[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant
Mike Chandler
[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)
10
[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)
The solution is a blockchain-based platform that allows for secure, cost-effective distribution of digital coupons as NFTs, providing incentives through a dual marketplace for trading coupons & tokens
[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
We will allow all coupon smart contracts to open-source.
[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution
Executive Summary
Objective: Enhance the decentralized coupon marketplace, Cardano Coupon Hub, by incorporating advanced user roles and functionalities, including a dual marketplace for coupons and tokens, leveraging Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) on the Cardano blockchain. Fiest a store owner can logon and create a coupon Buy One Get One Free. The app published a coupon template that populated in the marketplace. Any consumer can then logon and go to the marketplace find a coupon they want and click to purchase then the app will ask for a predetermined amount of platform tokens. When the consumer purchases the coupon the the purchase price will transfer to a determined distribution tbd. Potentially 20% platform fee, 30% store owner, 50% staking pool. The 50% staking pool will stay in the staking pool until the coupon is redeemed then the 50% will be returned to the store owner as an incentive to push the coupon system. The distribution model also airdrops tokens to users that can sell them in the marketplace as a reward for using the system. Users will have to purchase the token from the marketplace to buy the coupons inside the app.
Project Overview
Concept: Integrate complex user interactions within the marketplace allowing for store/corporate offices, sales representatives, and consumers to interact, transact, and benefit from the ecosystem using a secure, transparent blockchain platform.
Enhanced User Roles
- Store/Corporate Office User:
- Admin capabilities to create and manage coupon NFTs.
- Upload coupons individually or in bulk via CSV files with details such as store codes, active dates, and expiration dates.
- Ability to add images and detailed descriptions to each coupon.
- View analytics and sales data for issued coupons.
- Sales Representative:
- Portal for individuals to apply and become authorized sales reps.
- Sales reps can onboard businesses onto the platform and earn a commission based on the coupon sales from those businesses.
- Access to marketing materials and sales tracking tools.
- Consumer:
- Downloadable app to view and purchase coupon NFTs.
- Marketplace browsing by GPS location for local or national deals.
- Option to buy coupons directly using platform-specific tokens.
- Functionality to store, send, or sell coupon NFTs and tokens on the marketplaces.
Dual Marketplace
- Coupon Marketplace:
- Allows trading of coupon NFTs among consumers.
- Businesses can redeem coupons with transactions recorded on the blockchain for transparency.
- Token Marketplace:
- Platform-specific tokens can be bought, sold, or used to purchase coupons.
- Initial token supply based on game theory, with limited daily new tokens to drive price based on demand.
Financial Interactions
- When a coupon is redeemed, a percentage of tokens is transferred to the business's wallet, which they can sell on the token marketplace or use for further transactions within the ecosystem.
Technology Implementation
- Utilizing Cardano’s smart contract capabilities for secure transactions.
- Development of a proprietary token system integrated with the coupon marketplace.
Development Roadmap
- Addition to Phases: Implement phases specifically for testing and refining the functionalities of the dual marketplaces and user roles.
Financial Projections
- Revised Funding Requirement: Adjusted based on the expanded scope, potentially requiring additional funding for development and marketing to cater to a broader user base.
Conclusion
The enhanced Cardano Coupon Hub aims to provide a multi-functional platform that caters to a diverse range of users from corporate entities to individual consumers, leveraging the robust capabilities of the Cardano blockchain to offer a unique, secure, and dynamic marketplace for coupons and tokens.
This comprehensive approach ensures scalability, increased adoption, and a steady revenue stream through multiple channels, making it an attractive onboarding avenue into the Cardano blockchain.
[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
The introduction of the Cardano Coupon Hub, a web app leveraging blockchain technology for digital coupons, can have a significant positive impact on the Cardano community by:
- Enhancing Adoption: By onboarding various industries—such as retail, hospitality, and services—into the Cardano ecosystem, the app promotes wider use and acceptance of the Cardano blockchain. This diversified use case extends Cardano's reach beyond typical financial applications, showcasing its versatility and robust capabilities for handling secure, transparent transactions.
- Driving Innovation: As industries adopt this technology, they may innovate further uses of blockchain within their sectors, potentially leading to new blockchain applications and solutions that benefit from Cardano's features like low transaction fees, environmental sustainability, and advanced smart contract capabilities.
- Increasing Token Utility: The app increases the utility of Cardano's native tokens by using them in everyday transactions, such as purchasing and trading coupons. This added utility can lead to greater demand and potentially higher value for the tokens.
- Community Growth: By attracting businesses and consumers new to blockchain, the app fosters growth in the Cardano community. New users brought into the ecosystem contribute to its vibrancy and sustainability, and their feedback can drive improvements and adaptations in the platform.
- Stimulating Economic Activity: With a new marketplace for coupons and tokens, economic activity on the Cardano blockchain can increase, leading to more transactions and greater liquidity within the ecosystem. This activity can benefit all stakeholders, from individual users to corporate participants.
- Promoting Transparency and Trust: Utilizing blockchain technology increases transparency in transactions, which can help build trust among users. This is especially valuable in the coupon market, where issues like fraud and misuse of discounts can be prevalent.
Overall, the Cardano Coupon Hub can serve as a catalyst for broadening the adoption of blockchain technology across various industries, thereby enhancing the ecosystem's richness and utility.
[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?
To ensure high levels of trust and accountability in delivering the Cardano Coupon Hub project, and to validate the feasibility of our approach, the following strategies can be implemented:
Capability
- Experienced Team: Assembling a team with expertise in blockchain technology, as well as experience in finance, marketing, and the retail sector
- Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with established Cardano ecosystem stakeholders, such as developers, third-party auditors, and business consultants, to leverage their expertise and resource
- Technology Stack: Utilizing robust technology solutions like Cardano’s blockchain for implementing smart contracts, ensuring that the coupon NFTs are secure, and transactions are immutable and transparent, which is crucial for maintaining trust among user
- Security Protocols: Implementing stringent security measures, including compliance checks, to safeguard the platform and user data from unauthorized access and potential breach
Feasibility
- Proof of Concept (PoC): Developing a PoC to demonstrate the technical viability of the project
- Market Research: Conducting market research to understand the needs and behaviors of both business users and consumer
- Pilot Testing: Running a pilot program with selected retail partners and consumers to test the practical aspects of the platform
- Scalability Tests: Evaluating the scalability of the solution by incrementally increasing the load on the system, ensuring it can handle larger numbers of transactions and users without performance degradation
- Regulatory Compliance: Consulting with legal experts to ensure that all aspects of the platform comply with the relevant laws and regulations, particularly those concerning digital transactions, data protection, and consumer right
By addressing both capability and feasibility through comprehensive planning, rigorous testing, and expert collaboration, the project aims to deliver a trusted and accountable platform that aligns with the strategic goals of the Cardano ecosystem and meets the needs of its diverse user base.
[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?
For Milestone 1 focused on the initial development of the web application for the Cardano Coupon Hub, here is the detailed description incorporating the outputs, acceptance criteria, and evidence of milestone completion:
Milestone 1: Initial Development of Web Application
A: Milestone Outputs
- Wireframe of Web Application: Detailed wireframes that outline the user flow and design of the web application, tailored for each user type (store/corporate office, sales reps, and consumers
- Working Prototype of Webapp: A functional prototype that demonstrates the core features of the web application, including interaction with the Cardano blockchain for transaction processing
- User Interface (UI) Development: Development of the user interface based on the wireframes, optimized for usability and aesthetic appeal across different device
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Completeness of Wireframes: The wireframes must cover all required functionalities for each type of user, showing the complete navigation paths and interactions within the web application
- Functionality of Prototype: The prototype must successfully demonstrate the integration of front-end and back-end systems, specifically showing effective interaction with the Cardano blockchain for key processes like creating, selling, and redeeming coupon NFT
- UI Usability and Design: The UI should be intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing, providing a seamless experience for user
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Wireframe Documentation: Comprehensive documentation of the wireframes, including diagrams and descriptions that outline every aspect of the application interface and user interaction
- Demo Video of Prototype: A demonstration video that shows the prototype in action, detailing the operational aspects of the web application and its functionality
- UI Screenshots and Feedback Reports: Screenshots of the completed UI along with initial feedback reports from user testing sessions that assess the interface’s usability and aesthetic qualities
For Milestone 2, which focuses on the development of wallet creation, blockchain integration, and NFT generation functionalities, here's the detailed description outlining milestone outputs, acceptance criteria, and evidence of completion:
Milestone 2: Wallet Creation and Blockchain Integration
A: Milestone Outputs
- Wallet Creation Module: A secure module for users to create and manage their digital wallets, which will be used to store, send, and receive coupon NFTs and token
- Cardano Blockchain Integration: Complete integration of the web application with the Cardano blockchain, enabling the platform to perform secure and transparent transaction
- NFT Generator: A feature within the platform that allows businesses to create digital coupons as NFTs, incorporating unique properties and metadata
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Security and Functionality of Wallet: The wallet must provide robust security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, and must function correctly with features like creating a new wallet, viewing balance, and transaction history
- Seamless Blockchain Integration: The integration must ensure that all transaction data related to the coupons can be reliably recorded on the Cardano blockchain without issue
- Efficiency and Customizability of NFT Generator: The NFT generator must allow for the easy creation of NFTs with customizable options such as expiration date, usage terms, and visual
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Testing Reports for Wallet Module: Detailed testing reports that document the functionality and security testing results for the wallet creation model
- Blockchain Integration Documentation and Logs: Documentation describing the integration process, configurations, and any challenges encountered, complemented by logs showing successful blockchain interaction
- Demo Video of NFT Generator: A demonstration video that showcases the NFT generator in action, illustrating how businesses can create coupon NFTs, set parameters, and launch them on the marketplace
This milestone is critical as it establishes the fundamental technical backbone of the platform, ensuring that users can securely manage digital assets and interact with the Cardano blockchain effectively. This detailed approach provides clear benchmarks for assessing the success of this development phase, setting a solid foundation for subsequent features and functionalities.
Milestone 3: Testing and Debugging
A: Milestone Outputs
- Comprehensive Testing Suite: Implementation of a full suite of tests including unit tests, integration tests, and system tests to ensure all components of the web application function correctly together.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Conducting user acceptance testing with actual users to validate the application's functionality, usability, and overall experience.
- Debugging and Optimization: Identification and resolution of any bugs found during testing phases. Optimization of the system for performance improvements.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Coverage and Success of Testing: Testing should cover all critical functionalities of the application, with a high percentage of test cases passing successfully. The tests should validate the integration of the wallet, blockchain transactions, and NFT functionalities.
- Positive Feedback from UAT: The feedback from user acceptance testing should be predominantly positive, with any critical issues identified being addressed promptly. Users should find the application easy to navigate, secure, and fulfilling its intended purposes.
- Reduction in Bugs and Performance Enhancements: A significant reduction in the number of bugs reported and issues resolved, with documented improvements in application performance metrics such as load times, response times, and handling of concurrent users.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Test Reports: Comprehensive test reports that detail the tests conducted, outcomes, bugs found, and bugs fixed. These reports should also include performance benchmarks.
- UAT Feedback Documentation: Documentation of all feedback received during user acceptance testing, including how feedback was incorporated into the application improvements.
- Release Notes: Detailed release notes that include information about the debugging efforts, the optimizations made, and the current state of the application at the end of this milestone.
To develop the dual marketplaces for NFT coupons and tokens as part of your project, let’s outline a milestone that includes detailed planning, execution, and verification stages. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
Milestone 4: Creation of NFT and Token Marketplaces
A: Milestone Outputs
- NFT Coupon Marketplace:
- A marketplace where businesses can list coupon NFTs and consumers can browse, purchase, or trade these coupons. Features to include search filters, categories, listing details, and secure transaction processing.
- Token Marketplace:
- A platform for buying, selling, and trading platform-specific tokens. This will include features like live pricing, transaction history, wallet integration, and secure trading mechanisms.
- Integration with Existing Systems:
- Ensuring that both marketplaces integrate seamlessly with the existing wallet and blockchain functionalities developed earlier. This includes linking NFT ownership records and token transactions directly with user wallets.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Functionality and User Experience:
- Both marketplaces must be fully functional, providing a smooth, intuitive user experience without performance lags. The interface should be consistent with the rest of the web application in terms of design and usability.
- Security and Compliance:
- The platforms must adhere to high-security standards to protect user data and transaction integrity. Compliance with relevant regulatory standards for digital transactions and NFT trading must be ensured.
- Scalability and Performance:
- The marketplaces should be scalable, capable of handling a growing number of transactions and users, with minimal downtime and high reliability.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Demo and Walkthrough:
- A detailed demonstration or walkthrough of both marketplaces, showing all features in action, from listing an NFT coupon to executing a token trade. This should include backend processes demonstrating secure transaction handling.
- Test Reports:
- Detailed test reports covering all aspects of the marketplaces, including stress tests, security audits, and user acceptance testing results.
- Deployment Logs and Analytics:
- Logs from the deployment of the marketplaces to the production environment, including initial performance analytics and user activity reports. These logs help verify that the deployment was successful and the system is performing as expected under real-world conditions.
By setting these clear outputs, criteria, and verification methods, you ensure that the development of the NFT and token marketplaces is aligned with project goals, technically robust, and ready to meet the needs of your target audience effectively. This milestone is crucial for operationalizing the economic model of your platform and enabling active trading and engagement within the ecosystem.
For Milestone 5, focusing on prelaunch customer testing, it's important to design a phase that thoroughly evaluates the platform's readiness through real user interactions. Here’s a detailed plan:
Milestone 5: Platform Prelaunch Customer Testing
A: Milestone Outputs
- Customer Testing Plan:
- A comprehensive testing plan that outlines the objectives, methods, and expected outcomes of prelaunch testing. This plan should cover all critical functionalities, including browsing, purchasing, and trading within the NFT and token marketplaces.
- Recruitment of Test Users:
- Recruitment of a diverse group of users that represent the platform's target demographic. This group should include potential consumers, business representatives, and sales reps to test all aspects of the platform.
- Implementation of Feedback Mechanisms:
- Systems for collecting, analyzing, and responding to user feedback. This includes surveys, direct feedback tools, and analytics to monitor user behavior and platform performance.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Comprehensive Coverage:
- All major features and functionalities of the platform must be tested by users, including the ease of use, transaction security, and overall user satisfaction.
- Positive User Feedback:
- The feedback collected should indicate that users find the platform easy to use, secure, and valuable. Specific benchmarks for satisfaction ratings should be met or exceeded.
- Resolved User Concerns:
- Any issues or concerns raised by users during the testing phase should be addressed and resolved, with changes documented and verified.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Testing Reports:
- Detailed reports that include the scope of testing, the number of participants, findings, and resolutions. These reports should demonstrate adherence to the testing plan and cover all areas of functionality.
- Feedback Compilation and Action Items:
- A compiled document of all feedback received, categorized by type (usability, performance, features, etc.), and a list of action items created in response to this feedback. This document should also show how feedback was integrated into platform improvements.
- Revised Product Demonstration:
- A post-testing demonstration of the platform showing implemented changes based on user feedback. This should include evidence of improved functionality and user experience.
This milestone ensures that the platform is optimized for actual market conditions and user expectations before the full public launch. It's a crucial step for minimizing risks, enhancing user satisfaction, and ensuring that the platform is well-received upon release.
For the final milestone focusing on the Project Close Out Report and accompanying video, it's vital to summarize the project's entire lifecycle, documenting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Here's a detailed plan for this milestone:
Final Milestone: Project Close Out Report and Video
A: Milestone Outputs
- Project Close Out Report:
- A comprehensive document that reviews the project from inception to completion. This report should include detailed sections on project objectives, milestones achieved, key performance indicators, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
- Project Summary Video:
- A professionally produced video that provides an overview of the project, highlights its successes, and includes testimonials from team members, stakeholders, and users. The video should visually demonstrate the platform's capabilities and its impact on the target audience.
- Future Roadmap:
- A detailed outline of future development plans, potential market expansions, and upcoming features or improvements based on feedback received during the project lifecycle.
B: Acceptance Criteria
- Completeness and Accuracy:
- The Close Out Report must be thorough and accurate, providing a clear and honest depiction of the project's outcomes compared to its initial goals.
- Professional Quality Video:
- The summary video should be of high production quality, engaging, and effectively communicate the project’s achievements and user impact. It should be suitable for both promotional purposes and stakeholder reporting.
- Strategic Value of Future Roadmap:
- The roadmap should be realistic, aligning with the project’s vision and the feedback received. It should offer clear directions and goals that are achievable and reflect the project's potential for growth and improvement.
C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
- Final Project Report:
- A final project report ready for distribution to all users, including detailed analytics of user engagement, performance, and operational metrics.
- Release of Summary Video:
- Publication of the summary video on appropriate channels (such as the company website, social media, and stakeholder meetings) to ensure broad visibility.
- Presentation of Future Roadmap:
- Presentation materials prepared and presented to key stakeholders, outlining the next phases of the project. This includes potential investment needs, expected timelines, and strategic goals.
This final milestone serves to encapsulate the entire project, providing valuable insights for current and future stakeholders and setting the stage for the next development phase. It ensures that the project's achievements and lessons are well documented and communicated, fostering ongoing support and enthusiasm for further innovations.
[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?
Project Team Composition
Mike Chandler - Project Lead
- Responsibilities: Overseeing the entire project, setting strategic direction, and ensuring alignment with Cardano's ecosystem and values. As a seasoned entrepreneur and Cardano enthusiast, Mike brings leadership and vision, driving the project towards its objectives.
- Experience: Deep understanding of Cardano's technology from years of engagement with the community and conferences. His entrepreneurial background will be crucial in navigating business challenges and stakeholder management.
Henil S - Lead Developer
- Responsibilities: Heading the development team, designing the system architecture, and ensuring the technical delivery is in line with the project's goals. Henil will lead critical development tasks, including backend logic, smart contracts, and integration with Cardano blockchain.
- Skills: Strong expertise in software development with a focus on blockchain technologies, making him ideal for leading the technical aspects of the project.
Viraj - Blockchain and Cardano Developer
- Responsibilities: Specializing in Cardano-specific developments, Viraj will focus on implementing the smart contracts and ensuring smooth blockchain integration. He will also be instrumental in optimizing the platform for security and efficiency.
- Skills: Detailed knowledge of Cardano’s blockchain, smart contracts, and current best practices in blockchain development. Viraj’s role is crucial for the technical execution and blockchain integration.
Legal and Compliance Advisor
- Responsibilities: Ensuring that the platform complies with all relevant laws and regulations, particularly those related to digital transactions and cryptocurrency.
[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Milestone 1: Initial Development of Web Application
- Components: Creation of basic wireframes, development of a minimal working prototype, and initial UI design focused on core functionalities.
- Estimated Budget: $24,000
- Design and wireframing: $5,000
- Prototype development: $10,000
- Initial UI design: $9,000
Milestone 2: Wallet Creation and Basic Blockchain Integration
- Components: Development of a basic secure wallet module and initial integration with the Cardano blockchain to support fundamental transaction processes.
- Estimated Budget: $30,000
- Wallet creation module: $10,000
- Basic blockchain integration: $20,000
Milestone 3: Testing and Initial Debugging
- Components: Conducting basic functional tests and debugging of the prototype to ensure stability and operational integrity.
- Estimated Budget: $16,000
- Testing suite development and execution: $8,000
- Initial debugging and optimization: $8,000
Additional Costs
- Code Auditing: $4,000
- Legal and Compliance: $3,000
- Accounting and Financial Management: $2,000
- Server Costs: $1,500
Marketing Launch
- Component: Marketing activities to promote the launch of the proof of concept.
- Estimated Budget: $10,000
Contingency and Miscellaneous
- Component: Reserve budget to cover unforeseen expenses or overruns in other categories.
- Estimated Budget: $7,500
[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?
The cost of the Cardano Coupon Hub project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several key ways:
- Innovative Use Case Implementation: By developing a coupon app using NFTs on the Cardano blockchain, the project showcases the versatility and utility of Cardano beyond typical financial transaction
- Community Growth and Engagement: The project acts as a gateway for new users, particularly businesses and consumers unfamiliar with blockchain technology, to engage with the Cardano ecosystem
- Technical Development and Employment: As part of the project, new developers will be trained and employed to work specifically with Cardano technologies
- Economic Activity: By facilitating the creation, sale, and trading of NFT-based coupons, the project stimulates economic activity within the Cardano ecosystem, which can lead to increased demand for ADA (Cardano’s cryptocurrency) and enhanced token liquidity
- Foundation for Future Growth: By setting up a development house focused on Cardano, the project lays the groundwork for future blockchain projects and service
- Demonstration of Blockchain Capabilities: Successfully executing the project will serve as a proof of concept that can demonstrate the practical applications of blockchain in everyday business scenario
Approving this project is not just an investment in a single application but an investment in building a robust infrastructure of talent and technology that supports the growth and diversification of the Cardano ecosystem. This aligns perfectly with Mike Chandler's goal to create a development house that nurtures a growing base of programmers, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of innovation and community development within the Cardano framework.