TapTools: Cardano Onboarding Platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Alec Myers

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

68000

[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 create a user-friendly onboarding platform for Cardano that simplifies learning and engagement, ensuring new and existing users confidently navigate and utilize the ecosystem.

[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?

No

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

Due to considerations regarding intellectual property protection, commercialization strategy, and security concerns, it has been decided that the project outputs will not be open sourced. This decision is aligned with our business model and resources available for maintenance.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Addressing the Educational Gap:

Our initiative addresses a critical gap in the Cardano ecosystem—new users often rely on fragmented and sometimes unreliable sources like Twitter to learn about Cardano, which can lead to misinformation. Our solution, a comprehensive onboarding platform through TapTools, will serve as the definitive hub for all information related to Cardano, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Strategic Approach:

We have designed our onboarding platform to be the go-to resource, replacing scattered and unverified information channels. This approach not only educates users about the basics, such as wallet selection and ADA staking but also about the broader aspects of the ecosystem including DeFi practices, lending, borrowing, and navigating NFT marketplaces.

Engagement and Audience:

Targeting both new entrants and existing users, the platform will simplify the initial steps of joining the Cardano community and deepen their understanding of available services and opportunities. This knowledge hub will enhance user confidence and trust, fostering a more informed and engaged community.

Unique Value Proposition:

Our platform stands out by providing a trustworthy source for all things Cardano, countering the current reliance on scattered, unofficial channels. It will not only streamline the onboarding process but also ensure that every user has access to the same high-quality, vetted information, promoting a uniform understanding and adoption of Cardano.

Importance to Cardano:

By simplifying the onboarding process and providing a reliable information source, our project is crucial for reducing entry barriers and enhancing the overall integrity of interactions within the Cardano ecosystem. This foundational work is vital for sustainable growth and long-term success, making Cardano a more accessible and trustworthy platform for all users.

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

The TapTools Onboarding Platform is poised to significantly impact the Cardano community by streamlining the introduction of new users to the ecosystem. By providing an effective onboarding experience, we aim to increase network participation, which in turn will amplify transaction volumes, boost the total value locked, and enhance active participation in governance and DeFi activities. As these new users become more knowledgeable and engaged, they will contribute to the ecosystem’s robustness, driving both growth and sustainability.

Quantitative Metrics: We will use Google Analytics to monitor the influx of new users and employ our data platform to track key ecosystem metrics such as transaction volumes and total value locked. This will allow us to quantitatively assess how well the onboarding platform is converting curious visitors into active participants.

Qualitative Feedback: User feedback will be collected regularly to gauge satisfaction and understanding of the Cardano ecosystem. This qualitative data will help us refine the onboarding process and ensure it meets user needs.

The success of the TapTools Onboarding Platform will bring substantial value to the Cardano community by not only growing the user base but also enriching the ecosystem with new capital and diverse perspectives. The influx of well-informed users will foster further innovation and development, highlighting the strategic importance of effective onboarding in achieving long-term success and vibrancy within Cardano.

[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, deeply familiar with Cardano’s technology and community, is perfectly positioned to successfully launch the TapTools Onboarding Platform. We’ll maintain transparency and accountability through regular updates and by sharing educational content with the community.

To ensure our platform is effective, we’ll closely monitor new user metrics and integrate community feedback to fine-tune our approach. We’re committed to rigorous financial management, ensuring every step of our process adheres to the highest standards of integrity as demonstrated in Catalyst Fund 9. Our technical expertise, combined with active community engagement and strong project management, will make onboarding smoother for new Cardano users.

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

Develop a Detailed Process for the Onboarding System

A: Milestone Outputs

• A comprehensive step-by-step guide outlining the onboarding process for new users, including instructions on wallet setup, ADA staking, and navigating Cardano services.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The process guide must be clear, easy to understand, and cover all fundamental aspects of getting started with Cardano.
• Must receive approval from an internal review team to ensure completeness and clarity.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Documented step-by-step onboarding process available for internal review.

Create UI/UX Mocks for the Onboarding Platform

A: Milestone Outputs

• User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design mocks that visually represent the onboarding process, integrating the step-by-step guide developed in Milestone 1.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The design mocks must be intuitive, engaging, and reflective of the step-by-step guide, ensuring a seamless user experience.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Finalized UI/UX mocks presented and documented.

Development and Integration

A: Milestone Outputs

• Complete integration of the final UI/UX designs into the TapTools platform.
• Testing to ensure all elements function as intended before going live.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• All UI/UX components are integrated without errors and pass all functionality tests.
• User acceptance testing completed with positive results.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Screenshots or video recordings of the fully integrated and functional UI/UX.

Official Launch of the Onboarding Platform

A: Milestone Outputs

• Official public launch of the onboarding platform.
• Monitoring and optimizing the platform based on initial live user interactions.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Platform launched and operational without critical issues.
• Initial user feedback indicates satisfaction with functionality and ease of use.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Articles and social media announcements confirming the platform launch.
• Reports compiling user feedback and performance analytics from the first weeks of operation.

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

Some of the key contributors and founding members of TapTools are:

Alec Myers

CEO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-myers-profile/

https://twitter.com/cardano_tools

Jacob Warren

CTO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-warren-186252127/

https://twitter.com/_jacobwarren

James Cadena

COO of TapTools

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cadena-41280a57/

https://twitter.com/jamescadeen

Alex Yue

CMO of TapTools

https://twitter.com/Alex_ADA_

There are also 7 other core members of the team that contribute greatly to TapTools.

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

Project Management and Administration

• Project Manager: Coordination and oversight of project deliverables and timelines.
• Administrative Support: Handling logistics, scheduling, and communications.
• Total Cost: 12,000 ADA

System Development

• Step-by-Step Process Development: Research and documentation of the onboarding process.
• UI/UX Design: Creation of user interface and experience designs.
• Platform Integration: Technical development to integrate the onboarding process into the existing platform.
• Total Cost: 35,000 ADA

Marketing and Community Engagement

• Marketing Materials: Production of digital content, such as videos and infographics.
• Community Outreach: Launch X campaign to educate users about the new platform.
• Total Cost: 12,000 ADA

Quality Assurance and Testing

• Testing: User testing sessions, including compensation for external testers.
• Feedback Analysis: Tools and services to analyze user feedback effectively.
• Total Cost: 9,000 ADA

Total Project Budget: 68,000 ADA

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

Our budget is carefully planned to maximize long-term benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. By integrating the onboarding platform into our existing infrastructure, we’re able to cover ongoing operational costs. This strategy allows us to continually improve the platform, making it a dynamic resource that attracts and educates both new and existing users, enhancing overall engagement and contributing to the ecosystem's growth.

The platform is more than just a tool; it's a lasting resource. It provides users with dependable knowledge and guidance, ensuring that our initial investment keeps adding value well into the future.

In essence, our project is a thoughtful and strategic investment designed to deepen understanding and engagement within the Cardano community, promoting sustained growth and stability. Our approach reflects our commitment to value-driven planning and responsible budget management.