Janus Wallet: Simplified Cardano Onboarding with ZK Proof

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Leobel Izquierdo

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

Individual

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

150000

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

6

[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)

We will develop a password-based wallet using ZK Proof and smart contracts, simplifying onboarding by replacing seed phrases and enabling programmable features for seamless app integration.

[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 project will be fully open source under MIT License

[METADATA] Horizons

Wallet

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The onboarding process for Web3 users is often hindered by complex wallet setups requiring seed phrases, leading to a poor user experience and limiting mass adoption. I perceive this problem as a barrier that prevents new users from exploring the benefits of blockchain technology.

My approach leverages zero-knowledge proof (ZKProof) and smart contracts to create a password-based wallet system. This innovation simplifies the onboarding experience by eliminating seed phrases, allowing users to access their wallets securely with a password. Additionally, this wallet will support programmable features, enabling seamless integration with decentralized applications and protocols, such as the Soulbound protocol, which allows for the minting of non-transferable NFTs.

The project will engage a diverse audience, including new Web3 users, developers, and existing Cardano community members. By providing a more user-friendly onboarding experience, we aim to attract users who might have previously been deterred by the complexities of traditional wallet setups.

To demonstrate the impact of this solution, I will focus on creating a functional prototype that showcases the password-based wallet's usability, security, and programmability. Metrics such as user engagement and feedback will be collected during testing to refine the product further.

What makes this solution unique is its ability to combine user-friendly onboarding with advanced blockchain capabilities, directly addressing a fundamental barrier to entry in the Web3 space. By enhancing user experience and enabling wallet programmability, this project will not only benefit new users but also foster the growth of innovative applications within the Cardano ecosystem. This is crucial for Cardano's long-term adoption and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.

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

My project will significantly enhance the onboarding experience for new users in the Cardano ecosystem, ultimately driving greater adoption and engagement. By simplifying wallet access with a password-based system, we reduce entry barriers for users who may have previously found seed phrases daunting. This improvement is essential for attracting a broader audience to Cardano, especially those new to Web3.

To measure impact, I will employ both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitatively, I will track user engagement statistics, such as the number of wallet creations, transaction volumes, and user retention rates. Qualitatively, I will gather user feedback through surveys and interviews to assess their experiences and gather insights on usability and functionality.

Sharing the outputs of this project will be crucial for maximizing its impact on the Cardano community. I plan to disseminate findings through several channels:

1. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation detailing the wallet's development, user testing, and impact metrics will be made available in the Cardano community forums and GitHub repositories.
2. Social Media and Blogs: Regular updates on project milestones, user experiences, and lessons learned will be shared on social media platforms and through blog posts in the Cardano ecosystem to engage a wider audience.

By creating a user-friendly wallet solution that directly addresses the onboarding challenge, this project will not only bring value to new users but also contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem.

[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 Co-Founded and was in charge of the development of Tangocrypto Software as a Service (https://www.tangocrypto.com) providing a Cardano API for blockchain data and NFT minting (which was the result of catalyst funds received during iteration 6 and 8). I'm the developer behind of cardano-wallet-js (https://github.com/tango-crypto/cardano-wallet-js) and operate the stake pool TANGO. I also support with some of the most important projects on Cardano right now like GGMC main NFTs collection and their B2B Kingdom Trust initiative. Recently in Fund12 I delivered Tangocrypto API as a completely open source solution keeping all it's originally functionalities.

I helped to develop a minting service designed to seamlessly scale and accommodate a substantial influx of thousands of buyers per second. I have extensive expertise in building scalable systems that empower decentralized networks.

To validate the feasibility of my approach, I will undertake the following steps:

1. Research and Development: Conduct thorough research on existing wallet solutions and zero-knowledge proof implementations to identify best practices and potential pitfalls. This will inform the design of my wallet and ensure it meets user needs effectively.
2. Prototyping: Develop an initial prototype of the wallet to test the functionality and user experience. This iterative process will allow for early feedback and refinements, ensuring that the final product is user-friendly and secure.

To demonstrate accountability in managing funds, I will:

• Budget Planning: Create a detailed budget that outlines all anticipated expenses, ensuring transparency in how funds will be allocated.
• Regular Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to the Catalyst community on the project's progress, including financial statements that reflect how funds are being utilized.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Establish channels for community feedback, ensuring that stakeholders can voice their concerns or suggestions throughout the project's lifecycle.

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

Research and Architecture

Outputs:

• Comprehensive research report on the feasibility of implementing zero-knowledge proof in Cardano smart contracts.
• Architectural design document outlining the integration of smart contracts and ZK Proof mechanisms within the proposed wallet solution.

Acceptance Criteria:

• The research report confirms the technical viability of ZK Proof on Cardano and provides a clear architecture for implementation.

Evidence of Completion:

• Research report and architectural design document.

Smart Contract Development

Outputs:

• Developed smart contracts for wallet functionalities and zero-knowledge proof validation.
• Comprehensive test suite demonstrating the functionality of the smart contracts.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Smart contracts pass all unit and integration tests, verified internally.

Evidence of Completion:

• Finalized smart contract code and test results.

Smart Contract Integration with Wallet

• Outputs:
• Integrated smart contracts with the wallet infrastructure.
• Documentation of the integration process and codebase.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Successful interaction between the wallet and smart contracts during initial tests.
• Evidence of Completion:
• Integration documentation and demonstration of functionality.

Prototype Development

• Outputs:
• Functional prototype for core wallet functionalities (e.g., wallet creation, user interactions).
• Documentation of the prototype setup and usage instructions.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Prototype is operational and passes initial functionality tests.
• Evidence of Completion:
• A working prototype demonstrating core functionalities.

User Testing

Outputs:

• User feedback report summarizing results and identified issues.
• Updated prototype addressing user feedback.

Acceptance Criteria:

• At least 10 users test the prototype, providing actionable feedback.

Evidence of Completion:

• User testing feedback report.

Project Close-out

Outputs:

• Fully functional wallet deployed on the Cardano blockchain.
• Comprehensive Project Close-out Report detailing achievements, challenges, and user feedback.
• Project Close-out Video showcasing wallet functionalities and user interactions.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Approval of the Project Close-out Report and Video by stakeholders.

Evidence of Completion:

• Project Close-out Report and Video.

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

Co-Founder TangoCrypto & Sr Software Engineer: Leobel Izquierdo

Software Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and over 10 years of experience in the Software Industry. Working for the past 3 years with blockchain technologies like Ripple, Ethereum and Cardano. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leobelizquierdo

Email: leobelizquierdo@gmail.com

Github: https://github.com/leobel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/leobelizquierdo

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

Milestone 1: Research, ZKProof, and Architecture Validation

• Allocated Budget: 20,000 ADA
• USD Equivalent: 20,000 ADA * $0.35 = $7,000 USD
• Total Hours for Milestone 1: 120 hours
• Description:
• ZKProof viability research and validation.
• Cardano smart contract architecture finalized.
• High-level system design completed.

Milestone 2: Smart Contracts Development and Testing

• Allocated Budget: 50,000 ADA
• USD Equivalent: 50,000 ADA * $0.35 = $17,500 USD
• Total Hours for Milestone 2: 160 hours
• Description:
• Development of core Cardano smart contracts.
• Unit testing and functional testing.
• Smart contract deployment to testnet.

Milestone 3: Wallet Integration

• Allocated Budget: 30,000 ADA
• USD Equivalent: 30,000 ADA * $0.35 = $10,500 USD
• Total Hours for Milestone 3: 140 hours
• Description:
• Wallet integration with the developed smart contracts.
• Integration testing with wallet functionality.
• Prototype functional wallet with core features.

Milestone 4: Frontend Development & Integration

• Allocated Budget: 20,000 ADA
• USD Equivalent: 20,000 ADA * $0.35 = $7,000 USD
• Total Hours for Milestone 4: 120 hours
• Description:
• Development of a user interface for interacting with smart contracts.
• API integration between frontend and Cardano smart contracts.
• Integration of notification and feedback systems.

Milestone 5: Testnet Deployment and User Testing

• Allocated Budget: 15,000 ADA
• USD Equivalent: 15,000 ADA * $0.35 = $5,250 USD
• Total Hours for Milestone 5: 120 hours
• Description:
• Deploy smart contracts and the full stack solution to the Cardano testnet.
• Organize closed user testing.
• Gather feedback and make necessary improvements based on test results.

Milestone 6: Mainnet Launch

• Allocated Budget: 15,000 ADA
• USD Equivalent: 15,000 ADA * $0.35 = $5,250 USD
• Total Hours for Milestone 6: 120 hours
• Description:
• Final adjustments based on testnet feedback.
• Mainnet deployment of smart contracts.
• Final system integrity testing and public launch.

Summary

• Total ADA Across All Milestones: 150,000 ADA
• Equivalent Total in USD: ≈ $52,500 USD
• Fixed Hourly Rate: $67 USD/hour
• Total Hours Across All Milestones: 780 hours

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

The cost of the project represents a strategic investment in the Cardano ecosystem by addressing critical challenges in user onboarding and wallet functionality through innovative solutions.

The project is designed to deliver a robust solution by integrating advanced technologies such as zero-knowledge proof and Cardano smart contracts. Each milestone focuses on specific deliverables that contribute to the overall functionality and usability of the wallet and verification system. By investing in thorough research, development, and integration, the project aims to produce a reliable and user-friendly solution that enhances the Cardano ecosystem's appeal to both developers and end-users.

It addresses a critical pain point for new users—complex wallet setups requiring seed phrases—by allowing password-based wallet creation. This innovation is expected to reduce barriers to entry, thereby increasing user adoption and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem. As more users join the platform, the demand for decentralized applications (dApps) and services is likely to grow, leading to increased transaction volume and network activity.

By allocating a significant portion of the budget to research and development, the project seeks to minimize risks associated with technology implementation and user adoption. Comprehensive testing phases, including deployments on testnet and user feedback collection, will ensure that any issues are identified and addressed before the mainnet launch. This proactive approach helps to safeguard the investment and optimize the final product's success.

The budget includes detailed breakdowns of costs associated with each milestone, promoting transparency and accountability in fund management. This structured approach ensures that stakeholders can track progress and expenditures, aligning financial management with the project's goals.

In conclusion, the proposed budget for this project not only reflects the costs associated with high-quality software development but also illustrates a commitment to delivering significant value to the Cardano ecosystem. By focusing on innovative solutions that enhance user experience and streamline onboarding processes, the project stands to make a lasting impact on user engagement and growth within the Cardano network.