Optimized Cardano Cube Ecosystem Map

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Milan Houter

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

92000

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

5

[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’re dedicated to optimizing our ecosystem map to improve the user experience, making it easier to explore the entire Cardano ecosystem from a single viewport. This will improve project discovery.

[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 dependency

[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

No Open Source

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We're planning a comprehensive optimization of the Cardano Cube ecosystem map to enhance usability and streamline project discovery. Our goal is to make all exploration possible from a single, user-friendly interface. Here's how:

1. Improved Filters: We're adding a variety of new filter options, allowing users to sort by members, projects, and organizations. This will make it easier to find exactly what you're looking for, all from one screen.
2. View Options: Users will be able to switch between the traditional ecosystem map view and a new grid view, giving more flexibility in how information is displayed.
3. Quick Project Info: You’ll be able to hover over projects to get a quick snapshot of key details before clicking through, improving navigation and saving time.
4. Additional UX Enhancements: We’re also implementing several smaller improvements to make the overall experience smoother and more intuitive.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure visitors can easily explore the entire ecosystem, discover projects, and access key information—all from one streamlined interface.

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

These improvements will have a significant positive impact on the Cardano community by enhancing accessibility and engagement with the ecosystem. Here’s how:

1. Enhanced Discoverability: With advanced filtering and viewing options, users can quickly find relevant projects, resources, and organizations. This ease of access will attract new community members and help existing users stay updated on the latest developments.
2. Fostering Growth: By simplifying the process of discovering projects, educational resources, and development tools, we’ll encourage more interaction within the ecosystem.
3. Streamlined Navigation: Users no longer need to navigate multiple pages within Cardano Cube. Everything can be done from one screen, reducing complexity and making exploration faster and more efficient.
4. Better User Experience: The user-friendly interface, with features like hover-over project previews, makes navigating the ecosystem more intuitive. This will empower both newcomers and experienced community members to explore, learn, and contribute more efficiently.
5. Increased Community Engagement: The ease of accessing all ecosystem information in one place encourages users to explore different sectors and projects, driving deeper engagement within the community.

Overall, these enhancements will create a more connected, informed, and active Cardano community, supporting the ecosystem's long-term growth and innovation.

[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?

Cardano Cube has been a prominent figure within the Cardano ecosystem for three years, serving as a centralized hub for projects, news, and updates within the Cardano blockchain. We have a proven track record of staying in the space and reaching a large number of new Cardano members.

Our team is made of experienced professionals in design, coding, and content creation. We have worked with some of the biggest projects on Cardano such as NMKR & Axo, and have collaborated with GeroWallet, Newm, Ore Ore Ore, Book.io, and many more, developing strong connections with both the community and developers within the Cardano ecosystem. 

We are the right team to accomplish the task of bringing Cardano to the forefront of the crypto and blockchain industry. We are not just an online platform, we are forging connections, driving innovation, and trying to propel the Cardano ecosystem forward.

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

Milestone 1: Design of User Interfaces and User Experience

Design the user interface and user experience for the ecosystem map, focusing on content exploration and management. This includes creating the layouts for various views, such as the map view, grid view, and filter options.

Acceptance Criteria: The design flow will be accessible via a Figma URL, allowing for interactive click-through validation that demonstrates the full user journey.

Evidence: The complete design flow will be available through a Figma URL.

Milestone 2: Development of Filtering and Viewing Options

Implement the new filtering options and viewing modes (map and grid views) on the ecosystem map. This will involve developing the necessary backend functionality to support user queries and display results effectively.

Acceptance Criteria: Filtering options will function as intended, allowing users to filter by members, projects, and organizations. Both map and grid views will be fully operational.

Evidence: A demonstration of the filtering functionality and viewing options will be provided through a live prototype or staging environment.

Milestone 3: Hover-over Project Information Feature

Develop the hover-over feature that allows users to view quick project details without navigating away from the ecosystem map. This will enhance the user experience by providing immediate access to essential information.

Acceptance Criteria: Users can hover over projects to reveal brief descriptions and key details, improving navigation without additional clicks.

Evidence: A video or screencast demonstrating the hover-over functionality in action will be made available for review.

Milestone 4: User Testing and Feedback Implementation

Conduct user testing to gather feedback on the new features and overall user experience. Based on the feedback, implement necessary adjustments to ensure the ecosystem map meets community needs and expectations.

Acceptance Criteria: User testing will be completed with at least X participants, and feedback will be compiled and categorized for actionable insights. Key adjustments will be documented and implemented.

Evidence: A report summarizing user feedback and the subsequent changes made to the ecosystem map will be provided, along with any supporting data from user testing sessions.

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

This project team is represented by CEO Milan Houter, CTO Robin Boning.

Milan Houter

Founder & CEO at Cardano Cube.

15+ Years of experience in UI/UX Design.

Twitter: https://x.com/CardanoBuilder

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

Milan will focus on UI/UX and seamless experience of the content creation flow. As well as validating development vs design.

Robin Boening

CTO at Cardano Cube.

Senior Developer with 15+ Years of experience in Development.

Twitter: https://x.com/lacepool_com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-b%C3%B6ning-25725485/

Robin will be responsible for the development of the feature. This includes both Front-end and Back-end.

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

Here’s a suggested budget cost breakdown for the project.

Design Costs

- UI/UX Design Research, Test and Create user interface and experience. $5,000

- Design Review Sessions. $2,000

- Costs for feedback sessions and revisions based on user input. $500

Total Design Costs: $7,500

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Development Costs

- Frontend Development: Implementation of the user interface, including the filtering and viewing options. $7,500

- Backend Development: Setting up server-side functionality to support filtering and data management.$6,000

- Integration: Connecting the frontend and backend, ensuring seamless functionality. $2,500

Total Development Costs: $16,000

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Testing Costs

- User Testing Sessions: Testing costs and compensation for participants in user testing and gathering feedback. $1,000

- Testing Tools: Costs for testing software + man hours to complete tests. $1,000

Total Testing Costs: $2,000

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Project Management

- Project Managing: Hiring or allocating resources for project management throughout the project lifecycle. $2,500

- Miscellaneous: Administrative expenses. $500

Total Project Management Costs: $3,000

Contingency Fund

- Unexpected Expenses: A reserve for any unforeseen costs or adjustments needed during the project. $2,500

Total Contingency Fund: $2,500

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Total Project Budget: $31,000

This budget breakdown aims to cover all essential aspects of the project while allowing for a contingency fund to address any unexpected expenses that may arise.

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

In total we are requesting 31,000 USD which covers the full development, design and quality assurance.

Total funds requested = 31,000 USD which converts to 92000 ADA at an exchange rate of 0.337ADA.