ARKConnect

ARKConnect

It's a Chrome extension that lets ARK token-holders log in to Web3 apps, approve on-chain actions, and manage multiple ARK addresses—without ever exposing their secret passphrase. Built solely for the ARK blockchain, it brings one-click security and Ledger hardware support to everyday users and dApp developers.

Client

Ardent Blockchain Development LLC

Industry

Cryptocurrency Wallet - Web3

Services

UI/UX Design, UX Research, Interaction Design, Prototyping, and Product Management.

Year & Role

2024, Lead UX & Product Designer

Client Recommendation

Ray Alvarez,
CEO at ARK Ecosystem

Reetesh’s collaboration, proactivity, and responsibility as a UX/UI designer at ARK were invaluable—enhancing project quality and user satisfaction. I confidently recommend him as an asset to any future UX design team.

Summarized by AI

Tech Stack

Problem Discovery

Key challenges were passphrase anxiety, missing session control, and absent on-chain approval capabilities.

Fear of passphrase exposure on untrusted websites

Fear of passphrase exposure on untrusted websites

No simple way to view or revoke active dApp connections.

No simple way to view or revoke active dApp connections.

No eixisting wallet to approve on-chain actions on ARK.

No eixisting wallet to approve on-chain actions on ARK.

Repetitive re-authentication across multiple dApps

Repetitive re-authentication across multiple dApps

Design Process

A user-centered, iterative approach focused on rapid prototyping and feedback, refined through stakeholders and usability testing.

1

Research

Analyzed blockchain landscape, user pain points, and benchmarked current Web3 wallets for insights.

2

Ideate

Drafted PRDs, mapped information architecture, and built scalable component library for solutions.

3

Design & Prototype

Crafted UI, iterated via stakeholder feedback, and produced interactive prototypes for validation.

4

Test & Handoff

Launched Chrome extension, executed QA, incorporated feedback, and delivered dev-ready design assets.

Market Potential

The global crypto wallet market reached USD 19.03 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 57.61 billion by 2029 at a 31.9% CAGR. MetaMask dominates with 30+ million monthly active users, yet single-chain wallets are emerging as ecosystems seek tailored solutions. ARK’s network has processed 5+ million transactions across 203k+ unique wallets, and growing institutional interest, signaling opportunity for a dedicated Web3 authentication solutions.

User Insights

Research revealed ARK users prioritize both security and simplicity. These insights below directly shaped our product decisions.

Users forget to disconnect dApps, leaving security gaps.

Most ARK users keep 2+ addresses (cold + hot).

Need for a wallet to perform on-chain actions on ARK.

Users fear exposing passphrases on third-party sites.

Desktop Chrome users cover most of daily ARK transfers.

Business Goals

Defined impact-focused business targets to drive adoption, engagement, and seamless ecosystem integration.

Boost ARK network on-chain transactions with ARKConnect

Boost ARK network on-chain transactions with ARKConnect

Prioritizing security and less friction for ARK users

Prioritizing security and less friction for ARK users

Reduce onboarding time compared to ARKVault

Reduce onboarding time compared to ARKVault

Secure integration partnerships with ARK ecosystem projects

Secure integration partnerships with ARK ecosystem projects

User Persona

Based on the research, we crafted a persona to represent our target user and their core pain points.

Matthew Johnson

Los Angeles

24 Age

Developer & Crypto Enthusiast

Power ARK delegate passionate about streamlined voting flows and rock-solid transaction approvals in a browser.

Pain Points

Juggles three ARK addresses across devices

Loses track of which sites can still access wallet

Fears clipboard sniffers and unknown sites when entering passphrases

Goals & Needs

Easily connect/disconnect from ARK dApps

Manage multiple ARK addresses in one extension

Use Ledger for large transactions and maximum security

Perform on-chain actions smoothly without complex flows

User Journey Map

Visualizes every touchpoint from installation to signed transaction, revealing pain points and delight moments.

Click to expand

Competitive Analysis

ARKConnect’s focus on ARK-only, extension-based authentication, balancing security and simplicity, unlike broader multi-chain wallets.

Click to expand

Solution & Vision

Empower ARK holders with one-click, chain-specific login and approval in a trusted and secure UI.

Grant users full visibility and ability to revoke sessions.

Grant users full visibility and ability to revoke sessions.

Safeguard locally stored keys; prevent unauthorized access.

Safeguard locally stored keys; prevent unauthorized access.

Enable seamless, one-click dApp login without passphrase

Enable seamless, one-click dApp login without passphrase

Streamline on-chain action approvals via intuitive modals.

Streamline on-chain action approvals via intuitive modals.

Information Architecture

We structured ARKConnect’s IA, prioritizing quick task completion and minimizing cognitive load for users.

Click to expand

Product Requirement Document

Created a detailed PRD outlining features, KPIs, research, tech requirements, and mitigation strategies to streamline execution.

Design Principles

Defined clear principles driving a consistent, transparent, and secure experience throughout the browser extension lifecycle.

Simplicity

Only essential controls appear, reducing cognitive overhead.

Simplicity

Only essential controls appear, reducing cognitive overhead.

Transparency

Provide clear, human-readable information for security decisions.

Transparency

Provide clear, human-readable information for security decisions.

Control

Empower users with visibility and revocation over active sessions.

Control

Empower users with visibility and revocation over active sessions.

Design System & Figma File Setup

Built a scalable design system unifying typography, colors, and components. Organized Figma file with annotations to ensure consistency, improve collaboration, and speed up development.

Onboarding Screens

Initial user journey introducing ARK Connect’s capabilities and directing users toward appropriate setup paths.

Import Address

Secure pathway for adding existing ARK addresses through passphrase verification and password creation.

Import Ledger Address

Dedicated flow walks users through connecting, unlocking, and importing ARK addresses from Ledger devices.

Create New Address

Progressive onboarding educates about seed security while minimizing friction in wallet creation for new ARK users.

Dashboard

It surfaces balance, latest transactions, and address switcher, dApp connection status, delivering quick oversight at extension launch.

Send and Receive

Unified flow handles payments and detailed records, fostering transactional confidence for every user.

Connection Management

Overview of active dApps, allowing users to revoke access individually or disconnect instantly everywhere.

Settings

Modular settings architecture exposes advanced controls only when needed, preserving interface simplicity for everyday operations.

On-Chain Actions

Specific cards guiding users through connection, transaction, or signature, clarifying risks and permissions before approval, and reducing confusion and misclicks.

Dark Mode

Created designs for dark mode, ensuring accessibility and visual consistency across the product.

Website Design

Created a landing page design showcasing ARK Connect’s value proposition with responsive design and clear installation pathways.

Results and Impact

Quantified outcomes demonstrating ARK Connect’s adoption success, security improvements, and user engagement metrics.

35% increase in performing on-chain transactions in 3 months.

35% increase in performing on-chain transactions in 3 months.

20% of active ARK users adopted the Chrome extension.

20% of active ARK users adopted the Chrome extension.

Huge reduction in failed signature attempts via Ledger.

Huge reduction in failed signature attempts via Ledger.

Zero passphrase or private key exposure incidents reported.

Zero passphrase or private key exposure incidents reported.

Learnings

Key insights from building ARK Connect’s secure authentication flow and blockchain integration challenges.

Ledger integration demands clear error messaging and visual guidance for firmware mismatches.

Single-chain wallets can outshine multi-chain and feature-heavy suites for trust.

Secondary passwords improve security but add user friction.

Live dApp connection status prevented unwanted approvals.

Auto-disconnect timers are essential for proactive safety in unattended sessions.

Testnet addresses are a must to let users experiment with dApps safely and avoid any issues.

Work With Me

Got an idea for an interesting product or need tips on product design? Don’t hesitate to get in touch by filling out the form below or reaching out to me via email reeteshuiux@gmail.com

Avg. response 12 hours