DMarket was started in 2017 as an idea of a decentralised marketplace that enables users to buy, sell, and trade in-game items across different gaming platforms. The platform utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate secure transactions and ensure the ownership and authenticity of virtual assets.
Two-Phased Approach
Develop, design, and support the projects in two different phases: the ICO phase and the Product Phase. Create a consistent brand voice across all phases.
Flexible Startup Approach
Begin by designing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and then incorporate new requirements as they come up.
New User Behaviour
Designing for cryptocurrency transactions demanded innovative user flows for gamers, traders, and crypto-investors.
The DMarket project faced a bunch of challenges. First, we had to create the "DMarket Token" and establish it as a gaming brand, ensuring it allowed smooth transactions and had top-notch security.
So, the first challenge was to create a trusted brand from zero point. As a second challenge, we aimed to develop a simple and secure website for the Initial Coin Offering (ICO) within a limited time frame. Folks needed to chip in and support the project financially easily, and we needed to make the user experience as smooth and simple as possible.
The main business goal for this phase was to raise $15 million to launch the future DMarket platform and to create strong trust between investors and the new brand. Ultimately, the business aimed to launch a cutting-edge blockchain-powered marketplace where gamers, traders, crypto-investors, and casual users could trade and exchange in-game items securely, efficiently, and with global accessibility.
Understanding the unique needs and behaviors of our target audience was pivotal. Extensive research unearthed commonalities between gaming and investment experiences, shaping our design approach. We delved into user personas: gamers, traders, crypto-investors, and casual users, analyzing their preferences and pain points.
It was helpful that we already had many ICO projects to analyze users' behavior on the market. So, we took already existing user patterns from crypto ICOs and extended them with a gaming atmosphere and unique offer:
Combine the world of cryptocurrency with blockchain technology, and create an unlimited gaming universe where virtual items can be used, sell, exchange unlimited and safe.
Since we had a fairly tight deadline and a busy roadmap, the development of the ICO and DMarket marketplace began in parallel. Drawing inspiration from industry leaders like Steam, we meticulously analyzed user flows for buying and selling in-game items with a business analysis team.
Rethinking user flows from our research, we reimagined these flows to prioritize simplicity, security, and transparency.
One of the key challenges was designing an intuitive user flow Integration of KYC (Know Your Customer) and exchanging in-game items. Building upon best practices and our experience from the "Skins.Cash" project, we developed a seamless process that facilitated item exchanges with minimal friction. Prototyping and user testing enabled us to refine those flows, ensuring optimal user engagement and satisfaction. Additionally, we explored streamlined withdrawal methods, allowing users to seamlessly transfer funds to their preferred payment methods, including cards, wallets, and cryptocurrency wallets.
Overall, as a designer, I prioritized user-centric design principles.for best prototyping. I aimed to create an intuitive and frictionless experience for gamers, traders, and crypto-investors alike.
"The Birth of DMarket's Vibrant Identity: Where Gaming and Crypto Converge"
When conceptualizing the brand identity, we aimed to strike a balance that resonates with both the gaming and financial industries, acknowledging the diverse user base of the platform. After careful consideration, our primary brand color is a vibrant and invigorating bright green.
This hue not only embodies the energetic and dynamic nature of the gaming world but also instills a sense of trust and reliability associated with the financial sector. Green is often associated with growth, balance, and prosperity, making it a versatile choice that aligns seamlessly with the values of both industries. To achieve business goals, I crafted an engaging logo, a distinctive brand icon doubling as a cryptocurrency symbol (DMT), and a cohesive color palette tailored to our target audience and personas. The meticulous selection of typography complemented these elements seamlessly, contributing to the creation of a well-structured and visually compelling ICO website and marketplace platform
In the beginning, our primary goal was to create an ICO project that stands out in both the investment and gaming communities. To achieve this, we looked at the market with a design-focused lens, especially exploring how people experience ICOs and Crypto Wallets. Our research found that:
Gamers and traders share much in common – it's all about the game process, risk, and analytics.
So, we decided to make our ICO website more interesting by giving it a game-like interface. This way, we could visually connect the DMT token with the gaming world, making it more engaging and relatable for our users.
• Exceeded Funding Target: Originally aiming for a funding goal of $15 million, we far exceeded expectations by securing an impressive $25 million from dedicated and enthusiastic investors.
• Positive ICO User Feedback: The user experience was paramount, and we were delighted to receive many positive comments. Users praised the clarity and simplicity of the investing process, highlighting the user-friendly flow that made participation in the ICO straightforward and accessible. This positive feedback reaffirms our commitment to creating a seamless and engaging experience for all investors involved in the DMarket journey.
• Launch of DMarket Platform: Following the successful ICO phase, we launched the DMarket platform to gain resounding acclaim from all customer groups. Gamers, traders, crypto-investors, and casual users provided positive feedback, praising the platform's usability, security, and efficiency.
