The Human Side Of Blockchain - Why Technology Must Disappear To Succeed
The Human Side of Blockchain: Why Technology Must Disappear to Succeed
Blockchain technology has been making waves in recent years, with its potential to revolutionize various industries and transform the way we live and work. However, for blockchain to truly succeed, it must disappear from the consciousness of the masses. In other words, the human side of blockchain is not about explaining its mechanics to people, but rather about solving their problems so seamlessly that they never need to know blockchain is involved.
The Limitations of Technology
Technology, no matter how advanced, can only take us so far. The real value of blockchain lies not in its technical capabilities, but in the problems it can solve for people. For instance, a person who has never heard of blockchain before may not care about its decentralized nature or its ability to create an immutable ledger. What they do care about is being able to send money to their family members across borders quickly and securely. If blockchain can help them achieve that without needing to understand the underlying technology, then it has succeeded in solving a real-world problem.
The Importance of User Experience
The success of blockchain hinges on its ability to provide a seamless user experience. People are more likely to adopt a technology if it is easy to use and doesn’t require them to learn complex technical concepts. Think about it: when was the last time you used a computer without knowing how it works under the hood? Most people don’t care about the intricacies of computer hardware; they just want to be able to browse the internet, check their emails, and play games. Similarly, people don’t need to know how blockchain works; they just want to be able to use it to solve their problems.
The Role of Intermediaries
One of the main criticisms leveled against blockchain is that it is too complicated for the average person to use. This is where intermediaries come in. Intermediaries, such as fintech companies and startups, can help bridge the gap between the technical aspects of blockchain and its real-world applications. They can create user-friendly interfaces that allow people to interact with blockchain without needing to understand the underlying technology.
For instance, a company like Square, which provides mobile payment solutions, can use blockchain to enable fast and secure transactions without requiring their customers to know anything about it. All the customer needs to do is download an app, link their bank account or credit card, and start making payments. The complexity of blockchain is hidden from view, leaving the user free to focus on their everyday tasks.
The Future of Blockchain
The future of blockchain lies in its ability to disappear into the background. It must become an invisible technology that solves real-world problems without people needing to know how it works. In this sense, blockchain is not so different from other technologies we use every day, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. We don’t need to know how they work; we just need them to work seamlessly in the background.
In conclusion, for blockchain to succeed, it must disappear from the consciousness of the masses. It must become an invisible technology that solves real-world problems without people needing to know how it works. The success of blockchain hinges on its ability to provide a seamless user experience and solve people’s problems so effectively that they never need to know blockchain is involved.
The role of intermediaries, such as fintech companies and startups, will be crucial in bridging the gap between the technical aspects of blockchain and its real-world applications. They can create user-friendly interfaces that allow people to interact with blockchain without needing to understand the underlying technology.
In the future, we may not even talk about blockchain; we may just use it without thinking about it, much like we use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth today. When that day comes, we will know that blockchain has truly succeeded in solving people’s problems and changing the world for the better.