VESPR x Splash - Cardano-Based User Rewards

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Dee Boshoff

[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

500000

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

8

[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)

VESPR wallet will be enhanced to display real-world rewards and we will develop an application for merchants and digital communities to list those rewards and verify user eligibility.

[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

The software and code are proprietary in nature and therefore project outputs will not be open source.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Digital Token Communities need a tool that allows their token holders to discover where they can receive rewards and benefits for holding their tokens.

Merchants (online and offline) want to expand their customer base by extending loyalty benefits to Digital Token Communities and need a tool to showcase their product/service and the benefits token holders will receive.

Sample User Journey:

A Wine Community (a Digital Token Community) uses the Wine Digital Token and wants to make sure their members get discounted pricing, free wine tastings or special access to events to as many wineries throughout the world as possible.

The Wine Community builds up a network of global wineries that will now provide benefits to its token holders/members. The Wineries also benefit because they are now opening up to a new community.

On Splash, each winery will be able to create a Loyalty Plan and can customize the tiers, token thresholds and benefits for each Digital Token.

A Wine Community Token Holder can now discover all locations that have integrated their token globally. 

When The Wine Community token holder goes to visit that location, they will either have their wallet or Splash account scanned.

The Merchant App will then show the loyalty status of the customer and give them their special benefits.

VESPR, Splash and The Cardano Center Cape Town will work together to build a loyalty point program that can then be rolled out to all Digital Token Communities and Merchants. 

VESPR is the premier mobile Cardano wallet and the preferred onboarding wallet at the Cardano Center Cape Town. 

Splash is a Cardano-first web3 directory, community management, and engagement suite that lists and connects communities, their tokens, apps, games, locations, and partner communities all in one place. 

The Cardano Center Cape Town is already a fully-fledged web3 hub/café and events space with regular blockchain events and monthly meetups. The team regularly onboards patrons and event attendees into the Cardano ecosystem through regular meetups and workshops.

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

Our proposed solution addresses the challenges faced by small retail venues and token projects in implementing robust loyalty programs through several key strategies:

• Cost-Effective Implementation: By providing an affordable alternative to traditional loyalty programs, our solution enables even small businesses to participate, thus lowering the barrier to entry and expanding the reach of loyalty programs within the retail sector.
• Simplified User Experience: The user-friendly, mobile-ready interface of our Splash app and loyalty module simplifies the process of earning and redeeming loyalty tokens for both vendors and customers, increasing participation rates and engagement.
• Tapping into New User Networks: Retailers can opt to include existing loyalty tokens tapping into their existing user bases and ultimately expanding their user base. 
• Interoperability: Our solution promotes interoperability among different vendors by allowing users to easily accumulate and redeem tokens across various establishments. This addresses the fragmentation issue commonly seen in loyalty programs and enhances the overall user experience.
• Enhanced Security and Transparency: Leveraging decentralized technology, such as Cardano-based tokens, ensures greater security and transparency in the management of loyalty tokens. This mitigates the risk of fraud and manipulation, fostering trust among both vendors and customers.
• Real-World Utility: By offering tangible benefits within the participating vendor network, such as discounts, exclusive offers, or other rewards, our solution incentivizes customer engagement and fosters stronger relationships between vendors and customers.

The overall Cardano ecosystem stands to benefit in several ways:

• Increased Adoption: By piloting real-world use cases for Cardano-based tokens, we demonstrate the practical utility and effectiveness of decentralized technology, thereby driving adoption within the broader retail industry and beyond.
• Expanded Token Utility: The integration of Cardano-based tokens into loyalty programs expands their utility beyond speculative trading, creating real-world applications and driving demand for the tokens within the ecosystem.
• Ecosystem Collaboration: Our solution encourages collaboration among different projects and communities within the Cardano ecosystem, as vendors can easily piggyback off each other's loyalty programs, enhancing the overall utility and value proposition of Cardano-based tokens.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as the Cardano Center in Cape Town and the Splash platform, we facilitate community engagement and education, empowering users to participate actively in the Cardano ecosystem and contribute to its growth and development.

[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?

Splash already has a functioning desktop app with hundreds of monthly users who are using our community directory to discover thousands of communities, games and apps.

Our physical retailer partner is the Cardano Center Cape Town which is a Calayst-funded project that successfully delivered on their promise to roll out a physical space where Cardano enthusiasts meet today. The team is consistently pushing Cardano technology to be trialed in their space and already has a functioning digital art gallery, blockchain/artist education programs and monthly crypto meetups.

VESPR also has developed the leading mobile wallet and has already launched a desktop version as well.

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

Milestone 1: Infrastructure (Months 1-2)

Milestone Output – Splash:

• Develop the Collection module on Splash
• Develop the Token module of Splash

Milestone Output – VESPR:

• Finalize in-app token dashboard UI & UX designs which will include loyalty rewards for applicable tokens
• Product management preparation for token dashboard implementation

Acceptance Criteria – Splash: Launch the collection and token module so that communities and merchants will be able to add any collections or tokens to their listings inside Splash.

Evidence of Completion – Splash: We will provide a video on how users are adding tokens and collections to their communities.

Acceptance Criteria – VESPR: We will have token dashboard UI designs finalized and development tasks ready for development work to commence.

Evidence of Completion – VESPR: We will provide Figma designs for the token dashboard and show that Jira epic/story tickets have been created.

Milestone 2: Loyalty Module Suite Development, Optimization & Testing on Splash (Months 3-4)

Milestone Output – Splash:

• Develop the Loyalty Module Suite on Splash
• Develop Mobile Version of Splash
• 
  

Milestone Output – VESPR:

• API design and implementation for token info endpoint

Acceptance Criteria – Splash: Launch the loyalty module (desktop and mobile) so that merchants can customize their loyalty program tiers based on whatever NFT collection or fungible token they wish to associate with their program.

Evidence of Completion – Splash: Provide videos of merchants creating and displaying their loyalty programs in both desktop and mobile versions.

Acceptance Criteria – VESPR: Create a new API route to return token info, including eligible loyalty rewards where applicable.

Evidence of Completion – VESPR: Show sample API response in Postman/CURL for the new token info route

Milestone 3: Merchant Authenticator (Month 5)

Milestone Output – Splash:

• Develop a POS reader solution

Milestone Output – VESPR:

• Implement UI in VESPR app for token dashboard including applicable rewards

Acceptance Criteria – Splash: Launch the Merchant Authenticator solution to allow the merchant to scan either the users' Splash QR code or VESPR wallet receive QR code to verify the customers' loyalty status.

Evidence of Completion – Splash: Produce video of the merchant scanning the QR code and displaying the users loyalty tier. 

Acceptance Criteria – VESPR: Token dashboard UI is implemented in the VESPR app

Evidence of Completion – VESPR: Show screenshots/video from VESPR app with the token dashboard

Milestone 4: Pilot Loyalty POS System and Loyalty Module (Month 6)

Milestone Output – Splash:

• Test out the POS system at the Cardano Center over 1 month.
• Onboard merchants to test out the pilot system.

Milestone Output – VESPR:

• Start fetching data from the new token info API route for the token dashboard

Acceptance Criteria – Splash: Test the POS system over 1 month at the Cape Town Cardano Center with existing clientele and those that have already been onboarded successfully onto Cardano. Onboard 5 merchants to test the POS system.

Evidence of Completion – Splash: Provide video recording of the POS system in action at the Cardano center and participating merchants.

Acceptance Criteria – VESPR: The token dashboard inside VESPR will show up-to-date metadata information for tokens.

Evidence of Completion – VESPR: Show screenshots/video recording from VESPR app with the token dashboard containing real data.

Milestone 5: Connecting Servers For Real-Time Data (Month 7)

Milestone Output – Splash:

• Create API route on Splash to expose eligible token utility/loyalty data for VESPR

Milestone Output – VESPR:

• Connect VESPR’s server to Splash server for real time utility/loyalty data

Acceptance Criteria – Splash: Create a new API route to return applicable token utility and loyalty rewards.

Evidence of Completion – Splash: Show sample API response in Postman/CURL for the new token utility/loyalty rewards route.

Acceptance Criteria – VESPR: The token dashboard inside VESPR will show up-to-date eligible rewards/utility for tokens, as fetched from Splash.

Evidence of Completion – VESPR: Show screenshots/video recording from VESPR app with the token dashboard containing eligible rewards/utility for tokens.

Milestone 6: Final Deliverable (Month 8)

Milestone Output:

• Catalyst final report and Closing video

Acceptance Criteria: Catalyst Final Report is written and Closeout Video is made.

Evidence of Completion: Publish Catalyst Final Report and Catalyst Closeout Video.

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

Dee Boshoff | Splash Ops Manager - Linkedin

Dee Boshoff is a digital marketing expert and blockchain enthusiast who spent a decade studying, living and working in Asia with a leading digital marketing agency. He is currently helping to conceptualize, build and grow Splash, a gamified NFT minting and data aggregation directory looking to onboard the next wave of Web3 projects and users into the creative ecosystem.

Alex Dochioiu | VESPR Wallet Founder & Senior Software Architect - Linkedin

Alex Dochioiu, the founder and senior software architect of VESPR Wallet, oversees the project's technical aspects. Drawing on over six years of experience in developing safety-critical mobile applications for major financial institutions, Alex ensures adherence to industry best practices and navigates any technical challenges we encounter.

Vladut Stan | Engineering Manager and Senior Software Engineer

Vladut Stan takes care of the software development while managing the project’s lifecycle, handling resource allocation, ensuring quality assurance, and continuously refining engineering processes for maximum efficiency and innovation. With over 9 years of expertise in handling large-scale projects catering to hundreds of thousands of daily users and a passion for well-designed products, his focus is on delivering the best and most reliable user experience, ensuring seamless performance even under heavy traffic loads.

Ramon Vos | Splash Marketing Manager - Linkedin

Ramon Vos is a cross-chain NFT degen, crypto trader & Investor since 2021. He has over a decade of experience in the luxury hospitality industry working in Asia, Africa, and Europe. He is Dutch by nationality, multilingual, and currently is based in France. He has a Master's Degree in marketing and finance.

Aaron Arfman | Splash Product - Linkedin

Aaron Arfman is an entrepreneur with 20 years of operations experience in China and a Cardano supporter since 2018. He is passionate about developing products that make blockchain more accessible to the masses by leveraging his cross-industry experiences from private equity, and fintech startups to wine production and distribution.

Jacques Bosch | CTO - Linkedin

Jacques Bosch, a tech entrepreneur from South Africa, loves the way harnessing software can reshape the real world. With a quarter of a century career spanning a diverse range of industries, from Blockchain and Auctioning to Education and Insurance, Jacques has a wealth of experience in implementing successful systems across many countries. For over 18 years, he has led competent teams founded on strong and respect-based relationships. Currently, he is concentrating on developing blockchain products and generative AI solutions for enterprise scenarios, highlighting his love of innovation and progress.

Piro Vorster | Developer - Linkedin

Piro Vorster is a skilled tech professional and founder of 2 successful software startups, Inversion and Pink Fish, with 17 years of experience in technologies like .NET, Azure, C#, and more. He's worked in a broad range of sectors, including Auctioning, Insurance, and Reinsurance, and relishes the thrill of solving complex challenges. Piro's credentials include a BSc (Hons) Computing degree and a wealth of leadership experience. He also boasts an unusual asset — a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting his commitment to discipline and strategic thinking.

Paul Cowan | Developer - Github

Paul Cowan is a seasoned programmer with over 20 years of experience, largely with C# .NET. He's worked across multiple industries, most notably in online retail, gaming, and now in the emergent fields of blockchain and NFTs. Working in both private and open source spaces, and a keen problem solver, Paul brings a blend of expertise, lateral thinking, and collaborative spirit to every project.

Vitaliy Kydon | Designer

With over 10 years of dedicated experience, Vitaliy Kydon specializes in crafting immersive and user-centric interfaces that redefine the digital landscape of blockchain and crypto technologies.

From sleek and secure wallet interfaces to intuitive decentralized exchanges, each project exemplifies my commitment to creating visually striking, yet functionally robust solutions tailored for the crypto ecosystem.

Danielle Erasmus | Creative Director/Senior Video Editor - Portfolio

Danielle Erasmus is a Creative Director, Senior Video Editor and Copywriter with 13 years of industry experience. Dani’s Honours graduating film won a SAFTA amongst many other international awards which launched her into the best of the industry. After spending many years as a freelancer, creating video content for local and international brands including CROCS, Supersport, DSTV, Jaguar Land Rover and many more, Dani joined the Splash team full-time to dedicate her skillset to showcasing their platforms.

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

Milestone 1: Infrastructure (Months 1-2) 167K ADA

Development cost: 

Splash:

• Collection Module - 8 weeks, 1 dev: *$800/day = $32,000
• Token Module - 8 weeks, 1 dev: *$800/day = $32,000

VESPR:

• UI/UX Design/Product Owner: 10 days * $400/day = $4,000
• Project Manager: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Software Developer: 5 days * $800/day = $4,000

Total = $74,500

Milestone 2: Loyalty Module Suite Development, Optimization & Testing on Splash (Months 3-4) 158K ADA

Development cost: 

Splash:

• Loyalty Program Module -4 weeks, 1 dev: $800/day = $16,000
• Mobile-Ready Version of Splash - 8 weeks, 1 dev: $800/day = $32,000

VESPR:

• Project Manager: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Technical Architect: 5 days * $800/day = $4,000
• Software Developer: 20 days * $800/day = $16,000

Total = $70,500

Milestone 3: Merchant Authenticator (Month 5) 59.5K ADA

Development cost: 

Splash:

• POS reader solution - 4 weeks, 1 dev: $800/day = $16,000

Vespr:

• Product Owner: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Software Developer: 10 days * $800/day = $8,000

Total = $26,500

Milestone 4: Pilot Loyalty POS System and Loyalty Module (Month 6) 46K ADA

Merchant onboarding costs: Onboard 5 merchants to pilot the POS system and loyalty module.

Splash:

• Merchant onboarding $2000 x 5 = $10,000

Vespr:

• Project Manager: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Software Developer: 10 days * $800/day = $8,000

Total = $20,500

Milestone 5: Connecting Servers For Real-Time Data (Month 7) 50K ADA

Splash:

• Software Developer: 15 days * $800/day = $12,000

Vespr:

• Project Manager: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
• Software Developer: 10 days * $800/day = $8,000

Total = $22,500

Milestone 6: Final Deliverable (Month 8) 19.5K ADA

• Product documentation and closing video on completion of the proposal = $700
• Contingency: $8000

Total = $8700

Grand total = $223200 @ 0.4465ADA = 500000ADA

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

The cost of the project represents significant value for the Cardano ecosystem by addressing key issues that Cardano faces:

1 - Onboarding new users and providing real-world utility to Cardano-based tokens

Introducing non-cryptocurrency natives to the world of Cardano with familiar concepts such as loyalty programs and memberships through Cardano-based tokens (loyalty points) is as low a barrier to entry than most available access points to our ecosystem. This project not only helps to simplify the use of tokens for most users that have never opened a Cardano wallet before, but it showcases the value of holding/accruing tokens in a way that they already understand.

 

2 - Solving one of Cardano's largest weaknesses...social marketing. 

Projects usually need dedicated staff and budget to onboard new users through the use of online marketing channels and campaigns. With Splash & VESPR, we are providing these projects with a Cardano-first platform that draws in communities and users from other chains and rewards them for their participation, effectively reducing their customer acquisition costs.

We are already using our existing apps to build out this functionality and leveraging the reach of social media/offline events to acquire these users where they spend time, significantly reducing the total cost to market.

Both Splash and VESPR have been bootstrapped for over a year and a half now with our small team of committed members. The funding requested is the necessary minimum amount required to support our teams of professionals to bring this project to where we know it can realize its full potential in helping to take Cardano to the masses, both online and offline.