[HTLABS] Freelance Connect: Building Trust Between Freelancers and Employers

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Phung Tien Dung

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[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

Yes

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

We will create a platform that uses the Cardano blockchain to create secure contracts between freelancers and employers, eliminating trust issues and payment disputes through transparent transactions

[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

The source code and smart contract will be posted publicly on github and everyone can contribute

[METADATA] Horizons

Smart Contracts

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Current web2 recruitment platforms face numerous challenges, with fraud from freelancers and clients being a significant concern. The prevalence of fake profiles and non-payment for completed work erodes trust and diminishes the credibility of these platforms. Furthermore, sharing personal information on these platforms poses serious security risks, with potential data breaches that could have severe consequences for users. The lack of transparency in their operations and fee structures complicates users' understanding of the terms of service, fostering suspicion. Additionally, service fees are a significant issue, with many platforms charging high fees ranging from 5% to 20%, which reduces freelancers’ earnings and creates a financial burden. These fees are often not communicated, leaving users vulnerable to unexpected costs.

We propose to build a freelance platform based on the Cardano blockchain. On this platform, users can create and manage work contracts as intelligent contracts, automate payment terms when tasks are completed, and minimize the risk of fraud and disputes. With a decentralized reputation system and transparent fees, the platform will create a safe, fair, and efficient working environment for freelancers and employers.

Key Features:

• Smart Contracts for Freelancer Transactions:
• Smart contracts automate the transaction process between freelancers and clients, ensuring terms are met accurately and promptly.
• These contracts can be programmed to handle complex conditions such as staged payments, refunds in case of non-compliance, and agreements related to the completion of work.
• Decentralized Rating and Reputation System:
• It uses blockchain to record and verify freelancers' work history, allowing users to create transparent and immutable reputation profiles.
• This system incentivizes freelancers to maintain quality work and encourages clients to provide fair feedback, thus building trust in the community.
• Transparent Dispute Resolution:
• The platform will implement a decentralized dispute resolution mechanism through smart contracts, in which stakeholders can participate in decision-making.
• The platform ensures fairness and transparency without relying on the traditional legal system by allowing users to vote for neutral parties to resolve disputes.
• Clear and Transparent Service Fees:
• Unlike traditional platforms that often apply hidden service fees, our platform will provide a simple and transparent fee structure, helping users understand the costs.
• This minimizes financial surprises and helps users feel secure when participating in the platform.
• Personal Data Ownership:
• Through a decentralized storage and encryption system, users will have full control over their data, minimizing the risk of personal information leakage.
• Only authorized users can access their data, enhancing security and privacy.
• Interoperability with existing platforms:
• We will develop APIs to integrate with existing enterprise and government systems easily.
• The platform will bridge traditional systems and blockchain-based transactions, ensuring users can use new technologies without disruption.

Technical Methods and Tools 

• Smart Contract Development
• Smart contracts on this platform will be developed using Aiken, a modern smart contract platform for Cardano that allows for the secure and efficient development of contracts running on the Cardano blockchain.
• Aiken is the ideal choice for developing smart contracts on our freelance platform due to its high security and powerful features. It minimizes the risk of security vulnerabilities, which is important in the freelance environment where trust and privacy protection are paramount.
• Interoperability with Existing Systems
• Our Cardano blockchain-based freelance platform is designed to integrate easily with existing systems, making it easy for users to migrate and launch on this new platform.
• Our platform allows users to easily import their profiles from existing platforms like GitHub, LinkedIn, etc., through the provided API. Users can upload and verify their personal information, work experience, completed projects, certificates, reviews, and feedback from previous clients. This saves time and builds a strong and trustworthy profile, helping users enhance their reputation and making it easier for employers to evaluate and select freelancers that fit their needs.
• Technology Development
• Web Frontend Technology: The frontend for the platform will be developed using modern frameworks like next (for the web). These frameworks allow for fast and responsive frontends with consistent user experience.
• Web3 Integration: The platform will integrate Cardano wallets like eternl, nami, etc., using libraries like meshjs, lucid-Cardano. This allows users to seamlessly connect their crypto wallets to the platform, allowing direct interaction with the blockchain and smart contracts.
• Security, Fraud Prevention and Auditing
• Our platform ensures immutability and tamper-proofing by recording all transactions and ownership records on the Cardano blockchain. This helps prevent fraudulent activities such as creating fake profiles or account abuse, protecting the interests of both freelancers and employers.
• Every transaction, from signing a contract to paying for a service, is transparently recorded on the blockchain. This creates a comprehensive audit trail, allowing all parties involved, including freelancers, clients and third parties, to track the transaction history. This transparency not only increases trust but also creates a safer working environment.
• Legal Framework and Regulatory Compliance
• Legal Integration with Smart Contracts: Our platform ensures compliance with applicable regulations by embedding legal agreements into smart contracts. Service contracts, payment agreements, and ownership regulations will be legally binding. We will work closely with legal experts to ensure that all intelligent contracts comply with legal requirements, thus protecting user rights and minimizing legal risks.

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

Our project aims to create a transformative impact on the broader Cardano community by addressing critical challenges freelancers and clients face within recruitment platforms. By leveraging the unique capabilities of blockchain technology and smart contracts, we will foster a more transparent, secure, and cost-effective environment for users. The anticipated positive impacts include:

• Enhanced Trust and Security: By implementing a decentralized platform with transparent operations and smart contracts, users will experience reduced fraud and increased trust
• Lower Service Fees: Our clear and transparent fee structure will significantly reduce the financial burden on freelancers, enabling them to retain a larger share of their earning
• Community Development: By nurturing a vibrant community of freelancers and clients, our platform will promote collaboration and networking opportunities

Measuring Impact

To evaluate the impact of our project, we will utilize quantitative and qualitative metrics.

• Quantitative Metrics:
• User Growth: Track the number of registered users (freelancers and clients) on our platform over time.
• Transaction Volume: Measure the total monetary value of transactions processed on the platform, indicating the economic activity generated.
• Reduction in Disputes: Monitor the number of disputes or fraud cases reported before and after implementation, assessing the effectiveness of smart contracts in reducing conflicts.
• Qualitative Metrics:
• User Satisfaction Surveys: Conduct regular surveys to gather feedback from users regarding their experiences on the platform, specifically focusing on trust, transparency, and usability.
• Case Studies: Develop case studies showcasing successful collaborations facilitated by our platform and highlighting users' positive experiences.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We intend to share the findings and value our project creates through various channels.

• Community Engagement: Regularly participate in Cardano community forums, workshops, and events to present updates on our project, share insights, and gather feedback
• Public Reporting: Publish comprehensive reports detailing our impact metrics, success stories, and lessons learned
• Collaboration Initiatives: Collaborate with other projects and stakeholders in the Cardano ecosystem to explore collaboration opportunities that will amplify our reach and impact

[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 capacity to implement this project with high levels of trust and accountability is founded on a blend of expertise, experience, and a structured approach to project management.

1. Expertise and Experience

• Team Composition: Our project team consists of professionals with extensive expertise in blockchain technology, IoT integration, and software development. This includes a lecturer-level expert who has successfully managed previous blockchain projects, alongside two developers with hands-on experience in working with the Cardano blockchain and one from a large enterprise in Vietnam.
• Proven Track Record: The team members have a history of successfully delivering similar projects, demonstrating their technical skills and capability to meet project objectives. This background fosters confidence in our ability to deliver high-quality results.

Projects previously executed on the Cardano blockchain include:

• Learning Management System: lms.cardano2vn.io
• Free Native Minting Tool (CIP25): cardano-tool.vercel.app
• Other previously funded projects:
• Complete Aiken Course: Cardano from Zero to Expert
• Study Guide for Marlow
• Open Source Dynamic Assets Token/NFT Generator (CIP68)
• Dualtarget for ADA-Holders (Staking and increasing assets) with a decentralized automated trading bot

Additionally, we have documented reports of our research and academic activities:

• Article 1: Cardano Student Showcases at the Student Scientific and Research Conference
• Article 2: Web3 Bootcamp for Vietnamese Youth
• Article 3: Reporting Research Results on Project Catalyst
• Article 4: Cardano Blockchain Hackathon Vietnam 2024 -22/9/2024- Recap

1. Assurance of Accountability

• Progress Monitoring: We will closely monitor and evaluate project progress through clear metrics and indicators. This enables us to take responsibility for achieving desired outcomes.
• Transparent Communication: We prioritize open and honest communication with all stakeholders. Regular updates will be provided, sharing pr

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

Project Planning and Setup (1th month)

Objective: Define the technical specifications and functionality of the platform. Create a detailed roadmap and complete the necessary documentation for the project.

Tasks:

• Complete the architecture, including smart contracts and on-chain data storage mechanisms
• Plan the integration with secondary websites
• Set up the hosting environment, servers, and databases.
• Initial design for the website interface.

Deliverables:

• Finalize the architecture, including smart contracts and on-chain data storage mechanisms
• Plan integration with 3rd party services (linkedin,github,..)
• Set up the hosting environment, servers and databases.
• Initial design for the website interface.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Architecture documentation complete and approved.
• Development roadmap reviewed and signed off.
• Initial design ready for stakeholder review.

Smart Contract and Backend Development (2nd-3rd month)

Objective: Build and deploy backend systems, including smart contracts for asset ownership and transaction management.

Tasks:

• Develop core backend architecture to interact with parties and smart contracts
• Write and deploy smart contracts based on real-world contract logic, ensuring the rights of parties
• Set up environments to ensure on-chain system operation

Deliverables:

• Working backend API.
• Functional smart contracts deployed on cardano preprod network

Acceptance criteria:

• Smart contracts have been successfully deployed on testnet and functionally verified.
• Working backend API and tested
• Functions with contracts (initialization, completion, dispute) successfully operating on preprod network

User Interface and UX/UI Development (4th month)

Objective: Develop the user interface for the platform, ensuring a smooth experience and perfect integration with the backends and component blockchain

Task:

• Design and develop the website interface for users to easily interact with the system.
• Implement a user-controlled dashboard where users can manage the consolidation, track work progress and receive payment notifications.
• Create an interface to list services and projects, allowing users to search and select easily.
• Integrate the backend with the frontend to ensure synchronous and efficient operation.
• Ensure responsive design and compatibility with popular browsers.

Deliverables:

• Website works with a friendly interface for management and transaction work.
• Fully integrated with the backend and consolidated illustrative information.
• User Dashboard, Service Listing Interface

Acceptance Criteria:

• The site has been tested for functionality through network testing, allowing users to interact with services and consent.
• All major functions are working properly.
• Positive feedback from users in initial testing on the usability of the interface.

Testing and Quality Assurance (5th month)

Objective: Conduct a comprehensive test of the platform, including smart contract functionality and user experience.

Tasks:

• Conduct a test campaign with a selected group of users to collect feedback.
• Conduct performance and security testing of the smart contract and backend.
• Test interoperability with external systems (linkedin, github, etc.)
• Make necessary adjustments based on feedback

Deliverables:

• User feedback report and list of necessary changes.
• Security testing report for smart contract and backend.
• Performance testing report on platform stability

Acceptance criteria:

• The platform passed security and performance tests without detecting critical vulnerabilities.
• User feedback was implemented, and important adjustments were made.
• Smart contracts and backends operate reliably under simulated, real-world conditions.

Final Launch and Community Engagement (6th month)

Objective: Deploy the platform to users and build a community around the product.

Tasks:

• Conduct the official launch of the platform, including announcements on social media channels and online platforms.
• Create tutorials and training videos to support users in the process of getting acquainted with the platform.
• Encourage user feedback and organize community discussions to receive comments and improve the product.
• Develop a referral program and encourage new users to join the platform.

Deliverables:

• The platform is officially live and ready for users.
• Tutorials and training videos are released.
• The online launch event is successful with community reviews.

Acceptance criteria:

• The platform is stable with initial user participation.
• User Feedback After Product Launch
• Community growth is measured through engagement, social media interactions, and new users.

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

📌Mr. Phung Tien Dung

Full-Stack Developer | Blockchain Developer

• Experience: Software engineering expert with 5+ years in Vietnam's tech scene. 2+ years in blockchain
• founder of HTlabs
• Programming Language: php , nodejs, python, c,c++ ,haskell, aiken
• Projects: Multiple completed projects funded by Catalyst
• Skills: dApp development with nextjs and smart contract writing with Aiken

Contact

• Email: tiendung0325@gmail.com
• Github
• Telegram
• Linkedin

📌Mr. Le Anh Quan

Full-Stack Developer | System Operator

• Experience:Software engineering expert with 5+ years of backend experience at FPT Software
• Programming Language: java , nodejs, python, #
• Skills: Proficient in system operations, DevOps management, and AWS deployment

Contact

• Email:
• Github
• Linkedin

📌Mr. Nguyen Duy Khanh

Fullstack Developer / Blockchain Developer

• More than 2 years of building and operating on the cardano platform.
• More than 1 year of working with the Aiken language.
• Having projects funded by Fund 11, 12.
• Experience in developing DApps and writing smart contracts using the aiken programming language.
• More than 1 year of experience developing Unity Games, ...

Contact:

• Email: nguyenkhanh17112003@gmail.com
• Telegram
• Github

📌Mr. Son

Fullstack Developer / Blockchain Developer

• More than a year of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.
• 6 months working with Haskell and Plutus languages, 4 months working with Aiken programming language.
• Project funded at fund 10, 11 in Project Catalyst.
• Experience in dApp development and skills in writing smart contracts with Aiken language.
• 2 years of experience developing AI/machine learning/deep learning, data science,...

Contact:

• Email: son211204228@lms.utc.edu.vn
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-flynn-a34325283
• Github: github.com/sonson0910

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

Our proposal is expected to be divided into 05 milestones with the following expected budget:

(you can refer to this google sheet for more detail)

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

Our freelancer platform project represents the ultimate value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, by creating a blockchain solution with practical applications in the freelance industry. With a total budget of 70,000 ADA, we ensure that the project costs are allocated appropriately and commensurate with the value it brings.

• Solid Platform Solution: The freelancer platform will provide a transparent and secure system to connect freelancers with clients. The development costs of this platform have been calculated to ensure sustainability and scalability, allowing us to serve a large number of users without sacrificing the quality of service.
• Automation and Cost Efficiency: The use of smart contracts allows for the automation of many processes within the platform, from transaction confirmation to payment. This not only helps reduce operating costs but also speeds up work execution, bringing great benefits to both freelancers and employers
• Trusted Interaction: The platform will integrate evaluation and feedback mechanisms, allowing users to evaluate each other transparently. This creates a safe and trustworthy working environment, encouraging user participation, thereby increasing value for the entire ecosystem.
• Meeting Real Needs: We have carefully researched the market and user spending levels in the freelance service sector. By setting reasonable and competitive service fees, the platform not only attracts users but also brings real value to them, creating a sustainable circle of benefits.

Project Costs Explained

We have determined the project costs based on the following factors:

• Average Salaries: The software development costs have been based on the average salaries for developers and industry professionals in our country. This helps ensure that the costs are reasonable and fair.
• Development and Marketing Investments: The budget also includes investments in marketing and development to ensure that the platform is widely known and can effectively reach the target audience.