The technology behind Bitcoin – blockchain – has been around for a decade now. It was not until 2013 that developers and tinkerers started playing with Bitcoin’s code and created various projects resulting in thousands of ‘altcoins’ by 2017.
Today, blockchain has been applied in various industries from Healthcare to The Internet of Things (IoT). Various projects are trying to address different inefficiencies using this technology. Enabling trustless transactions at low cost with lightning speed on an immutable ledger is the core value proposition.
However, this technology has affected the lives of a few. This is because it is still very complicated to use. You need to pass lengthy verifications, avoid fraudulent companies and handle gibberish-looking addresses. These are a few problems from the User Experience (UX) point of view.
In this article, we discuss these issues with the help of an example. Plutus is an online platform that solves the problems ailing this industry today. We look at how this solution will change the face of the blockchain industry in 2020.
On-ramps
The main problem is the lack of on-ramps. On-ramps are bridges that help convert fiat into crypto tokens. These could be exchanges, wallets or even a local contact who takes your fiat payment and issues Bitcoin or other tokens to you. Since all crypto apps run on crypto tokens, it is important to exchange fiat with Bitcoin or a similar crypto token first.
Many exchanges require the users to go through a tedious learning curve and hold custody of the assets left on the exchange wallets. The lack of easy-to-use on-ramp solutions and low-security levels associated can be a strong deterrent for many.
Plutus has released a mobile application that lets users create a UK or European current account in minutes, as well as a debit card that comes with built-in decentralised loyalty rewards token, similar to Airmiles or Nectar points that are awarded on purchases. It also provides a neat interface for depositing fiat and a truly secure exchange to convert it to crypto. All of this can be done with a single mobile application.
Off-ramps
Off-ramps, as you can guess, is where the user converts their crypto tokens into fiat. This means the user either wants to use fiat money to pay or wants to take the profit from their investment in fiat.
The availability of off-ramps provides security to the user. It provides a way to ‘cash out’ anytime they want to.
Plutus features on-ramp and off-ramp in the same application. Users can even store their money in part fiat and part crypto without worrying of third-party hacks as Plutus uses a built-in decentralised wallet for crypto, giving users complete control of their funds. This enables storing and spending of both the currencies just through one app.
“In 2015, we were the first to announce our plans to bridge the gap between crypto and fiat in the real world. After much anticipation, we have now developed a technology that is better than a Bank.” — Danial Daychopan, CEO and Founder of Plutus.
User Experience
One of the major issues with the crypto industry is that the users have to trust third parties with their assets who they cannot really trust. Using these new technologies can also be a daunting task for many.
Plutus has a simple interface that makes it easy for less tech-savvy users to get on-board with the crypto revolution without having to trust third parties.
Conclusion
Crypto is up for mass adoption in the next decade. It is widely accepted that this revolution will change the way business is conducted. A company like Plutus is well-positioned to lead this race. Their mobile application reflects a razor-sharp focus on the mass market, which is certain to bear fruit in the coming year.