The decentralized e-commerce platform utilizes Smart Contracts on Cardano to address current e-commerce challenges without the need for third-party intermediaries

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

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

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

We are building a decentralized e-commerce platform utilizing Smart Contracts on Cardano where anyone can list products for sale, and buyers can use ADA for transactions.

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

[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 dependences

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

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

Fully open source

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Problem:

Currently, e-commerce plays an indispensable role in people's lives, with almost everyone making purchases on e-commerce platforms. However, these platforms still face several significant issues:

• E-commerce platforms concentrate substantial power in the hands of leading organizations. They have the authority to delist products or delete buyer data if there are issues that need resolution, potentially leading to unhealthy competition and negatively impacting buyer rights.
• Sellers on e-commerce platforms may incur high shipping costs when buyers fail to pay for their purchased products.
• Buyers find it challenging to reclaim funds when they receive low-quality products from unreliable sellers.
• The absence of cryptocurrency payment options limits access to secure and decentralized payment methods.

Solution:

We are establishing a decentralized e-commerce platform on the Cardano blockchain. This platform aims to:

• Be the world's first decentralized e-commerce platform.
• Allow buyers to make direct payments on the platform using ADA or Cardano-based stablecoins.
• Manage buyer and seller activities through Smart Contracts on Cardano.

How Smart Contracts will manage the buying process:

When a buyer places an order on the e-commerce platform, they will have to lock the equivalent amount of ADA (or stablecoin) into a Smart Contract, matching the product's price. This Smart Contract will connect with an Oracle to obtain shipping data from a reputable and verified shipping company. The Oracle will continuously update the shipping information. Sellers will also have to lock the shipping cost into a Smart Contract with the shipping company. After the order reaches the buyer, the buyer will confirm receipt in the Smart Contract, and the funds will be transferred to the seller's wallet. Simultaneously, the shipping company will notify a second Smart Contract of the successful delivery, and the payment will be transferred to the shipping company's wallet.

For other cases such as buyers not receiving the product due to personal issues, buyers not receiving the product, or sellers delivering low-quality products, we will construct specific conditions in Smart Contracts to ensure the resolution of these issues.

These are some typical use cases for utilizing Smart Contracts to create a decentralized e-commerce platform without the need for centralized management. We will continue researching and developing a complete Proof-Of-Concept for this solution, detailing the system's operational flows and creating a prototype for the e-commerce platform.

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

Our solution has the potential to bring hundreds of millions of users to Cardano, considering the massive user base of current e-commerce platforms (billions of users). This is an exceedingly crucial application for today's users. Furthermore, integrating Cardano blockchain into e-commerce can significantly boost transaction volumes on Cardano, given that e-commerce platforms typically handle substantial daily transaction volumes.

We are providing an outstanding utility for Cardano users. People can conveniently buy and sell goods using ADA. Users have complete autonomy in decision-making and personal information management, and issues in purchasing are automatically resolved through Smart Contracts.

Our solution aims to minimize risks in buying, selling, and shipping in current e-commerce, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. The complete open-sourcing of our project's code allows other projects to use and develop their related applications.

This initiative not only addresses current challenges in e-commerce but also contributes to the broader adoption and utilization of blockchain technology, particularly on the Cardano platform. It aligns with the principles of decentralization, transparency, and user empowerment. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to see how it evolves and contributes to the growing ecosystem of blockchain-based solutions.

[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?

We have 4 funded proposals in fund 8 and 9 and all of those proposals were successfully completed

• Haskell Book Vietnamese Translation: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/62683. Link download: https://bit.ly/Real-World-Haskell
• Haskell Book Vietnamese Translation: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/63881. Link download: https://bit.ly/Learn-You-A-Haskell-Vietnamese
• Haskell Course for Beginners: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/62320

• Haskell Course for Developers: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/idea/63880

We are one of the greatest team in Developer Ecosystem Challenge in fund 8 & 9

All members of our team are experienced and skilled individuals with a background in building and operating banking systems as well as large-scale e-commerce platforms.

Therefore, we are fully capable of executing this project.

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

Research and Design of the E-commerce Platform System: (2 months)

• System Architecture:
• Develop a decentralized system architecture utilizing Cardano blockchain and Smart Contracts.
• Define participant roles and permissions: buyers, sellers, and shipping companies.
• Sketching the User Interface (UI):
• Create initial UI sketches to capture the fundamental visual layout and functionalities of the software.
• Include essential elements such as product listings, payment options, and order tracking.
• Smart Contract Integration:
• Identify key functionalities to be executed through Smart Contracts.
• Outline interactions between Smart Contracts and the blockchain to ensure secure and automated transactions.
• User Flows:
• Define user flows for various scenarios involving buyers, sellers, and shipping companies.
• Detail the process from product listing to payment, shipping, and order confirmation.
• Payment System:
• Integrate ADA and Cardano-based stablecoins as payment options.
• Outline steps for users to securely make direct payments on the platform.
• Risk Mitigation:
• Develop Smart Contract conditions for common issues like non-receipt of items, low-quality products, and disputes.
• Ensure Smart Contracts transparently and fairly address these scenarios.
• Decentralized Identity Management:
• Implement a decentralized identity management system for users to control and secure personal information.
• Scalability and Performance:
• Consider scalability and performance aspects of the system to handle a large user base and transaction volume.

Output: Preliminary Sketch of the E-commerce Platform System:

• UI sketches illustrating the main features of the platform, including product listings, payment interfaces, and order tracking.
• Diagrams and visual representations of the designed system architecture and Smart Contract interactions.

User Research to Build User Personas: (2 months)

• Identify Target Users:
• Define the primary users of the e-commerce platform, considering demographics, behaviors, and preferences.
• Conduct surveys and interviews to gather insights into user needs and expectations.
• Create User Personas:
• Develop detailed user personas based on the collected data, including user goals, pain points, and motivations.
• Ensure that personas represent diverse user segments.

Building Wireframes for the E-commerce System with ADA Wallet and Smart Contract Integration:

• Wireframe Design:
• Create wireframes illustrating the platform's UI, incorporating features related to ADA wallet and Smart Contract functionality.
• Design key screens such as product listings, payment interfaces, and order tracking with ADA integration.
• User Interaction Flows:
• Develop user interaction flows that depict how users navigate through the system, emphasizing ADA transactions and Smart Contract usage.
• Highlight the seamless integration of cryptocurrency transactions and decentralized operations.

Constructing User Operation and Data Processing Flows:

• User Operation Flows:
• Define step-by-step user operation flows for different scenarios, including buying, selling, and shipping.
• Detail the process from product discovery to payment, shipment, and confirmation.
• Data Processing Flows:
• Outline the flow of data processing, ensuring security and transparency.
• Highlight how Smart Contracts handle various situations, such as dispute resolution and order fulfillment.

Structuring Information Groups on the Buyer, Seller, and Shipping Interface:

• Buyer Interface:
• Organize information groups on the buyer's interface, including product details, payment options, and order history.
• Ensure a user-friendly experience with clear navigation and accessibility.
• Seller Interface:
• Structure information groups for sellers, covering product management, order processing, and transaction history.
• Provide tools for sellers to manage their storefront efficiently.
• Shipping Interface:
• Design the shipping interface with information groups related to order fulfillment, tracking, and delivery confirmation.
• Streamline the shipping process for improved efficiency.

Output: Wireframes of the E-commerce System for Buyers, Sellers, and Shipping Providers:

• Visual representations of wireframes showcasing the ADA wallet integration and Smart Contract features for seamless user interactions.
• Detailed user persona profiles reflecting the diverse user base of the platform.
• User operation flows and data processing flows to guide system development and usability testing.

Finalizing Sales, Purchase, Shipping Process, and Complaint Handling on Smart Contract:

• Sales Process:
• Specify the steps involved in product listing, setting prices, and managing inventory.
• Implement Smart Contracts to automate order confirmation and payment processes.
• Purchase Process:
• Define the buyer's journey from product discovery to checkout and payment.
• Integrate Smart Contracts to secure funds during the purchase process.
• Shipping Process:
• Outline the steps for order fulfillment, tracking, and delivery confirmation.
• Utilize Smart Contracts to automate shipping notifications and payment release upon successful delivery.
• Complaint Handling:
• Establish a systematic process for handling complaints and disputes.
• Implement Smart Contracts to facilitate transparent and fair resolutions.

Completion of Privacy Policy for the E-commerce Platform:

• Privacy Policy:Develop a comprehensive Privacy Policy outlining data collection, storage, and usage practices.
• Ensure compliance with privacy regulations and transparency in handling user information.

Finalizing Interaction Flows Between Buyers, Sellers, and Shipping Providers with Smart Contracts:

• Buyer-Seller Interaction:
• Detail the communication flow between buyers and sellers throughout the purchasing process.
• Incorporate Smart Contracts to automate order updates and payment confirmations.
• Buyer-Shipping Provider Interaction:
• Define the interaction flow between buyers and shipping providers for order tracking and delivery.
• Implement Smart Contracts for real-time shipping updates.
• Seller-Shipping Provider Interaction:
• Specify the collaboration between sellers and shipping providers for efficient order fulfillment.
• Use Smart Contracts to streamline communication and payment processes.

UX/UI Design for the E-commerce Platform Website:

• User Experience (UX) Design:
• Create a seamless and intuitive user experience for buyers, sellers, and shipping providers.
• Focus on clear navigation, accessibility, and user-friendly interfaces.
• User Interface (UI) Design:
• Develop visually appealing and cohesive UI designs for the website.
• Ensure consistency in branding elements and design elements.

Output: Mockup and Prototype of the E-commerce System for Buyers, Sellers, and Shipping Providers:

• Visual mockups illustrating the final design of the platform, including key screens for buyers, sellers, and shipping providers.
• Interactive prototypes showcasing the user journey and Smart Contract interactions.
• Completed Privacy Policy document for user reference and legal compliance.

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

Mr. Thanh Ngo - Advisor:

• PhD in Economics from Massey University in 2015.
• Works at the School of Aviation, Massey University.
• Expertise in efficiency and productivity analysis in various sectors, including banking, finance, agriculture, and transportation economics.
• Editorial Board member for the International Journal of Financial Studies.
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thanh-Ngo-14

Mr. Vo Minh Tuan - Financial and Legal Expert, Project Financial Manager:

• Over 20 years of experience in US/JP listed and multinational companies.
• Deep knowledge of finance, accounting, IFRS, US-GAAP, SOX, tax, customs, labor, investment, and business law.
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuan-vo-8a1557151/

Mr. Tran Thanh Thien - Project Director, System Process Analyst and Designer:

• Software Developer with expertise in Database Warehousing and ERP.
• Specialized in Einvoice solutions and business management software.

Mr. Nguyen Van Minh - Technical Design and System Programming Leader:

• Software developer and design programmer.
• Proficient in various technologies, including Servlets, SOAP, Microservices, CI/CD, Apache Kafka, Spring Framework, and more.
• https://github.com/nvminh
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvminh-gmail-com/

Mr. Dinh Duong Ha - UI/UX Design, Application Programming:

• Specializes in software design, microservices, C#, C++, Qt, Go, Rust, embedded Linux programming, blockchain, SmartContract, REST, and PostgreSQL.
• https://github.com/dinhduongha

Mr. Truong Hoai Quoc - UI/UX Design, Application Programming:

• Project Management and Software Development expertise.
• Proficient in C#, SQL, PHP.
• Involved in electronic invoice and business management software solutions.
• linkedin.com/in/truong-hoai-quoc-041519148

Mr. Arnaud Spiwack - Haskell Developer:

• Has 6 years of Haskell programming experience.
• Github: https://github.com/aspiwack.

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

Milestone 1: (2 months)

• Research and design the e-commerce platform system.
• Develop preliminary sketches of the decentralized operation using Smart Contracts (SKETCH is a quick UI draft to capture ideas about a specific function).
• Analyze specific flows for various scenarios between buyers, sellers, and shipping entities.

Resources:

• 1 Project Leader: Cost $3,000 (2 months)
• 1 System Analyst and Designer: Cost $4,000 (2 months)
• 1 Plutus Developer: Cost $2,000 (2 months)
• Total: $9,000

Milestone 2: (2 months)

• Conduct user research to build user personas.
• Build wireframes for the e-commerce system when integrated with ADA wallet and Smart Contract features.
• Develop user interaction flows and data processing flows.
• Structure information groups on the interface for buyers, sellers, and shipping entities.

Resources:

• 1 Project Leader: Cost $3,000 (2 months)
• 1 System Analyst and Designer: Cost $4,000 (2 months)
• 1 Plutus Developer: Cost $2,000 (2 months)
• 1 Back-end Developer: Cost $2,000 (2 months)
• 1 UX/UI Developer: Cost $2,000 (2 months)
• Total: $13,000

Final Milestone: (2 months)

• Finalize the sales, purchase, shipping process, and complaint handling on Smart Contracts.
• Complete the Privacy Policy for the e-commerce platform.
• Finalize interaction flows between buyers, sellers, and shipping entities with Smart Contracts.
• Design UX/UI for the e-commerce platform website.

Resources:

• 1 Project Leader: Cost $3,000 (2 months)
• 1 System Analyst and Designer: Cost $4,000 (2 months)
• 1 Plutus Developer: Cost $2,000 (2 months)
• 1 Back-end Developer: Cost $2,000 (2 months)
• 1 UX/UI Developer: Cost $2,000 (2 months)
• Total: $13,000

Total Budget:

• Total budget in USD: $35,000
• Total budget in ADA: 87,500 ADA (rate: 1 ADA = $0.4)

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

Information about developers' salaries in Vietnam ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 USD is valuable for assessing the project's costs. Paying developers within this salary range is considered reasonable and quite competitive globally, especially when compared to developer salaries in developed countries.

This project not only benefits Cardano but also has the potential to attract hundreds of millions of users with a demand for buying and selling on e-commerce platforms. This can increase the demand for the ADA coin, adding value and stability to it.

Moreover, the project contributes significantly to the increase in transaction volume on Cardano. With the substantial transaction volume from e-commerce platforms, Cardano could become a popular blockchain platform for e-commerce transactions.

For ADA holders, this project provides additional utilities and value for their ADA holdings, creating an ecosystem that the community can enjoy and contribute to the development of Cardano.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund 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.