Industry

Blockchain / DeFi / Fintech

Client

ONCHAIN Labs

From confusion to confidence in crypto transactions

Redesigning the fiat-to-crypto experience to eliminate friction, build trust at critical moments, and create a scalable transaction model across assets.

Role

Design Lead (Hands-on)

Scope

Product UX · UI System · Interaction Design

Context

Onchain Gateway enables users to purchase digital assets directly with fiat. The core experience is the transaction flow, where users define how much they want to spend and understand what they will receive. This flow is critical: // It’s the first real interaction // It determines trust // It directly impacts conversion

Problem

The initial experience was fragmented and input-heavy: // Multiple payment methods created early decision fatigue // Users had to input values before understanding outcomes // Conversion and fees lacked clarity // The interface behaved more like a form than a transaction This created hesitation and reduced completion rates.

Goal

Design a fast, intuitive, and trustworthy transaction experience that: // Reduces cognitive load // Clearly communicates value (what users receive) // Builds confidence before committing // Scales across payment methods and assets

Approach

We reframed the experience around a core principle: A transaction should feel immediate, not procedural Key decisions: // Shift from input-driven > outcome-driven UX // Prioritize hierarchy over features // Design for trust through transparency // Reduce steps to a single focused interaction

Core Transformation

Simplifying the transaction experience

The quote screen is the most critical moment in the flow, it determines whether users proceed or drop off. The initial experience behaved like a form: users had to input values and navigate multiple options before understanding outcomes.

Before

// Fragmented layout // Multiple competing inputs // Weak hierarchy // Unclear outcome

After

The final experience centers on a single action: the amount. Users immediately understand: // What they are spending // What they will receive // What fees apply The flow shifts from input-driven > transaction-first.

Extending the System

Designing for trust at the moment of commitment

Confirm order screen

The confirmation step was redesigned as a trust checkpoint — where users validate their decision before committing. // Clear primary action: “Buy 119130 ACME” // Total cost upfront ($100 USD) // Fees accessible on demand (“Tap to see fees”) // Wallet address integrated directly into the flow // Option to create a smart wallet if needed At the moment of commitment, users don’t need more information — they need certainty and control.

Price Details Modal

Pricing transparency was critical, but showing all details upfront increased cognitive load. We introduced a layered pricing model — where details are available when needed. // Clear breakdown of fees (provider + gateway) // Net amount used for purchase // Explicit exchange rate // Contextual explanation of pricing (spread) // Final outcome reinforced (Total ACME received) Transparency isn’t about showing everything — it’s about showing the right level of detail at the right time.

System Thinking

A unified transaction model

What ties everything together

// Single hierarchy > Amount > Receive > Fees // Progressive disclosure > simple by default, detailed on demand // Consistent structure across the flow // Reusable patterns across assets, currencies, and providers

The result is not just a better interface, but a scalable transaction model that reduces friction and builds trust.

Outcome & Impact

Impact measured through improved flow clarity, reduced friction, and increased user confidence.

// Simplified a fragmented, multi-step purchase flow into a single, intuitive transaction model // Reduced cognitive load by introducing progressive disclosure and clear decision points // Increased user confidence at the moment of commitment through transparency and feedback // Improved flow clarity, enabling users to understand what they’re buying, paying, and receiving at every step // Established a scalable transaction system adaptable across assets, currencies, and providers

By reframing complexity into a structured and predictable experience, the result is not just a better interface, but a more reliable and trust-driven product foundation.