retain full control. This approach balances transparency, security, and usability — critical elements for on-chain financial interactions.
We developed a rewards system that encourages users to return daily to reinvest yield earnings. If users don’t return, that day’s yield is not compounded, while streak bonuses incentivize consistency. This design aligns user behavior with product goals, promoting discovery of other vaults and fostering sustained engagement.
This MVP focused on researching and iterating core flows to maximize user goals. Despite its visual simplicity, the prototype acted as a tangible proof of concept — clearly communicating the product vision, user experience, and potential impact. It also helped spark early strategic discussions with stakeholders, generating alignment and momentum before committing to full development. In fast-paced startup environments, prototypes don’t need to be perfect — they just need to show progress and possibility.