UX Bootcamp
Africa
We created an opportunity for Bitcoin UX Designers from Africa
In a pioneering initiative coupled with ABC conference, in December of 2024 we launched the first ever bootcamp.
This was a transformative program that brought talented Bitcoin UX designers from the African continent together for an intensive experience of training and networking.
Ten carefully selected designers received education and empowerment through the program, and emerged with skills ready to conduct research projects and gather ecosystem-critical data.
The initiative marked a significant step in diversifying the Bitcoin UX design community, participants were given the tools and connections needed to make meaningful contributions to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
By focusing on designers from the Africa, the program helped to ensure that the technology in Africa is being built and improved by people on the ground who best understand the use cases and user needs.
The Programme
Phase 1: Pre-learning phase
The Bootcamp kicked off with foundational learning using the Bitcoin Design Guide. Participants read through the Getting started section of the guide which provided them with the knowledge and base foundation of understanding UX principles which are specific to Bitcoin UX design. They then had live discussions in the Bitcoin Design Community to discuss these principles.
Phase 2: Bootcamp
Next we met live in person in Kenya. Participants attended a 2-day bootcamp where they became project leads of 5 different Bitcoin Wallets which were built by African developers. They dove into exploring the user interfaces of these wallets and analysing the experience. They also had a discussion about Bitcoin Development philosophy.
Phase 3: User research
Then it was time to get hands on and conducted research on how the user experience of these wallets were out in the wild. Participants conducted usability tests at the ABC conference and by doing so are then able to come up with design solutions based on those. The developers off all the wallets were present at a final presentation where the data was presented to them. This will now be shared with the whole ecosystem and be public data.
Thank You
Last but not least this initiative was supported by the Human Rights Foundation and the Bitcoin Design Foundation. We are very grateful to have completed this and look forward to driving the ecosystem forward by bringing in new talent and supporting them as they grow.
A sincere thank you to all these amazing individuals for believing in this and supporting this initiative:
A UX designer and evangelist of UX research in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Mo led the first ever bootcamp and supported the fellows on their journey.
A man of many talents, the visionary behind this initiative. One idea, one vision and one goal to drive the user experience of Bitcoin forward.
Marcel led the operations and logistic of the bootcamp, she is a profound example of women helping women to step into their power. She also leads Bitcoin Dadas.
A connector and relationship builder who stood by and supported the initiative and believed in its vision.
A developer and the man who supported any technical glitches in the building of this website.
An experienced UX designer who stepped in at just the right time. Mark led the setting up and logistical aspects of the usability tests which were done at the ABC conference.
A women who pulls many people together. She supported the students by ensuring that they had space within the conference venue to present and conduct the usability tests.
