The Challenge
The core challenge was designing a blockchain-based platform that was accessible and easy to use for individuals who may not be familiar with blockchain or governance technology. Additionally, we needed to integrate LLMs seamlessly, ensuring they enhanced the decision-making process without overwhelming users. The app had to balance security, privacy, and usability to meet the needs of diverse communities and stakeholders, ranging from local groups to larger institutions.
The Solution
User-Centric Design: Conducting workshops and interviews to understand the needs of different community members and institutions. This feedback shaped the app's design and features, ensuring it catered to a wide audience.
Blockchain Integration: Collaborating closely with developers to ensure secure voting and governance features were seamlessly embedded into the app without requiring technical knowledge from users.
Private LLMs: Integrating LLMs into the app to enhance the individual and collective voice of users. The models processed input privately, ensuring both data security and personalised recommendations based on community goals.
Live User Testing: I implemented a unique strategy of gated user groups to test the app in real-world conditions. These users provided valuable feedback, allowing us to iterate quickly and ensure the product met their expectations.
The Application - Responsive, Web3 enabled
Seamless, easy onboarding into Web3, issuing each user a unique ID NFT token
Users can express their opinions and ideas and view and rank other community issues
Users vote on the top issues collected from the community using a simplified Quadratic voting system
Users opinions are drawn out though discussions with the LondonVOICE AI to collect qualitative data
The Impact
The first iteration of the VOICE app was branded for London as "LondonVOICE" and successfully launched in 2024, receiving strong positive feedback from early adopters.
It became a tool that empowered users to take part in secure, decentralised decision-making. The product was praised for its simplicity and ease of use, and multiple communities and institutions expressed interest in creating bespoke versions of the app for their own governance needs. The free and commercial versions of the app were designed to drive both community engagement and commercial growth, ensuring a sustainable business model.
