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Research Use Case: Coding Cryptoeconomic Experiments

Research Pathways 1

Primary Focus: How do theoretical concepts play out when implemented in real, self-executing computer code?

Proximal Disciplines: Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Behavioural Science, Philosophy

Example Research Questions:

  • Is it possible to add features from the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) space into the base smart contract for Non-Fungible Tokens?
  • Can we design smart contracts which meaningfully interoperate with real-world objects and assets?

Major Concepts in Play: Permissionlessness, “Code is Law”, Game Theory, Smart Contracts

Risks to Consider:

  • Can what I’m designing actively harm anyone, even subtly, in its current implementation?
  • Could what I’m designing be adapted into a system that could cause harm?

Example Project: As linked above, there are current research implementations of non-fungible token smart contracts on Ethereum in pursuit of both “DeFi” integration and real-world interoperability

Research Use Case: Complex Systems Design

Research Pathways 2

Primary Focus: How do we ensure the engineering, implementation, and deployment of blockchain-proximal systems maintains a balance of security, scalability, and decentralization?

Proximal Disciplines: Engineering, Computer Science, Operations, DevOps

Example Research Questions:

  • How might we implement a provable and traceable supply line system using blockchain?
  • What best practices can be set for access control and role definition in relation to smart contracts which hold large financial value?

Major Concepts in Play: Privacy by Design, Security by Design, Governance, OpSec

Risks to Consider:

  • Are there ways for human actors to work around our system? (e.g. swapping out QR codes or packaging on physical products)
  • Could this system be misused to monopolize an industry, extract personal information, or some other nefarious purpose after-the-fact?

Example Project: A supply chain traceability system proposed at IEEE’s IoT conference

Research Use Case: User Interface & Experience Design

Research Pathways 4

Primary Focus: How do we onboard those who need financial literacy and participation opportunities into this complex technical ecosystem?

Proximal Disciplines: Design, Information Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Art

Example Research Questions:

  • How can we use opt-in biometrics to make mobile cryptocurrency wallets easier to use while maintaining their security?
  • What method of manually recording someone’s seed phrase could last for 40+ years without physically wearing away?

Major Concepts in Play: User Centred Design, Game Theory, Governance

Risks to Consider:

  • Is what I’m designing easy enough for the average non-technical user to progress through?
  • Is the use case I’m focusing on realistic and relevant to how people actually engage with these technologies?

Example Project: This classic UX Design Case Study focuses on a bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallet redesign.