Research Use Case: Coding Cryptoeconomic Experiments
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
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?
- See this paper
- 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
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.