Account Abstraction: Replacing Seed Phrases with User Friendly Mechanism for Non-Custodial Wallets on Cardano

[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)

Developing a library for extension-based wallets that abstracts the seed phrase and enables the user to seamlessly create a wallet using Google sign-up while preserving its non-custodial nature.

[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 dependencies

[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

The project will be open source under MIT License. This will allow anyone to do whatever they wish with the original code, as long as the original copyright and license notice is included either in the distributed source code or software.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG Subgoals

17.19 - By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

17.3 - Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources

9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

9.3 - Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets

9.b - Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

9.1.1 - Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road

9.1.2 - Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport

9.3.1 - Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added

9.3.2 - Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit

9.b.1 - Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added

17.3.1 - Foreign direct investment, official development assistance and South-South cooperation as a proportion of gross national income

17.3.2 - Volume of remittances (in United States dollars) as a proportion of total GDP

17.19.1 - Dollar value of all resources made available to strengthen statistical capacity in developing countries

17.19.2 - Proportion of countries that (a) have conducted at least one population and housing census in the last 10 years; and (b) have achieved 100 per cent birth registration and 80 per cent death registration

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Overview

This proposal introduces a developer library designed to simplify the creation of Cardano wallets by integrating Google sign-up functionality for extension-based wallets. This approach enhances the user experience by abstracting the complexities of seed phrase management while maintaining the wallet's non-custodial nature.

Key Features

• Google Sign-Up Integration: Enables seamless Cardano wallet creation using a Google account, streamlining the process for end-users.
• Secure Key Management: Stores private keys securely within the browser's storage to prevent external access and enhance security.
• Automated Seed Phrase Backup: Automates the encryption and backup of the seed phrase in the user's Google Drive for safe and easy recovery.
• Configurable Authentication Options: Allows users to set up a PIN or password initially, used for wallet access and transaction signing.

Detailed Workflow

• Wallet Download and Initial Setup:
• Upon downloading the wallet extension, developers can offer users the option to create a wallet using Google sign-up.
• This feature initiates a Google OAuth flow, where users authenticate and authorize the wallet to perform operations on their behalf.

• Key Generation and Storage:
• The library generates a new Cardano wallet, creating a private key.
• This private key is securely stored in the browser's local storage, ensuring isolation from the web and other applications.

• Seed Phrase Management:
• Alongside the wallet, a seed phrase is generated.
• This phrase is encrypted using AES-256 algorithm combined with the user’s Google account details.
• The encrypted seed phrase is stored in the user’s Google Drive, serving as a secure backup for wallet recovery.

• Setting Up Authentication:
• Developers can prompt users to set up a PIN or password after the wallet creation.
• This authentication measure is essential for accessing the wallet or signing transactions.

• Transaction Signing and Authentication:
• When executing a transaction, the user can authenticate the action using their preferred method configured during the initial setup.
• The library supports several authentication mechanisms:
• PIN/Password Authentication: Users can sign transactions using their established PIN or password.
• OTP Authentication: An OTP can be sent to the user’s mobile or email to authenticate the transaction.
• Passwordless Signing: For a frictionless experience, developers can enable passwordless signing, similar to MetaMask's functionality.
• Many more (Developers can customize as they like)

• Wallet Recovery:
• Google Authentication: To initiate the recovery process, the user must first sign in with their Google account to prove their identity. This step ensures that the recovery process is secure and that only the rightful owner can access the encrypted seed phrase.
• Seed Phrase Drag and Drop: The user retrieves the encrypted seed phrase from their Google Drive and drags and drops it into the wallet interface. This action initiates the decryption process.
• Decryption and Wallet Unlock: The library uses the user’s Google account details to decrypt the seed phrase. Once decrypted, the seed phrase is used to unlock and restore the wallet, including the private key, thus ensuring full recovery of the user's assets.

Benefits

• Developer-Friendly: Provides a straightforward way for developers to implement wallet creation in their applications, enhancing user experience with familiar login mechanisms.
• Customizable Authentication: Supports a range of authentication methods, allowing developers to tailor the security level according to user preferences.
• Non-Custodial Integrity: Despite simplifying the user experience, the library ensures that the wallet remains non-custodial, with users retaining full control over their keys and assets.

Conclusion

This library will mark a significant advancement in making Cardano wallet integration simple and accessible for developers while ensuring robust security features. By leveraging familiar user interfaces and automating critical security procedures, this tool lowers the barrier for users and developers alike in the cardano ecosystem.

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

Impact on the Cardano Community

Positive Impact

This project will significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by:

1. Lowering the Entry Barrier: Simplifying wallet creation and seed phrase management to increase adoption among new users.
2. Enhancing User Experience: Using familiar Google sign-up to improve usability for non-technical users.
3. Maintaining Security and Privacy: Ensuring high security and privacy with client-side operations while keeping wallets non-custodial.
4. Fostering Innovation: Enabling developers to easily integrate wallet functionality, spurring innovation across the Cardano network.
5. Supporting Decentralization: Helping broaden participation in the network, reinforcing Cardano’s decentralization.

Measuring Impact

Key metrics to measure the project’s impact:

1. User Adoption: Track the number of new wallets created using this library.
2. Developer Engagement: Monitor GitHub metrics (stars, forks, downloads) and developer feedback.
3. User Satisfaction: Assess improvements in user experience through surveys and feedback.
4. Ecosystem Growth: Evaluate increases in transactions, new dApps, and network activity from wallets using this library.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

Strategies to maximize community benefits:

1. Open Source Repository: Share the library on GitHub for transparency and community collaboration.
2. Documentation and Tutorials: Provide comprehensive guides and examples to assist developers.
3. Partnerships: Work with other Cardano projects for synergies and wider library adoption.

[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?

Capability to Deliver

Our team is uniquely equipped to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability, thanks to a blend of direct experience and technical expertise within the Cardano ecosystem:

• Proven Track Record: Our team has been building Cardano-based products and solutions under the Lovelace Club brand for the past 2 years. These have required a high-level of meticulous planning and robust technical implementation that has been recognized broadly for innovation and impact.

• Development Team: Our developers have extensive experience in blockchain development, particularly on the Cardano platform. They have contributed to successful Cardano-based projects and are proficient in cardano dApp development.

• Established Brand Presence: We have built a recognized brand within the Cardano community, the Lovelace Club, where we successfully ran an on-chain randomized lottery platform. This experience highlights our capability to manage and execute blockchain-based projects effectively.

• Expertise and Experience: Our team possesses extensive experience in blockchain development and cryptography, providing us with a profound understanding of the complexities involved. We have successfully developed several products and brands within the Cardano ecosystem, including:
• An on-chain randomized lottery protocol (https://alpha.lottery.lovelaceclub.com/),
• A staking protocol (https://staking.lovelaceclub.com),
• An on-chain communication platform (https://v1.adaconnect.io).

With a collective experience of over 20 years in the blockchain domain, our team is well-equipped with the necessary expertise to develop and deliver this project. This blend of experience and proven success in the Cardano ecosystem ensures that we are prepared to bring this concept to fruition, enhancing the Cardano blockchain's capabilities and community engagement.

Validating Feasibility

To ensure our approach is feasible and to refine our project concept, we will:

• Concept Testing: Initially, we will develop a low-fidelity prototype to test the core concepts and gather early feedback from a small group of ADA holders and startups.

• Community Feedback: We will engage with the wider Cardano community through forums and interactive sessions to validate our approach and adapt based on community input.

• Iterative Development: By adopting an agile methodology, we will iteratively develop and enhance the prototype, ensuring each stage is aligned with user needs and project goals.

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management

We are committed to managing funds with transparency and responsibility. Here are the key steps and processes we will implement:

• Transparent Reporting: We will provide regular, detailed reports on fund allocation and project progress, available to all stakeholders through our website and community forums.

• Stakeholder Engagement: By maintaining open lines of communication and involving stakeholders like founders and developers, we build trust and ensure that the project remains aligned with the community’s interests and expectations.

This comprehensive capability and robust track record position us to deliver this proposal on Cardano, driving forward the blockchain's evolution and expanding its use cases for a global audience.

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

Milestone 1: Designing the Architecture

Duration: 1 Month

A: Milestone Outputs

• Architectural design document for the library, detailing:
• Architecture and components for Google sign-up in Cardano wallets.
• Secure key management and seed phrase backup mechanisms.
• Flexible authentication system setup, including PIN, password, and OTP.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Comprehensive blueprint with defined modules and interfaces.
• Secure and user-friendly design for key management and authentication.
• Efficient workflow for wallet operations that balances security and usability.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Finalized architecture design document.
• A live stream session showcasing every aspect of the document.

Milestone 2: Development

Duration: 2 Months

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development of the library, including:
• Google sign-up integration for wallet creation.
• Private key storage in browser's local storage.
• Seed phrase encryption and backup in Google Drive.
• Development of authentication systems supporting various security methods.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Inclusion of all necessary modules with high code quality.
• Adherence to security best practices and data privacy.
• User-friendly and customizable authentication systems.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Completed library ready for testing, with a developer guide.
• Demonstrations of the Google sign-up process and wallet operations.

Milestone 3: Testing

Duration: 1 Month

A: Milestone Outputs

• Comprehensive testing of the library:
• Detailed testing strategies and results.
• Integration and stress tests to ensure functionality and security.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Thorough testing of all paths and modules.
• Secure handling of transactions and user data.
• Feedback from testing to finalize the library for user deployment.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Comprehensive testing report with outcomes.

Milestone 4: Open-Sourcing and Launch

Duration: 1 Month

A: Milestone Outputs

• Open-sourcing and launch:
• Library published on GitHub with documentation and guidelines.
• Launch event to introduce the library to the developer community.
• Project closure report:
• Summary of achievements and learnings.
• Feedback from the launch and future development plans.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Library fully open-sourced with clear documentation.
• Effective promotion with community interest and repository activities.
• Closure report with guidance for future enhancements.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Public repository links with engagement statistics.
• Press releases and community updates on the launch.
• Detailed closure report with feedback and a roadmap for future updates.

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

Adnan Khan - Tech Lead, Lovelace Club | Product Owner, SyncAI

Adnan is a seasoned web3 professional with 5 years experience in building MVPs, product development, and achieving scalability for early-stage startups. He is graduated with a bachelors in Data Science and Machine Learning. His expertise includes data analytics and web3 development, particularly on-chain analytics. Adnan has served as a research analyst at GravityX Capital and collaborated with top web3 projects like dYdX, Polygon, Frontier, and Bullieverse. He is also a three-time Catalyst winner with a track record of successful proposals.

Uzair Anwar - Growth and Operations Lead, Lovelace Club

Uzair is driving Lovelace Club's product and business growth since it's inception He excels in strategic business development, operational efficiency, and leveraging DeFi and NFT landscapes for growth.

Lovelace Club Our team has over 20 years of collective experience in blockchain development and cryptography. We have successfully developed products within the Cardano ecosystem, including:

• An on-chain randomized lottery protocol (https://alpha.lottery.lovelaceclub.com/)
• A staking protocol (https://staking.lovelaceclub.com)
• An on-chain communication platform (https://v1.adaconnect.io/)

Our expertise ensures we are well-prepared to develop and deliver innovative solutions that enhance the Cardano blockchain's capabilities and community engagement.

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

Milestone 1:

Total Duration: 45 Days

• Senior Cardano Developer: 15000 ADA
• Smart Contract: 20000 ADA
• Solution Architect: 5000 ADA

Total: 40000 ADA

Milestone 2:

Total Duration: 45 Days

• Senior Cardano Developer: 15000 ADA
• Smart Contract Developer: 20000 ADA
• Solution Architect: 5000 ADA

Total: 40000 ADA

Milestone 3:

Total Duration: 30 Days

• Senior Cardano Developer: 10000 ADA
• Smart Contract Developer: 15000 ADA
• Solution Architect: 5000 ADA

Total: 30000 ADA

Final Milestone:

Total Duration: 30 Days

• Smart Contract & ZK Developer: 10000 ADA

Total: 10000 ADA

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

The cost of the project, set at 120,000 ADA, represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, taking into account the following factors:

Expertise in Cardano: The project necessitates skilled professionals with specialized knowledge of the Cardano blockchain & ecosystem.

These skills are in high demand and command premium rates. The budgeted costs are aligned with industry standards for such expertise.

• Efficient Resource Allocation: The proposed costs for developing and deploying this solution on the Cardano blockchain are carefully evaluated to ensure efficient resource allocation. By leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise within the Cardano community, the project minimizes unnecessary expenditures while maximizing the impact of the investment.

• Community-driven Development: The costs are justified by the extensive user feedback and low-fidelity prototype development process. This ensures that resources are allocated towards building a solution that resonates with the needs and preferences of the Cardano community, maximizing the likelihood of adoption and success.

• Feasibility Assessment: The costs are determined based on a thorough feasibility assessment, taking into account factors such as development complexity, regulatory considerations, and market dynamics. This rigorous evaluation process minimizes the risk of budget overruns and ensures that the project remains financially viable throughout its lifecycle.

• Value Proposition: The costs of the proposal are justified by the potential value it brings to the Cardano ecosystem. By democratizing access to venture capital and fostering innovation within the community, the project has the potential to unlock new opportunities for growth and development, ultimately delivering significant long-term value for stakeholders.

In summary, the costs associated with the proposal are justified by the efficient allocation of resources, community-driven development approach, thorough feasibility assessment, and the potential value proposition for the Cardano ecosystem.