Addonx: A platform connecting Skills and Needs: A Token-Based Community Network

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

James Reilly

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

Individual

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

12

[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)

Addonx connects people with needs to providers, locally or globally, both online and offline. Transactions can be Web2, but the platform promotes Web3 adoption and a variety of Web3 payment methods.

[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 project will be partially open source.

• The Smart Contract will be available in Github

[METADATA] Horizons

Marketplace

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We are developing a platform (MVP) on the Cardano blockchain that will attract Web2 users and facilitate their onboarding to Web3.

Our platform finds matches between the people with needs and the people with skills to solve those needs.

Once a match is made our platform offers various payment options to complete the transaction.

People often struggle to find the right provider for the services, advice, or information they need. They have to spend time researching options, connecting with providers, and negotiating payments.

Everyone needs something at some point and, usually, everyone has some form of knowledge, skill or expertise which they can offer to someone else.

The Addonx platform offers a space where people can create posts telling the community what they need. Members can search or browse these needs and make an offer to provide a solution.

The platform will suggest suitable matches to the users and once a connection is made the platform will offer various payment methods.

The UX/UI is designed for both Web1/2 and Web3 users but it will encourage Web3 adoption by promoting and onboarding users to the security, flexibility and transparency of blockchain technology.

Web1/2

Initially, in order to encourage new users and help blockchain adoption, a person who has zero knowledge of blockchain utility and is outside the crypto eco-system is offered a simple matchmaker service to help them fulfil their needs or sell their service.

Users that have signed up but haven't connected a wallet are off chain users and only have the option of transacting with fiat currency. A Web1/2 sign up process enables users to post their needs and connect with other users who have the capacity to provide solutions.

The platform facilitates the connection but directs the user to traditional payment gateways for this type of exchange. Transactions with this type of payment take place outside the platform and third parties (PayPal etc.) administer the process.

The educational resources on our platform encourage and nudge this type of user towards the web3 experience and our aim is a smooth onboarding, helping the user to create their own wallet. This step by step approach gradually brings users on chain and can help solve the problem of adoption.

Web3

Experienced Web3 users are able to connect their wallet directly in order to create a profile and post their needs.

Transactions can be completed using payment methods as in Web1/2 or by using tokens from the connected wallet when an exchange is agreed.

This enables peer to peer transactions based entirely in the blockchain eco-system.

Smart Contracts

In order to complete each Web3 transaction the platform gives security and flexibility to both parties by following the procedure laid out in a smart contract.

The smart contract allows both parties to negotiate and create conditions with agreement needed to progress to the next stage.

Smart contract details can been found in milestones 4 and 5 of the proposal.

Payment Methods for Web3 users

The on chain User Interface is built on the Cardano blockchain so ADA will be used for the blockchain fees. Within the platform ADA can be used for all transactions such as paying for needs and buying tokens.

Web3 users that connect a wallet have the possibility of transacting with different payment methods:

• Native Cardano assets (ADA, other native tokens)
• Addonx native tokens
• Addonx PFTs

The Addonx native token

Addonx native token is a utility token created by the project and users who help in any way with the growth of the platform are rewarded with Addonx native tokens. The token can be used to pay the platform fees and any other services offered by the platform. Users can also choose to accept this token as payment for their service or their PFTs.

The Addonx PFT

As users become more involved with the platform they will be offered the opportunity to create and pay with a unique personal token (PFT). This innovative concept converts the users skills, experience and expertise into a tradable asset.

The PFT, based on a set period of the user's own time, represents the value of the service offered and depends on the demand, supply, type and quality of that service. The supply and management of this type of token is controlled by the user themselves. A user who fulfils the criteria of a provider will have access to the platform's token creation infrastructure.

Users who have little traditional monetary resources, but have skills and knowledge to offer, can use their own token to pay for the things they need. The user potentially fulfilling the need is able to check all the attributes of the token on the platform before accepting any PFT as payment and the transparency and security of the transaction is guaranteed by the smart contract.

Conclusion

The Addonx project has four main aims:

• to build a community of members who have skills, knowledge and expertise to share.
• to connect members with needs with members who can meet those needs.
• to encourage adoption of decentralized methods of transacting on the Cardano blockchain.
• to enable members to transact with tokens that represent their own time and expertise.

The Addonx platform matches people who have needs with people who can fulfil those needs. We can connect customers with providers both locally and globally, offline and online. The transactions between these two parties can be made traditionally with fiat currency but our goal is to encourage the user to adopt Web3 payment methods.

Our platform uses the security and transparency of the Cardano blockchain to validate transactions and allows open ratings and reviews for each user. We offer various methods of payment including our own native tokens as well as personal tokens unique to each individual. The innovative use of smart contracts ensures that both customer and provider are satisfied with the completed transaction.

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

Positive Impacts.

• The platform will attract new users to the Cardano ecosystem, promoting further adoption.
• It will empower the community by showcasing real-world use cases for Cardano.
• The platform supports the real-world adoption of Cardano.
• Since the platform is built on Cardano, the community will be the first to benefit.
• Members can find solutions to meet their needs.
• Members will have the option to tokenize their time and skills as a form of payment.
• ADA will be used for blockchain fees and all transactions within the platform, such as paying for services or buying tokens, which will increase liquidity in the Cardano ecosystem.
• There will be opportunities for Cardano developers to collaborate.

We will measure impact by collecting metrics from the platform.

• Users onboarding to Web3
• Transactions
• Activity

[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?

I have been a successful freelance Business English Teacher for 20 years and I started as a pioneer of online education 15 years ago. I have a deep knowledge of my subject and I have extensive experience teaching in the financial and technology sectors. 

As well as teaching groups and individuals I hold weekly English speaking discussion workshops where I bring together and host professionals from around the world. This has given me a great experience of online project management.

I have a large network of contacts and I have put together a team of professionals with the relevant experience capable of delivering this project. 

The project's Technical Manager Paulo Bressan is a established software developer with extensive experience working on large scale blockchain projects. He has also founded and brought to market various successful ecommerce applications.

The Project Management Adviser Luis has over 30 years of experience in the IT sector including delivering large-scale projects for the Spanish Stock Exchange. He is a long time student of mine and will take an unpaid role offering advice and guidance when we need it.

The project team has connected with TxPipe Shop for Smart Contract development and auditing.

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

Prototype completion and Resource allocation.

Objectives

Elevate the overall quality of the existing prototype platform by refining both its visual design and user experience. This involves validating core interactions to ensure intuitive and seamless navigation, while also exploring the necessary technical foundations to support future growth.

Deliverables

• Improving the current User Interface's cosmetic style to ensure a modern and visually appealing design that aligns with our brand identity.

• Validating the existing User Experience flows to optimize user engagement, streamline interactions, and enhance usability.

• Exporting a final prototype that reflects these improvements and can be used as a blueprint for further development.

• Conducting A/B tests to evaluate the effectiveness of design and functionality changes, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

• Undertaking technical discovery and task definitions to establish clear development milestones and a roadmap for implementation.

• Defining infrastructure tools, including cloud solutions and Cardano services (such as Demeter), to support scalability, security, and future feature expansions.

Evidence of Completion

Documentation with all of the information below:

• Completed Figma prototype available for community members to test.

• Tools and resources in place.

• Screenshots or access to live dashboards showing flows.

• Test A/B results published.

Development of Landing Page with Sign-Up options and first User interactions.

Objectives

A user-friendly experience on Addonx, starting with an engaging landing page, multiple sign-up options (web1, web2, web3), and customizable profiles. A personalized dashboard will centralize updates and matches, ensuring smooth navigation and interaction across the platform.

Deliverables

• Sign-Up Options Addonx provides multiple sign-in methods to cater to various users. Depending on their preferences, users can choose between three processes: Web1, Web2, and Web3.

• Web1: Traditional sign-in via email and password.

• Web2: Seamless integration with Google and Discord for quick and easy login.

• Web3: Secure integration with Cardano wallets, enabling a decentralized login process.

• User Profile Users can update their profiles to enhance reliability and credibility. Optional details such as LinkedIn profile and location can be added. A public profile is available for other users to review before initiating connections, ensuring transparency and trust.

• Dashboard The dashboard serves as the central hub where users can view recent updates related to their needs and potential matches. Key user profile elements are prominently displayed in the header for quick reference.

Evidence of Completion

The following features available for testing, accessible by URL and video demos published on our website.

• Landing page

• Sign up process working with web1/web2/web3 available

• Editable profile page

• Dashboard

Need interactions and wallet integration.

Objectives

Active Needs lets users browse and filter service requests to find relevant opportunities. Users can easily post a need from their dashboard, outlining their service requirements and payment options. When a skilled user sees a match, they can apply, notifying the need's owner and sparking potential collaboration. The Wallet Integration makes managing on-chain transactions and PFTs effortless.

Deliverables

• Active Needs The list of available needs for users with relevant skills is displayed and can be applied to by those users. This is a key feature for initiating connections between people on the platform. Users can filter needs by name, tags, location, payment options, and more.

• Post a Need From the dashboard, users can navigate to the "Post a Need" page, where they can describe the service or task required and specify the payment method. Once complete, the need is published on the platform.

• Need Application When a skilled user finds a need that matches their abilities, they can apply. The need’s owner will receive a notification about the application, initiating the connection process between the customer and the service provider.

• Wallet Integration The platform provides seamless on-chain wallet integration, displaying information such as native tokens.

• Token Management Interface Users have options to create and manage Personal Tokens (PFTs).

Evidence of Completion

The following features available for testing, accessible by URL and video demos published on our website.

• Active needs page

• Application to meet a need

• Integrate Wallet

• Create and manage Personal Token

Blockchain Smart Contract

Objectives

The smart contract facilitates a fair and secure transaction, giving both users control at every stage. The need owner can initiate a recursive cycle to lock additional tokens, while the provider fulfils the agreed-upon terms. Both parties can leave reviews about each other within the contract data.

Deliverables

• Contract a contract written in Aiken

• Validators: Define the necessary validators for each step in the contract.

• Cancel/Refund: Verify if the contract is still in a pending state awaiting acceptance, and refund the down payment if applicable.

• Accept: Confirm the provider's wallet key before updating the contract state to "in progress."

• Cancel/Breach: Ensure the contract is in progress after provider acceptance. Cancel the contract, record a review of the provider, and allow them to retrieve the locked tokens.

• Increase Payment: Verify the need owner's wallet key before locking additional tokens as payment.

• Complete: Verify the need owner's wallet key to release the payment and allow the provider to collect it. The need owner can leave a review for the provider.

• Finish: Confirm the provider's wallet key before concluding the contract and retrieving the locked tokens. This step enables the provider to submit a review of the need owner.

• Testnet validate the contract on testnet

Evidence of Completion

A public GitHub repository

• The contract code written using Aiken

• Transactions hash of the tests on testnet

Matching pages and Smart Contract integrations

Objectives

Establish a matching page for need owners to review provider applications and negotiate offers. Providers will have a Status Page to track application progress and manage negotiations. The Smart Contract will automate and secure agreement terms, ensuring fairness for both parties.

Deliverables

• Matching Page for Need Owners: providers will submit their applications. As the need owner, the user will have the ability to initiate negotiations by accepting or rejecting offers. If the user rejects an offer, the provider can resubmit based on their last response. This page will give the user a comprehensive view of all provider applications, enabling the user to select the most suitable offer.

• Matching Status Page for Providers: The provider will have access to a status page where they can monitor the progress of their applications and effectively manage negotiations. This page will keep the provider updated on the negotiation process, allowing them to stay informed and make timely decisions.

• Smart Contract Integration: Both pages above have interactions with smart contracts. The matching page will be integrated with the blockchain and allow both sides of the transaction to sign each step of the contract. In each action the user's wallet is open to sign the contract and the platform manages the data that is included in the contract.

Evidence of Completion

The following features available for testing, accessible by URL and video demos published on our website.

• Negotiation matching page

• Smart contract integration

Auditing and Testing

Objective

Open the smart contract for public auditing. Onboard engaged beta users from the community for testing and validation. Additionally, focus on community building through informative posts on X and discussions, along with targeted ads to attract Web1 and Web2 users from Facebook and Instagram.

Deliverables

• Smart Contract Audit Open the contract for public auditing and hire a reputable firm, such as TxPipe Shop, to ensure its security and reliability.

• Beta User Onboarding Identify and select highly engaged users from the community to participate in testing and validating the beta version.

• Community Building Continue sharing informative posts on X and participate in discussions to raise awareness about the platform. Consider using targeted advertising to attract Web1 and Web2 users from Facebook and Instagram.

Evidence of Completion

• MVP available to the community
• Strong community engagement

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

Founders

• James Reilly

Freelance English Teacher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-reilly-english-teacher

• Paulo Bressan

TxPipe - Software Engineer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulo-b-335501115/

Advisers

• Luis Garcia - Project Management

Responsable de Formación en Instituto BME

Luis Sánchez Vila | LinkedIn

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

Total Budget Summary:

Development Costs: 90,000 ADA

• UX/UI Designer - 10,000 ADA (4 months)

• Full Stack Developer - 60,000 ADA (10 months)

• Smart Contract - 20,000 ADA (2 months)

Operational Costs: 31,500 ADA

• Product Management - 20,000 ADA (12 months)

• MVP Infrastructure - 10,000 ADA

• Documentation and Reporting - 1,500 ADA

Marketing and Community: 20,000 ADA

• Community management - 10,000 ADA

• Social media management - 10,000 ADA

Grand Total: 141,500 ADA

Notes on Allocation:

• Development: The largest portion of the budget is dedicated to platform development, underscoring the priority of building a robust system throughout all project milestones.

• Operational Costs: This category covers essential expenses such as compliance, management, documentation, and core infrastructure, ensuring efficient operations and maintaining transparency.

• Marketing and Community: A smaller share of the budget is allocated to marketing, focused on promoting the platform, driving user acquisition, and fostering community engagement during development and post-launch.

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

Decisions regarding cost:

• The development cost is based on hiring Brazilian developers.
• Tools will be required, like Figma for our prototype and test A/B, gitbook for our documentation.
• Infrastructure is required to host the platform and Demeter cloud service is required for Cardano services (Kupo, Dbsync, Subimit API etc.)

One of the main aims of the platform is to build a community of members who have skills, knowledge and expertise to share. The Cardano community can share their skills and expertise.