Open-Source Ledger Nano X Flutter SDK and VESPR Wallet Integration

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

Derek Delgado

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

derek@vespr.xyz

Additional Applicants

Alex Dochioiu

Andy Belichkov

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” in this field.

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project outputs be fully Open Source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.” in this field.

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Dev Tools, API or Library

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

The absence of a developer-friendly, secure connection between Ledger Nano X devices and Flutter applications within the Cardano ecosystem has limited the integration of Ledger Nano X support in Flutter-based wallets and dApps, which inhibits maximum user adoption and trust in Cardano applications.

We propose an open-source Flutter SDK tailored for Ledger Nano X integration, which offers a solution to this issue. This solution will feature:

• A bespoke Flutter package, designed to enable a secure, reliable, and intuitive connection between Ledger X devices and mobile wallets or dApps.

• A fully open-source codebase, encouraging active community involvement, allowing for peer review, collaboration, and easy incorporation of the SDK into a wide variety of projects.

• An open-sourced Flutter application sample that incorporates the SDK, serving as a practical guide for other developers to leverage in their projects.

• Ledger X integration within VESPR Wallet.

The beneficiaries of this solution include Cardano wallet and dApp developers, who gain an easy route to incorporate Ledger Nano X, as well as Ledger Nano X users, who will enjoy enhanced experiences with Cardano applications.

Integrating our SDK into the VESPR Wallet, a Cardano-native wallet developed by our team, will demonstrate its functionality and impact. This integration will serve as a real-world use case and practical guide for other developers, extending the SDK's impact across the ecosystem, and ultimately strengthening Cardano's mission of democratizing finance.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed Flutter SDK solution for Ledger Nano X targets multiple dimensions to enhance the Cardano ecosystem:

• Security: By integrating Ledger Nano X's renowned hardware wallet security within mobile applications, we significantly enhance the confidence of users in managing and transacting their digital assets on mobile platforms. This integration ensures the rigorous safeguarding of users' assets while enjoying the benefits of mobile wallets.

• Accessibility: Our solution bridges the gap between stringent security standards and the convenience of mobile accessibility. By combining the security of Ledger Nano X with the versatility and user-friendly interface of the VESPR wallet, we accommodate a more diverse user base, including both novice and seasoned users.

Why Flutter?

This SDK leverages Flutter for its proven advantages:

• Growing Popularity: Despite its relatively short existence (only 6 years), Flutter has become the most popular cross-platform mobile framework used by global developers, according to a 2022 developer survey. Flutter has experienced massive growth, outpacing its closest cross-platform contender, React Native, doubling in popularity.

Google Trends

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Flutter supports iOS, Android, Web, Linux, Windows, and MacOS from a single codebase, simplifying development and maintenance. 

• Performance: Flutter compiles to native code, which means it's faster and more efficient than other cross-platform frameworks that use JavaScript bridges.

• Engaging User Interfaces: Known for facilitating visually appealing designs, Flutter enhances the user experience and overall appeal of Cardano-related applications, accelerating user adoption.

• Efficient Developer Experience: Flutter's straightforward syntax and fast development cycle improve developer productivity, allowing for timely and resource-efficient development of Cardano-related apps. For example, the Hot Reload feature allows developers to see changes in real time without losing the current application state, which speeds up the development process.

• Google Backing: With Google's support, Flutter guarantees regular updates, improvements, a large community, and a wealth of resources for developers. Moreover, Google's new operating system, Fuchsia, uses Flutter for its user interface, which stands to boost Flutter's usage and popularity.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Concrete Outcomes:

• Delivering a functional Ledger Nano X Flutter SDK. 
• Successful integration of the Ledger Nano X Flutter SDK into the VESPR wallet. 

Qualitative Outcomes:

• Ease of SDK implementation into a Flutter-based Cardano application.
• Seamless integration with VESPR, leading to an easier developer experience. 
• The impact the SDK has on the larger Cardano ecosystem, such as stimulating new dApp developments or attracting new users/developers to the community

Quantitative Indicators:

• The number of users unable to connect their Ledger with VESPR. We aim to minimize this number to zero.
• The number of projects requiring additional support to integrate the SDK - more requests suggest wider adoption.
• The number of bugs reported concerning the Ledger SDK integration with VESPR - the least amount of reported bugs, the better.
• General feedback about the Ledger Nano X Flutter SDK.
• User feedback about their Ledger Nano X and VESPR interaction experience.

In the short term, the SDK will reduce the technical barrier of entry for Flutter developers, paving the way for easy integration of the Ledger Nano X hardware wallet in their applications. This will reduce the burden on developers, facilitating a more fluid development experience.

In the long term, the SDK enables broader demographic reach by catering to hardware wallet users, a substantial, security-conscious segment of the blockchain user base. By extending Ledger Nano X's accessibility within the Cardano ecosystem to include Flutter-based applications, we anticipate an uptick in both developer interest and user engagement.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

To share our outputs and results:

• Documentation: We will create thorough documentation for the SDK to ensure developers can quickly understand how to integrate it into their projects.

    

• Open-Source Repository: All codebases will be shared through a public GitHub repository. This allows for active community involvement and contribution, making it a collaborative effort that benefits from the collective knowledge of the Cardano developer community.

    

• Example Application: We will create an open-source example application integrating our SDK to serve as a practical guide, demonstrating how the SDK can be implemented.

    

• VESPR Wallet Integration: By integrating Ledger X support into VESPR Wallet, we will provide a real-world demonstration of our SDK's benefits and functionalities. This will show developers the practicality and benefits of the SDK and provide a strong use case.

In terms of further research and development activities, we anticipate the SDK to evolve with the ecosystem. Feedback from the developer community and end-users will guide the iterative development and improvement of the SDK. This ongoing refinement ensures that the SDK remains relevant and useful as the Cardano ecosystem grows and evolves. Furthermore, the adoption and success of this project could spark similar initiatives for other hardware wallets or additional blockchain platforms.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

We are an agile team of three individuals equipped with both the technical expertise and operational prowess necessary to execute this project successfully and responsibly. 

Our work with VESPR Wallet, not only speaks to our deep understanding of Cardano's architecture, but it also showcases our vested interest in preserving a positive reputation within the Cardano ecosystem. The success of the VESPR Wallet and the trust it has earned from its user base serve as evidence of our team's dedication and integrity.

Alex, our Lead Senior Architect, has significant experience in mobile app development and has led projects on security-critical mobile applications for leading financial institutions like American Express, Virgin Money, and Tesco Bank. His stringent emphasis on security and industry best practices guarantees a high standard of delivery in our projects.

Derek, our UI/UX Designer, Product Owner, and Social Media Manager, has been instrumental in shaping VESPR Wallet, manifesting not just his creative prowess in designing intuitive and engaging user interfaces, but also his strategic acumen in product management. Derek's diligent social media efforts have also been key in fostering a vibrant and supportive community around VESPR Wallet, underlining our commitment to ongoing engagement and responsiveness to our user base. As a result, VESPR Wallet has become a notable success in the Cardano ecosystem and serves as both a testament to Derek's skills and a validation of our team's overall competence and commitment.

On the operational front, we’re very fortunate to have Andy, who brings over a decade of leadership experience in business management, specializing in operational efficiency and financial goal attainment. He has a proven track record, most recently coordinating and spearheading the 2022 CNFT Con Afterparty in Las Vegas, successfully managing five different teams contributing to the event, and showcasing his adeptness at fund management and event organization. His expertise ensures diligent and transparent handling of funds as well as strategic business direction.

Our unique blend of technical knowledge, proven record in Cardano-based project execution, and solid business management make us highly capable of delivering this project.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

Our primary objectives encompass:

• The development and open-sourcing of a Flutter SDK to facilitate the integration of Ledger X with Flutter-based applications within the Cardano ecosystem.

• The integration of Ledger Nano X support into the VESPR Wallet using the SDK to demonstrate its practical functionality and value.

To assess the feasibility of our approach, we have comprehensively analyzed several potential strategies, and we plan to focus our efforts on the following key methodologies:

• Bundling the existing Ledger JS SDK with a JS runtime in Flutter to bridge the calls. Preliminary assessments, however, suggest that this approach may not be feasible due to the anticipated lack of HID/Bluetooth connectivity options in the JS compiler.

• Our main focus lies in forking the existing Ledger JS SDK to isolate all HID/Bluetooth device connectivity into a connector bridging to native Flutter. In this scenario, we would bundle the code into JS, create a native Flutter implementation to manage all HID/Bluetooth device connectivity and connect it to the JS/Flutter Bridge. The JS code would be run with a Flutter JS runtime environment for all computations while using Flutter's native code to communicate with the actual Ledger device. This method optimizes the balance between effort, complexity, and maintainability, and stands as our primary strategy.

However, we acknowledge that in projects of this complexity, it is important to prepare for contingencies. Therefore, if our preferred method faces insurmountable obstacles, we have prepared two fallback strategies:

• Completely rewriting the existing JS Ledger SDK into Flutter.
• Integrating some aspects of React Native into a Flutter app (a complex yet feasible process) and bridging the Ledger React Native SDK to be callable from the Flutter code.

These approaches are informed by our successful development and deployment of VESPR Wallet, our in-depth knowledge of Flutter and Ledger's security protocols, and our commitment to adhering to Cardano's and Ledger's established standards. We're confident in the success of our primary approach or either of the fallback methods if necessary.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

We will be using the Agile project management methodology, with bi-weekly meetings to review progress and troubleshoot issues. Continuous communication will be facilitated through our team Discord, and we will be using Trello for managing tasks and deadlines. We will provide regular updates on our progress to ensure transparency and accountability.

We estimate the entire process to span four to six months, starting from the time of funding receipt. The estimates do not account for potential unforeseen challenges or delays.

Milestone 1: Research and Analysis

Expected duration: 1-2 weeks

Expected cost: $10,000

We will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the technical requirements and potential strategies for developing a Flutter SDK that can integrate Ledger Nano X with Cardano wallets and/or dApps.

Success Criteria: Produce a well-defined plan for building the Flutter SDK.

Milestone 2: Proof of Concept

Expected duration: 1 month

Expected cost: $19,000

We will develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) SDK, designed to establish a connection with a Ledger Nano X device and perform basic operations.

Success Criteria: Successfully develop a working PoC that connects to Ledger Nano X and retrieves the public key/receive address.

Milestone 3: SDK Architecture Development

Expected duration: 1-2 months

Expected cost: $38,700

We will design and develop a full-fledged Flutter SDK, expanding on the PoC.

Success Criteria: Create a prototype SDK with all necessary functionalities, including signing and approving transactions.

Milestone 4: Testing & Refinement

Expected duration: 3-4 weeks

Expected cost: $19,000

Upon completion of the SDK, we will conduct comprehensive testing to ensure its seamless functionality with Cardano-related Flutter applications and Ledger Nano X.

Success Criteria: Pass all function tests and make necessary refinements based on feedback.

Milestone 5: Deployment, Documentation, & Example Application

Expected duration: 2-4 weeks

Expected cost: $11,200

Once the final refinements are made, we will officially release the Flutter SDK, along with detailed documentation.

Success Criteria: Release the final SDK and prepare comprehensive documentation.

Milestone 6: VESPR Wallet Integration

Expected duration: 1-2 months

Expected cost: $38,700

The final phase will involve integrating the developed SDK into the VESPR Wallet.

Success Criteria: Successfully integrate the SDK into the VESPR Wallet and perform additional testing and refinements, as necessary, based on user feedback.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Research and Analysis

• Deliverables: A report detailing the technical requirements, optimal integration pathways, potential limitations, and scope of the Flutter SDK for Ledger Nano X integration. 
• Outcome: The foundation for the project will be laid, establishing a clear understanding of the challenges and strategies for successful development. This phase will set the stage for the remaining project. 
• Progress Measurement: The completion of the report will signify the conclusion of this phase.

Milestone 2: Proof of Concept (PoC)

• Deliverables: A basic Flutter SDK able to establish a connection with Ledger Nano X and perform primary operations, like retrieving the public key. 
• Outcome: This will serve as the first tangible prototype, validating the technical feasibility of the project. 
• Progress Measurement: The successful creation and testing of the PoC SDK, ensuring it performs the basic operations without errors, will mark the completion of this milestone.

Milestone 3: SDK Architecture Development

• Deliverables: A full-fledged Flutter SDK with expanded functionalities like signing transactions, along with an open-source codebase. 
• Outcome: The SDK will serve as the project's main output, facilitating Ledger Nano X integration in Flutter applications within the Cardano ecosystem. 
• Progress Measurement: The delivery of the fully functional SDK, tested and documented, will signal the completion of this phase.

Milestone 4: Testing & Refinement

• Deliverables: A beta release of the Flutter SDK. 
• Outcome: The SDK will be refined and polished, ready for real-world implementation. Feedback from testers and the community will be incorporated to enhance its functionality and usability. 
• Progress Measurement: Completion of comprehensive testing and necessary refinements, culminating in the beta release, will mark this milestone's achievement.

Milestone 5: Deployment, Documentation, & Example Application

• Deliverables: Final Flutter SDK release, documentation, and an open-source example application. 
• Outcome: The SDK will be made open-source, with clear documentation guiding developers on how to use it. The example application will demonstrate the SDK's practical application, encouraging adoption.
• Progress Measurement: The release of the final SDK version, documentation, and the example application will signal the completion of this phase.

Milestone 6: VESPR Wallet Integration

• Deliverables: Integration of the Flutter SDK into the VESPR Wallet, with UI/UX designed for hardware integration. 
• Outcome: Demonstrating the real-world applicability and value of the SDK, thus encouraging adoption across the Cardano ecosystem. 
• Progress Measurement: The successful integration, additional testing, and refinement based on user feedback will mark the conclusion of this milestone and the overall project.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The day rates of the team members are as follows:

Senior Software Architect: $750/day

UI/UX Design / Product Owner / Marketing: $400/day

Business Operations: $500/day

Research & Analysis

• Senior Software Architecture: 10 days * $750/day = $7,500
• Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Total: $10,000

Proof of Concept (PoC)

• Senior Software Architecture: 22 days * $750/day = $16,500
• Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Total: $19,000

SDK Architecture Development

• Senior Software Architecture: 44 days * $750/day = $33,000
• UI/UX Design/Product Owner: 8 days * $400/day = $3,200
• Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Total: $38,700

Testing & Refinement

• Senior Software Architecture: 22 days * $750/day = $16,500
• Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Total: $19,000

Deployment, Documentation, & Example Application

• Senior Software Architecture: 10 days * $750/day = $7,500
• UI/UX Design/Product Owner/Marketing: 5 days * $400/day = $2,000
• Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Total: $11,200

VESPR Wallet Integration

• Senior Software Architecture: 44 days * $750/day = $33,000
• UI/UX Design/Product Owner/Marketing: 10 days * $400/day = $4,000
• Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Total: $38,700

The total comes to $139,200. However, we are requesting ₳270,000 in funding, which at the time of writing equates to roughly $80,000. The remaining costs will be subsidized by ourselves. We also have additional available developer resources, who have been previously involved in various VESPR Wallet-related endeavors, that we can and may utilize to speed up the development timeline of the SDK based on our budget and needs if necessary. 

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem given the caliber of our team, the complexity of the deliverables, and the projected impact that the Flutter SDK and Ledger Nano X integration into VESPR Wallet would bring. 

The cost estimates we have defined are not arbitrarily determined but instead are based on reduced rates of our team's current and previous employment – aligned with industry standards. These rates are justifiable and we are ready to provide proof of income if required for verification.

Moreover, our funding request of 270,000 ADA (~$80,000) is significantly less than our projected costs. The actual projected costs exceed this figure (~$139,200) and we will be subsidizing the remaining costs ourselves to ensure that the community receives a product of significantly greater value than the requested funds.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept