Empowering dApps: Lessons from Nillion, EDCON, and ETHDenver

Decentralized applications (dApps) are the backbone of Web3, driving innovation across diverse industries. As Web3 conferences, hackathons, and side events grow in popularity, they present unique opportunities to onboard users and showcase blockchain technology. However, one of the biggest challenges for event organizers is providing a seamless wallet setup process, especially for non-technical attendees.

This is where Web3Auth comes in. By offering frictionless wallet authentication, Web3Auth empowers event organizers to simplify onboarding, enhance engagement, and deliver memorable experiences. Explore how Nillion, EDCON, and ETHDenver leveraged Web3Auth to enhance user experiences, gamify events, and demonstrate real-world blockchain applications.

Case Study 1: Nillion – Web3-Powered Tuk-Tuk Rides at Devcon 2024

Objective

• Showcase how Web3 technology can be applied to real-world transportation services.
• Provide a simplified onboarding process for both crypto-native and non-technical users.
• Incentivize interaction with blockchain-based rewards.

Implementation

1. User Authentication
   • Web3Auth enabled attendees to create wallets using familiar logins such as Google and Facebook, eliminating the complexities of traditional wallet setups.
   • The streamlined process allowed even first-time blockchain users to participate seamlessly.
2. Service Integration
   • Attendees used the Nillion Tuktuk Network App to locate tuk-tuks, track event locations, get to side events for free, and redeem Proof of Attendance Protocols (POAPs).
   • The integration encouraged repeated use as miles traveled were logged and converted into redeemable rewards, such as digital collectibles or exclusive merchandise.--> encourage repeated use
3. Blockchain Rewards System
   • Participants earned NFTs and miles based on their rides, encouraging further interaction with the service.

Outcomes

• Increased attendee engagement through a fun and functional transportation service.
• Simplified wallet creation attracted a broader audience, including blockchain novices.

Case Study 2: EDCON 2024 – Blockchain-Powered Scavenger Hunt

Overview

EDCON transformed a traditional conference into an interactive and engaging event through a blockchain-powered scavenger hunt. By utilizing Web3Auth, the event allowed participants to seamlessly onboard and enjoy gamified experiences that highlighted blockchain’s capabilities.

Objective

• Gamify the event to drive attendee engagement and participation.
• Showcase blockchain’s versatility in non-financial use cases.
• Provide a simple onboarding process to make the experience accessible to everyone.

Implementation

1. Simplified Onboarding with Web3Auth

• Attendees created wallets using Web3Auth, bypassing the need for complex seed phrases.
• Social logins like Google and Twitter enabled easy access, catering to blockchain novices.

2. Scavenger Hunt Mechanics

• Various QR codes placed at checkpoints throughout the venue allowed participants to log their progress on-chain and unlock rewards.
• Dynamic NFTs evolved with each completed task, creating a personalized collectible.

3. Gamification Features

• A real-time leaderboard fostered competition and excitement among attendees to visit booths and different venues (workshops, booths, talks) at Edcon
• Participants earned event-specific NFTs, tokens, and merchandise.

4. Booth Integration

• The scavenger hunt incentivized attendees to visit partner booths as part of the tasks, boosting exhibitor engagement.

Outcomes

• Attendees participated in the scavenger hunt, making it one of the most engaging activities of the event.
• Many wallets were created using Web3Auth, showcasing its effectiveness in enabling quick and seamless onboarding.
• Partner booths saw a notable increase in engagement as attendees visited to complete scavenger hunt tasks.

Case Study 3: ETHDenver 2024 – Accessible Developer Onboarding

Overview

ETHDenver, the largest Web3 hackathon globally, partnered with Web3Auth to simplify wallet creation and onboarding for all attendees, whether developers or non-technical participants. Organized by SporkDAO, ETHDenver also incentivized engagement by offering free tickets to participants who staked $SPORK tokens or joined the DAO. For those without wallets, the process was made effortless by enabling sign-ups through email or social accounts via Web3Auth. This streamlined approach fostered inclusivity, connecting blockchain enthusiasts and first-time users while highlighting the benefits of decentralized technologies.

Objective

• Simplify wallet setup to encourage participation from both technical and non-technical users.
• Enhance engagement with developer tools and decentralized applications.
• Demonstrate the seamless integration of Web3Auth into dApps.

Implementation

1. Social Login Wallets
   • Web3Auth enabled participants to create wallets with Google, GitHub, or Twitter logins, eliminating the need for traditional seed phrases.
   • This reduced onboarding friction, especially for first-time blockchain users.
2. Developer Tool Integration
   • Participants used Web3Auth-powered wallets to access APIs, SDKs, and dApps during workshops and hackathons.
   • The ease of onboarding encouraged experimentation and active participation.
3. On-Chain Engagement
   • Wallets were used to claim NFTs, earn tokens, and participate in hackathon challenges.
   • Gamified rewards incentivized greater interaction with blockchain-based tools.

Outcomes

• A significant number of wallets were created during the event, with many first-time blockchain users successfully onboarded.
• Attendees experienced increased engagement with developer tools and decentralized applications, fostering greater exploration and participation.
• Partner projects recognized Web3Auth as an essential tool for simplifying onboarding and enhancing user engagement.

Key Lessons from the Events

ETHDenver: Accessibility is Key

• Simplifying wallet onboarding can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical users, enabling more people to engage with dApps and blockchain tools.

EDCON: Gamified Engagement Works

• Activities like scavenger hunts paired with Web3Auth simplify participation and drive engagement. This shows how blockchain can add value outside financial use cases.

Nillion: Real-World Use Cases Drive Adoption

• Using blockchain in practical applications like transportation demonstrates its utility and engages audiences who may not have considered blockchain otherwise.

How Can You Enhance Your Experience with Web3Auth?

Web3Auth offers tools to elevate your dApp or activation by making user interactions seamless and engaging. Here’s how:

1. Seamless Onboarding

• Use Web3Auth to let users sign in with familiar social logins (e.g., Google, Twitter, or email), removing the barrier of complex seed phrases.
• Example: At EDCON, attendees used Web3Auth to create wallets effortlessly and participate in gamified activities.

2. Gamification

• Introduce interactive activities like mini scavenger hunts, trivia challenges, or token rewards to encourage participation.
• Example: EDCON used blockchain-powered scavenger hunts with dynamic NFTs and leaderboards to engage users.

3. Real-Time Leaderboards

• Display participant rankings to generate excitement and incentivize competition.
• Example: EDCON’s leaderboard motivated attendees to complete challenges and engage with blockchain applications.

4. Follow-Up Incentives

• Use Web3Auth-enabled wallets to deliver post-event rewards like Proof of Attendance Protocol (POAP) NFTs, exclusive content, or access to premium features in your dApp.
• Example: After ETHDenver, developers retained their wallets for continued exploration of blockchain tools.

Bonus Tips for Enhanced Activations

• Collaborate with Partners: Use Web3Auth to create co-branded interactive activities that integrate your dApp with partner projects, offering joint rewards or experiences.
• Leverage Analytics: Track user behavior through Web3Auth-enabled interactions to gain insights into what activities or features resonate most with your audience.
• Personalized Engagement: Use data from wallet interactions to tailor follow-ups, offering personalized messages or rewards based on user participation.

The success of ETHDenver, EDCON, and DevCon 2024 highlights the transformative impact of integrating Web3Auth into events. By simplifying user onboarding, incorporating gamification, and showcasing practical applications, these events engaged their audiences and demonstrated the power of blockchain technology.