dRep Portal for Active Delegator Participation in Governance

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

CardanoProphet

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

80000

[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)

A dRep portal will be developed to enable delegators to connect wallets, share preferences, and influence dReps' decisions, resulting in more informed voting and greater engagement in governance.

[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

The source code will be released under the MIT license.

[METADATA] Horizons

Governance

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Currently, delegating voting power to a dRep on Cardano is a largely passive process. Delegators simply delegate their ADA, entrusting the dRep to vote on their behalf, with little insight or control over whether the dRep’s decisions align with their own values and preferences. Feedback mechanisms are limited, and while informal methods like social media polls may offer some insight, they do not accurately reflect the opinions of their delegator base (given anyone can write Twitter comments).

To address this gap, I propose the development of an open-source dRep portal. This platform will allow delegators to log in using CIP-30 compliant wallets, verifying their delegation to a specific dRep. Once authenticated, delegators will be able to actively participate by reviewing proposals, casting advisory votes, and providing optional feedback in the form of comments.

In addition, the portal will display aggregated voting results from the delegator base, allowing individuals to see how their fellow delegators voted, along with the corresponding voting power associated with each vote. This transparency ensures that even if a final vote differs from their preference, delegators can confirm whether the dRep acted in line with the majority sentiment of their delegators.

The proposed solution will be built around three core components: the Web UI, the Database, and the Backend.

• The Web UI will handle user logins, signature prompts, and overall user interaction, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience;
• The PostgreSQL Database will store user votes, voter wallet addresses, feedback, and periodically retrieved data, such as the current list of dReps and active governance proposals. This data will be fetched on backend using the Blockfrost API. In terms of privacy, NO identifying information, such as IP address, timezone, or language preferences, will be collected or stored;
• The Backend will facilitate seamless communication among the Web UI, database, and blockchain via the Blockfrost API. It will be responsible for retrieving and storing blockchain data, as well as managing governance data, user votes, and feedback. Additionally, the Backend will validate votes to ensure that only current dReps are authorized to participate in voting and provide feedback. This validation process will involve verifying signed data during both the login and voting stages, thereby ensuring the integrity and security of the dRep platform.

The implementation will include comprehensive documentation, providing detailed setup instructions for dReps as well as usage instructions for delegators interested in utilizing the tool.

This initiative will foster greater engagement, transparency, and accountability within the Cardano governance system. It empowers every delegator, regardless of their ADA holdings, to have a voice in decision-making. Furthermore, it offers a mechanism for auditing the alignment between a dRep's actions and the preferences of their delegators, which is often lacking in both blockchain and real-world governance models. This increased transparency will help mitigate the disconnect that may often occur between dReps and their delegators, ensuring a more inclusive governance process for the Cardano ecosystem.

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

In what way will the success of your project bring value to the Cardano Community?

Increased Governance Engagement - This project will bridge the current gap between dReps and their delegators, empowering the broader Cardano community to actively participate in governance. By providing a platform where delegators can directly express their preferences, this portal will amplify their voices, ensuring a more inclusive and participatory governance process.

More Informed dRep Decisions - By aggregating feedback in the governance portal, it will equip dReps with comprehensive insights from their delegators. This will enable them to make more informed voting decisions that better reflect the collective will of their delegators, ultimately leading to more representative governance outcomes.

Empowerment of Small ADA Holders - The portal will ensure that even those with limited ADA holdings can participate meaningfully in governance. Users who may not have the resources or motivation to lock 500 ADA for self-voting can still express their opinions and contribute to discussions, bridging the gap between small and large delegators.

Authenticity and Transparency of Delegator Input - The portal’s CIP-30 integration will require users to authenticate their delegation status by signing messages with their wallet. This ensures that the feedback collected is exclusively from actual delegators, unlike social media platforms where it’s difficult to distinguish between delegators and non-delegators. This level of authenticity enhances the integrity of the feedback and ensures that dReps receive input from their actual delegators.

Strengthening Trust in Governance - The portal will help foster trust between delegators and dReps by creating a record of voting and feedback. Delegators will have more confidence that their opinions are being considered, which could reduce dissatisfaction and disengagement in governance.

How will you measure this impact?

To assess the project's impact, key metrics will include the adoption rate, specifically the number of dReps utilizing the tool, along with feedback gathered through a dedicated form included in the project's README. Additionally, a "Provide Feedback" button linking to the form can be integrated in the tool to streamline user responses and enhance the collection of valuable insights.

How will you share the outputs and opportunities that result from your project?

The outputs and opportunities that result from the project will be shared on Medium and Twitter (https://x.com/CardanoProphet)

[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 bring over 8 years of combined experience in software development, including more than 3 years in the Cardano ecosystem and 5 years working in Web2 technologies. Currently, I work as a senior full-stack developer for one of the top DeFi protocols on Cardano.

In addition to my professional experience, I am an active contributor to the Cardano community under the pseudonym "CardanoProphet," through which I regularly post educational and fun content aimed at promoting broader understanding of the Cardano blockchain. My public profile, including educational posts and updates, can be found at https://x.com/CardanoProphet

I have also independently developed and launched two small Cardano projects:

• Cardaport.io Minter: A simple, free NFT minter for Cardano (https://cardaport.io/minter).
• CardaCraft: A virtual world leveraging Cardano CNFTs and Blockfrost (similar to projects like Pavia), which can be found at https://x.com/CardaCraft

To demonstrate my commitment to accountability and trust, I have structured the funding for this proposal with a conservative approach. I have requested a reduced amount of ADA in the first milestone, allowing me to deliver tangible results before seeking additional funding for subsequent phases. This approach ensures that I can prove my capabilities through deliverables, while minimizing risk for the Catalyst Fund.

The technologies selected for this solution are proven and highly reliable. I have personally tested key dependencies, including the Blockfrost API for dRep data retrieval and CIP-30 wallet connectivity, all of which performed as expected. This reinforces my confidence in the chosen tools and ensures they are well-suited for the project. Therefore, no major feasibility concerns are anticipated.

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

Milestone 1: Portal Design, Static Wireframes, and Initial Documentation

• Outputs:
• Wireframes that outline the structure of the dRep portal, illustrating key actions such as connecting wallet, browsing governance proposals, submitting votes, providing text feedback and checking votes of the other delegators
• Initial documentation detailing the product architecture and functionality
• Acceptance Criteria
• Completed website design with wireframes
• Documentation that provides a detailed explanation of the product's structure and functionality
• Wireframes and documentation made publicly available
• Evidence
• Code repository
• Wireframes and initial documentation publicly available in the repository: https://github.com/CardanoProphet/drep-portal
• Video demonstration
• A video walkthrough showcasing the design and wireframes
• Shared at https://x.com/CardanoProphet

Milestone 2: Backend development and basic website layout

• Outputs
• A fully functional backend that facilitates communication between the Web UI and the database, while collecting blockchain data through the Blockfrost API
• Implementation of core functionalities including user login, retrieval of governance proposals, casting votes, viewing the voting results of other delegators, and submitting feedback
• A basic website layout that allows users to navigate the portal and interact with its features
• Acceptance Criteria
• The backend must support all specified core functionalities: user authentication, proposal browsing, voting, and feedback submission
• Successful integration of the backend with the current UI
• Evidence
• Code repository
• The updates related to this milestone are publicly available in the repository: https://github.com/CardanoProphet/drep-portal
• Video demonstration
• A video demonstration of a working backend supporting all core functionalities (login, browsing proposals, voting on proposals, seeing votes of other delegators and providing feedback)

Milestone 3: Finish the front-end and final polishing

• Outputs
• Replacing the "basic prototype UI" with a polished UI based on wireframes from the Milestone 1
• Acceptance Criteria
• The final front-end meets design specifications from Milestone 1, ensuring a visually appealing and intuitive user experience
• All core functionalities (login, browsing proposals, voting on proposals, seeing votes of other delegators and providing feedback) work smoothly in the final UI
• Evidence
• Code repository
• The final code is available at: https://github.com/CardanoProphet/drep-portal
• Video demonstration
• A video walkthrough of the final polished front-end
• Shared at https://x.com/CardanoProphet

Milestone 4: Project Close-out Report and Video

• Outputs
• A project Close-out Report
• Providing a detailed summary of the project’s overall achievements, and the milestones completed
• Includes an overview of each milestone, detailing the specific outputs, and how each milestone was successfully met
• A breakdown of the final state of the dRep portal, including setup and usage instructions
• A project Close-out Video
• A final project video demonstrating the complete solution, from wallet connection to browsing, voting and providing feedback
• Acceptance Criteria
• The close-out report clearly describes the project from start to finish, including setup details, tutorial, and milestone achievements
• The final project video demonstrates a working product and includes a tutorial for users
• The report and video are publicly available and shared with the Cardano community
• Evidence
• The project report will be published on Medium and shared on X at https://x.com/CardanoProphet
• The final project demonstration video will be posted and shared on X at https://x.com/CardanoProphet

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

CardanoProphet (https://x.com/CardanoProphet)

As this is an individual project, I will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of development, from planning and design to implementation and deployment. In my capacity as Project Manager, Developer, and Architect, I will ensure that each phase of the project is executed effectively and meets the desired objectives. With over 8 years of development experience, I am well-prepared to handle the technical and managerial responsibilities, ensuring the successful delivery of the dRep portal.

Additionally, I have an additional full-stack developer available as a backup, should the need arise. This developer can assist with any technical challenges or additional development work, ensuring the project’s continuity and timely delivery.

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

The proposed budget is structured at 20,000 ADA (approximately 7,000 USD pre-tax) per month, with the project expected to take approximately four months to complete, totaling 80,000 ADA. To demonstrate good faith and accountability, the budget for the first milestone will be reduced by 50%, with the remaining amount allocated to the final milestone. This structure allows for a lower initial payment, ensuring that I can deliver results before receiving the full payment for the first milestone.

Total project budget: 80,000 ADA

Milestone 1: Portal Design, Static Wireframes, and Initial Documentation

• 25,000 ADA - 12,500 ADA = 12,500 ADA (15.625% of the total budget)
• Estimated time: 5 weeks

Milestone 2: Backend development and basic website layout

• 25,000 ADA (31.25% of the total budget)
• Estimated time: 5 weeks

Milestone 3: Finish the front-end and final polishing

• 25,000 ADA (31.25% of the total budget)
• Estimated time: 5 weeks

Milestone 4: Project Close-out Report and Video

• 5,000 ADA + 12,500 ADA = 17,500 ADA (21.875% of the total budget)
• Estimated time: 1 week

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

The platform’s open-source nature ensures that its benefits extend beyond the immediate implementation, allowing others in the Cardano community to build upon, improve, or adapt the solution for other use cases. Additionally, as the development is structured in milestones, this approach provides accountability for each stage, ensuring efficient use of resources and measurable progress.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, the value delivered by empowering all interested ADA holders with a voice in governance, ensuring alignment between delegators and dReps, and increasing transparency far outweighs the initial investment. This solution will strengthen the governance layer of Cardano in the long run, enhancing trust, participation, and community ownership of decisions, making it a highly valuable investment for the ecosystem.