Phase 2: Cardano for 100,000+ users

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Herma apps

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Fikirte Gejo

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

4

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

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will integrate wallet tutorials into our app and offer premium status for 1 ADA, engaging 100,000+ users actively in blockchain.

[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.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All educational tutorials developed in the project will be released as open source content. We will license these materials under the MIT License to ensure they are freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This approach supports widespread educational access and community contributions to the tutorials.

[METADATA] Horizons

Wallet

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our project directly addresses the gap in practical blockchain application skills among students by incorporating detailed, interactive tutorials within our existing educational app. These tutorials will guide students through the essential processes of setting up and managing Cardano wallets, such as Nami, and executing transactions like transferring 1 ADA to unlock premium features.

Detailed Feature Breakdown

• Wallet Setup Tutorials: Step-by-step guides on creating and managing a Cardano wallet, starting with popular options like Nami. These tutorials are designed to demystify the process and encourage confidence in handling digital currencies.
• Premium Upgrade via Transaction: Users can upgrade to a premium account by transferring 1 ADA, which serves as both a practical exercise in blockchain transactions and a gateway to enhanced learning tools.
• Ad-Free Blockchain Learning Environment: Premium users will benefit from an uninterrupted learning experience without advertisements, fostering greater focus and deeper educational engagement.
• Interactive Quizzes: Enhanced with blockchain-focused quizzes, the app will test and reinforce students’ knowledge on topics covered in the tutorials, promoting retention and understanding.
• Additional Premium Features: 
• Certificate of Completion: Users who successfully complete the tutorials and quizzes can earn certificates, adding value to their educational achievements.
• Access to Exclusive Content: Premium users will gain access to advanced courses and materials that delve deeper into blockchain technology, smart contracts, and Cardano-specific applications.
• Community Features: Premium status also unlocks access to forums and discussion groups where users can interact with peers and experts, enhancing collaborative learning and community support.

Why This Approach?

Leveraging our platform’s widespread use ensures that these new features have immediate reach and impact, providing students with a hands-on approach to learning blockchain technology that extends beyond theoretical knowledge.

Target Audience Engagement

By transforming our users from passive learners to active participants in the blockchain space, we directly engage them in the Cardano ecosystem, enhancing their skills and preparing them for future opportunities in blockchain technology.

Impact Verification

We will measure the effectiveness of these features by analyzing user engagement statistics, premium upgrade rates, quiz performance data, and direct user feedback. This comprehensive approach will allow us to continuously refine and enhance the learning experience.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will not only introduce over 100,000 users to practical blockchain skills but also ensure their long-term engagement through continuous educational updates and support. To further extend our impact, we plan to collaborate with educational institutions for blockchain workshops and integrate community suggestions into ongoing content development. We will measure success through detailed metrics such as user retention rates, activity levels on new features, and the application of learned skills in real-world contexts. This approach ensures a sustained, active participation within the Cardano ecosystem, boosting both individual and community growth. This initiative will:

• Increase Blockchain Literacy: By providing hands-on tutorials and premium features, we help demystify blockchain technology, promoting broader understanding and adoption.
• Stimulate Community Growth: With more knowledgeable users, the community becomes richer in discussions, collaborations, and innovations, driving the overall health and dynamism of the ecosystem.
• Encourage Technological Adoption: By facilitating practical engagement with Cardano's features, our project will help increase the number of active users on the network, contributing to its scalability and stability.
• Promote Educational Outreach: The project extends the reach of Cardano technology to a younger, tech-savvy audience, laying the groundwork for future developers and enthusiasts who will contribute to the ecosystem.
• Long-Term Ecosystem Support: The educational materials and community forums we create will serve as ongoing resources for new and existing users, fostering continuous learning and engagement within the Cardano community.
• Outreach and Engagement: We will partner with several educational institutions and leverage existing online platforms to promote our tutorials. Detailed plans include targeted social media campaigns, collaborations with blockchain influencers, and interactive webinars.
• Sustainability Plans: We will keep the project's momentum by regularly updating our educational materials in response to technological advancements and community feedback.

Measuring Impact:

To evaluate the success of our project, we will implement both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

Quantitative Metrics: 

• User Engagement Rates: Tracking the number of users who complete the wallet setup tutorials and upgrade to premium.
• Transaction Volume: Monitoring the number of transactions made by new users, particularly the initial ADA transfers for premium upgrades.
• Quiz and Course Completion Rates: Measuring how many users engage with and complete the quizzes and advanced courses offered to premium users.

Qualitative Metrics:

• User Feedback Surveys: Conducting regular surveys to gather feedback on the usability of the tutorials, the value of premium features, and overall satisfaction with the educational content.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Real-time feedback tools will be integrated within the app, allowing users to rate each tutorial and feature. This data will be reviewed monthly to guide continuous improvement. An annual user survey will also assess the long-term impact on users' blockchain competencies.
• Community Interaction: Assessing the level of activity and engagement within the community features of the app, such as forums and discussion groups.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

The outputs and insights gained from our project will be shared openly to maximize their impact on the community:

• Publication of Results: We will publish comprehensive reports on our findings and the educational impact of the project on our website and through Cardano community channels.
• Open Source Materials: All educational content, including tutorials and course materials, will be available under an open license, allowing other educators and developers to utilize and build upon them.
• Community meetups: We plan to host meetups to disseminate knowledge, share experiences, and encourage more community members to engage with our educational resources.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team possesses a robust combination of technical expertise, educational content development experience, and a proven track record in project management within the Cardano ecosystem. Specifically:

• Technical Expertise: Our developers have extensive experience in blockchain technology, having previously integrated advanced blockchain features into mobile applications. This technical proficiency is crucial for implementing the wallet creation and transaction features securely and effectively.
• Educational Excellence: We have successfully developed and deployed educational content that has reached over 100,000 downloads (50k+ active users), demonstrating our ability to create and scale effective learning tools.
• Proven Track Record: Our previous project, "Cardano for 100,000+ students," not only achieved but exceeded its goals, providing us with deep insights into engaging educational models and user interaction patterns within the blockchain space.

Trust and Accountability

To ensure high levels of trust and accountability, we have established the following processes:

• Transparent Budgeting and Reporting: We adhere to strict financial management protocols, including detailed budgeting and transparent, regular reporting to stakeholders. All expenditures will be documented and available for review by the funding body.
• Regular Updates: We will provide monthly updates on our progress through our website and community forums, including detailed descriptions of milestones achieved and funds utilization.
• Stakeholder Engagement: We engage continuously with our users and the broader Cardano community, incorporating their feedback to improve our offerings and ensure alignment with community needs and expectations.

Validating Feasibility

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will:

• Pilot Testing: We will conduct extensive pilot testing with a select group of users from our target demographic. This testing will focus on user interface usability, content comprehension, and overall engagement with the app features. Metrics such as completion rates, error rates, and direct user feedback will be analyzed to refine the application.
• Feedback Mechanisms: We will implement real-time feedback mechanisms within the app to quickly gather user impressions and usage data, allowing us to adjust features in response to actual user experiences.
• Expert Consultations: Regular consultations with blockchain experts and educational specialists will help us ensure that our content and features are up-to-date and effective, further validating the feasibility of our project.
• Risk Management: We have identified key risks including technological changes, user disengagement, and potential software bugs. Mitigation strategies will include flexible development cycles, continuous user feedback mechanisms, and having a dedicated technical support team to handle issues promptly.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Project Preparation and Content Development

Objective: To prepare foundational elements for the project, including the development of educational content and planning the integration strategy for wallet tutorials and quizzes.

Outputs

• Comprehensive planning document detailing the scope, timeline, and resource allocation for the project.
• Creation of detailed tutorials on how to create Cardano wallets using external tools like Nami.
• Development of quizzes for existing blockchain courses to enhance learning engagement.

Acceptance Criteria

• Planning document approved by the project team and aligned with project goals.
• Educational tutorials are ready for review and integrate best practices for user comprehension.
• Quizzes are designed to be informative, engaging, and effectively measure learner understanding.
• 
  

Timeline: 4 weeks

Integration of Quizzes and Development of Premium Features

Objective: To enhance user engagement and learning through the integration of interactive quizzes related to blockchain courses and the development of key premium features within the app.

Outputs

• Interactive quizzes designed to test and reinforce users' knowledge of blockchain technology. These quizzes will be integrated within the existing blockchain courses in the app.
• Development of premium features that enhance the user experience, including an ad-free environment, access to advanced tutorials, and exclusive community features.

Acceptance Criteria

• Quizzes are fully integrated into the app and are functional, with a user interface that is easy to navigate and engaging.
• Premium features are implemented and tested to ensure they provide added value to the user experience without disrupting app functionality.
• Successful internal testing of quizzes and premium features to ensure they meet design and functionality standards.

Timeline: 6 weeks

Final Implementation and Public Launch

Objective: To finalize the integration based on beta feedback and launch the updated app to the public, promoting the new features to enhance user engagement.

Outputs

• Implementation of final adjustments to the app based on beta testing feedback.
• Public launch of the updated app features, including wallet creation tutorials and enhanced quizzes.
• Marketing campaign to promote the new features to existing and new users.

Acceptance Criteria

• All new features are functioning as expected with no critical bugs.
• Successful launch with initial positive feedback from the user base.
• Achievement of early adoption targets for the updated features.

Timeline: 2 weeks

Completion Report and Video based on Catalyst guideline

Objective: To compile a comprehensive report and produce a video that summarizes the project achievements, the impact on users, and key learnings.

Outputs

• Detailed project report including methodologies, results, user feedback, and engagement statistics.
• A promotional video highlighting the project's impact, featuring user testimonials and educational highlights.

Acceptance Criteria

• The report provides a thorough analysis of the project's impact, with evidence of user engagement and educational benefits.
• The video is professional, engaging, and effectively communicates the project's achievements and benefits to the broader community.

Timeline: 2 weeks

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Herma Labs

Herma Labs stands out as an innovative force in the blockchain domain, dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions that resonate with the needs of today’s digital landscape. Known for its deep dive into the complexities of blockchain technology, Herma Labs has made a name for itself with its involvement in key projects that have significantly advanced the utility and accessibility of blockchain applications. Their acclaimed work spans developing essential tools for real-time tracking support for a vast number of global websites, enriching the Cardano developer ecosystem with open-source tooling, and spearheading educational initiatives to introduce over 100,000 students to the world of Cardano.

Core development team

1.Tadesse D. - Telegram click here

• Project Manager/Technical Lead
• Role: Oversees the project's execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.
• Experience: Funded proposer on previous fund. Contributed to 3 Fund11 funded projects, demonstrating a proven track record of successful project management and delivery.
• Co-founder of Herma apps
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate Number 5353074

2.Markos Muche - Content Research and Curation Specialist

• LinkedIn: click here
• Conducting research, curating educational resources, and organizing content.
• Experience - SingularityNet, iCog Labs, iCardio.io
• Certifications - 
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Scientist Associate, 
• Google Certified: Perform Foundational Infrastructure Tasks in Google Cloud, Migrating MySQL data to Cloud SQL using Database Migration Service, Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud, Google Cloud Essentials, Develop your Google Cloud Network, Create and Manage Cloud Resources, Build Infrastructure with Terraform on Google Cloud, Reliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and Process, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Core Services

3.Samuel Birhanu Wada - Developer

• GitHub: click here
• Contributed on previously funded projects.
• Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experience in database management and API integration.

4.Bereket Gebredingle - Linkedin click here

• Role: Blockchain Integration Specialist
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in blockchain integration and data synchronization.
• Worked on several projects involving real-time blockchain data updates.
• In-depth knowledge of various blockchain protocols and their integration challenges.

5.Matiyas Seifu - Linkedin click here 

• Role: Responsible for developing the backend infrastructure, API integration, and database management.
• Expertise: Proficient in backend technologies and database management systems. Extensive experience in developing scalable and efficient blockchain related backend solutions.
• Development experience at iCog Labs, A RC ICT TECHNOLOGIES PLC, A2SV | Africa to Silicon Valley, WhiteHat It Solution and Eskalate technologies

6.David Samuel - Linkedin click here

• Role: Lead Mobile App Developer
• Experience:
• 6+ years of experience in mobile app development with a focus on Flutter.
• Contributed to the development of prominent Flutter-based projects within the blockchain space.
• Proven expertise in creating cross-platform applications with a strong emphasis on user experience.

7.Tensae Berhanu - Linkedin click here

• Role: UI/UX Designer
• Experience:
• Years of experience in UI/UX design, specializing in blockchain and fintech interfaces.
• Successfully designed user interfaces for multiple blockchain projects, ensuring a user-friendly and visually appealing experience.
• Proficient in creating intuitive designs that enhance overall usability.

8.Fikirte Gejo - Quality Assurance Engineer:

• Role: Conducts testing and quality assurance of both the backend APIs and the mobile app to ensure functionality and performance meet requirements.
• Expertise: Experienced in testing frameworks and methodologies, including manual and automated testing. Skilled in identifying and resolving software defects to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.

Experience on Previous Fund-Funded Projects:

Our team includes members with experience on previous fund-funded projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of the Catalyst ecosystem and a track record of successful project execution. This experience positions us well to navigate the requirements and expectations of the funding process, ensuring efficient project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

Capability of the Development Team:

Our development team possesses a diverse set of skills and expertise, ranging from backend infrastructure development to mobile app design and quality assurance. With a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects and experience in previous fund-funded initiatives, we are confident in our ability to successfully execute this proposal.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Project Preparation and Content Development

• Content Development :
• Tutorials preparation and integration into the app
• Peer review and expert consultation of tutorials
• Deployment the newly updated version on google play
• Project Planning and Management:
• Initial project setup and resource allocation
• Project management software and tools

Subtotal for Milestone 1: 15,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Integration of Quizzes (on blockchain courses) and Development of Premium Features

• Software Development:
• Backend development for quizzes and premium features
• Frontend integration and user interface design
• Testing and Quality Assurance:
• Beta testing support and bug fixes

Subtotal for Milestone 2: 31,000 ADA

Milestone 3: Final Implementation and Public Launch

• Marketing and Community Engagement:
• Marketing materials and campaign execution
• Community engagement meetup
• Final Testing and Launch Preparation:
• Final quality assurance and readiness checks
• Google play optimization and release management

Subtotal for Milestone 3: 15,000 ADA

Final Project Completion Report and Video based on Catalyst guideline

• Documentation and Reporting:
• Detailed project completion report documenting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Video presentation showcasing key platform features, impact, and benefits.
• Project closeout report and video that meet requirements of catalyst project closeout process

Subtotal for Final Milestone: 5,000 ADA

Contingency: 3,000 ADA

Total Project Budget: 69,000 ADA

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

The budget for our project is designed with strict adherence to cost-efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that every ADA spent contributes directly to project outcomes. Our financial strategy is characterized by:

• Detailed Budget Justifications: Each budget item has been meticulously calculated based on multiple vendor quotes and market rate comparisons. For instance, the backend development costs are derived from average rates for similar services in the industry, adjusted for the complexity and security needs of blockchain technology.
• Cost-saving Initiatives: Wherever possible, we leverage existing resources and collaborations with educational institutions to minimize expenses. For example, content creation will utilize in-house expertise and volunteer contributions from blockchain enthusiasts in the community.
• Economic Justification: Each cost element is justified based on its necessity for achieving the desired outcomes. For instance, the investment in premium feature development is projected to increase user retention and engagement, providing long-term benefits to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to maintaining high levels of transparency and accountability, with regular financial audits and detailed reporting to stakeholders, ensuring that funds are managed efficiently.

Economic Impact: Our investment in educational features is projected to not only increase user retention but also empower users to actively participate in the Cardano ecosystem, thereby enhancing the overall network effect. This approach has been validated by a preliminary survey indicating strong interest in advanced blockchain features among our current users.