Why Is Web3 UX Still Poor Compared to Web2?

Research

Why Is Web3 User Experience Still Lagging Behind Web2?

Explore key reasons Web3 user experience remains behind Web2, including technical hurdles and design challenges, and how AI tools like Token Metrics help improve usability.

Token Metrics Team

MIN

Index

Overview of Solana Blockchain

Introduction to Web3 UX

The evolution from Web2 to Web3 marks a significant paradigm shift in how we interact with digital services. While Web2 platforms have delivered intuitive and seamless user experiences, Web3—the decentralized internet leveraging blockchain technology—still faces considerable user experience (UX) challenges. This article explores the reasons behind the comparatively poor UX in Web3 and the technical, design, and infrastructural hurdles contributing to this gap.

Contextual Understanding: Web2 vs Web3

Web2 represents the current mainstream internet experience characterized by centralized servers, interactive social platforms, and streamlined services. Its UX benefits from consistent standards, mature design patterns, and direct control over data.

In contrast, Web3 aims at decentralization, enabling peer-to-peer interactions through blockchain protocols, decentralized applications (dApps), and user-owned data ecosystems. While promising increased privacy and autonomy, Web3 inherently introduces complexity in UX design.

Technical Complexities Affecting Web3 UX

Several intrinsic technical barriers impact the Web3 user experience:

Decentralization and Interoperability: Decentralized networks operate without centralized control, making transaction speed and reliability variable compared to Web2's central servers.
Blockchain Transaction Latency: Block confirmation times, network congestion, and gas fees create delays and unpredictability in user interactions.
Wallet and Key Management: Users must manage private keys and wallets, which can be confusing and risky for non-technical audiences.
User Onboarding Frictions: Requirements like acquiring cryptocurrency tokens for transaction fees create an additional barrier unique to Web3.

Design and Usability Issues in Web3

The nascent nature of Web3 results in inconsistent and sometimes opaque design standards:

Complex Terminology and Concepts: Terms like gas, smart contracts, staking, and cryptographic signatures are unfamiliar to average users.
Poorly Standardized UI Components: Unlike Web2, where UI/UX libraries and guidelines are well-established, Web3 lacks uniform design principles, leading to fragmented experiences.
Minimal User Feedback: Web3 apps sometimes provide limited real-time feedback during transactions, causing uncertainty.
Security and Trust Indicators: The responsibility to confirm transaction legitimacy often falls on users, which can be overwhelming.

Ecosystem Maturity and Resource Constraints

Web2 giants have invested billions over decades fostering developer communities, design systems, and customer support infrastructure. In contrast, Web3 is still an emerging ecosystem characterized by:

Smaller Development Teams: Many dApps are developed by startups or hobbyists with limited UX expertise or resources.
Rapidly Evolving Protocols: Frequent changes impact stability and user familiarity.
Limited Educational Resources: Users often lack accessible tutorials and support channels.

Such factors contribute to a user experience that feels fragmented and inaccessible to mainstream audiences.

Leveraging AI and Analytics to Improve Web3 UX

Emerging tools powered by artificial intelligence and data analytics can help mitigate some UX challenges in Web3 by:

Analyzing User Interaction Data: Identifying pain points and optimizing workflows in dApps.
Automated Risk Assessment: Platforms like Token Metrics offer AI-driven analysis to help users understand token metrics and project fundamentals, supporting better-informed user decisions without direct financial advice.
Personalized User Guidance: Contextual prompts and chatbot assistants could help users navigate complex steps.

Integrating such AI-driven research and analytic tools enables developers and users to progressively enhance Web3 usability.

Practical Tips for Users and Developers

For users trying to adapt to Web3 environments, the following tips may help:

Engage with Educational Content: Prioritize learning foundational blockchain concepts to reduce confusion.
Use Trusted Tools: Platforms providing in-depth analytics and ratings, such as Token Metrics, can offer valuable insights into projects.
Start with Simple dApps: Experiment with established, user-friendly applications before engaging in more complex services.

For developers, focusing on the following can improve UX outcomes:

Adopt Consistent UI/UX Patterns: Align interfaces with familiar Web2 standards where possible to flatten the learning curve.
Enhance Feedback and Transparency: Clearly communicate transaction statuses and risks.
Streamline Onboarding: Reduce or abstract away wallet configurations and gas fee complexities.
Prioritize Accessibility: Make interfaces usable for non-technical and diverse user groups.

Conclusion: Web3 UX Future Outlook

The current disparity between Web3 and Web2 user experience primarily stems from decentralization complexities, immature design ecosystems, and educational gaps. However, ongoing innovation in AI-driven analytics, comprehensive rating platforms like Token Metrics, and community-driven UX improvements are promising. Over time, these efforts could bridge the UX divide to make Web3 more accessible and user-friendly for mainstream adoption.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement. Users should conduct their own research and consider risks before engaging in any blockchain or cryptocurrency activities.

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AI Tokens and DeFi 2.0: Where Smart Capital is Flowing

Token Metrics Team

4 min

MIN

The crypto market is cyclical—not just in price, but in narrative. In recent months, attention has rotated from AI to DeFi, creating new opportunities for savvy investors. Let’s break down the trends.

AI Momentum Remains Strong

Projects like Vader AI, BitTensor, and Grass continue to dominate the conversation. Vader AI, part of the Virtua ecosystem, gained momentum from staking programs and Genesis Launchpad allocations. Grass, a data-layer AI protocol, claims $15M+ in revenue and recently flipped bullish on technical indicators.

BitTensor remains the leading infrastructure play in the AI space, drawing parallels to Bitcoin in its community enthusiasm and decentralization ethos. It has rebounded over 150% from its lows and is showing resilience in the current market cycle.

DeFi’s Comeback: Aerodrome and Beyond

Meanwhile, DeFi is showing signs of resurgence. Aerodrome, a DEX on the Base chain, is gaining traction through strong liquidity incentives and revenue-sharing mechanisms. Its user incentives echo the early days of Curve or Uniswap but on a chain optimized for scalability.

Virtua’s staking model is also driving a hybrid DeFi/AI strategy, blurring the lines between token utility, participation, and value capture.

Narrative Rotation: What It Means

Crypto narratives are rarely zero-sum. What we’re seeing now is a healthy diversification: AI remains dominant, but DeFi is catching a second wind. For investors, this means exploring tokens that sit at the intersection—offering strong tech, compelling incentives, and infrastructure integrations.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re riding the AI wave or positioning for the DeFi rebound, it’s clear that smart capital is flowing into ecosystems with tangible traction. Watch the flows, track the signals, and always be ready to pivot.

Track the Trends with Token Metrics

Token Metrics is your edge in navigating the ever-shifting landscape of crypto narratives. Our AI-powered research platform helps you spot bullish trends early, evaluate project fundamentals, and make data-driven investment decisions. Whether you're interested in AI tokens, DeFi protocols, or hybrid plays, Token Metrics provides real-time signals, technical grades, and curated indices to guide your next move.

Explore the platform at www.tokenmetrics.com and discover where smart capital is heading next.

Research

How Hyperliquid is Redefining Decentralized Perpetuals in 2025

Token Metrics Team

4 min

MIN

While most exchanges compete on liquidity or UI, Hyperliquid is rewriting the rules entirely.
This decentralized perps exchange has not only survived the bear market—it’s thriving. Backed by real revenue, a growing user base, and a unique listing model, Hyperliquid is emerging as the “Uniswap of Perps.”

The Reverse Auction Listing System

Hyperliquid introduces a novel reverse auction system for listing tokens. Bidders compete for tickers, with starting prices set at 2x the previous auction. Some tickers have fetched over $1 million, with the fees used for buybacks and burns—driving long-term value to the ecosystem.

This model isn’t just a gimmick. It introduces scarcity and gamification into token listings—something no other exchange is doing at this level.

Sustainable Revenue and Strong UX

Unlike many DEXs, Hyperliquid generates consistent trading fees, even in sideways markets. Its EVM-compatible L1 is coming soon, which could further cement it as the go-to perps exchange for serious traders.

Product-Market Fit in Action

In a space where hype often outpaces adoption, Hyperliquid offers both. It's not trying to be first—it's trying to be the best. The community listing process, upcoming L1, and high trading volumes all suggest it’s built for long-term relevance.

Smarter Trading with Token Metrics

To navigate emerging platforms like Hyperliquid, sophisticated analytics are key. Token Metrics provides a powerful suite of tools—AI-driven trading signals, token grades, on-chain data, and market indicators—to help traders make confident, data-backed decisions. Whether you're evaluating new token listings, monitoring market sentiment, or comparing DEX performance, Token Metrics equips you with everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Final Take

Hyperliquid is more than just another DEX—it’s a case study in how to build sustainable tokenomics and community alignment. If you’re looking for the next big infrastructure play in trading, don’t sleep on this one. And if you want to trade smarter, platforms like Token Metrics can be your secret weapon in decoding the market's next moves.

Announcements

Is Sui the Next Solana? A Deep Dive into L1 Competitors

Token Metrics Team

4 min

MIN

As the Layer 1 (L1) narrative continues to evolve, one blockchain has rapidly emerged as a serious contender to Solana’s throne: Sui. With growing infrastructure support and a strong focus on user experience, Sui is positioning itself as one of the most compelling L1 platforms in 2025.

Why the Sui Hype?

Sui has been gaining traction due to key integrations across the crypto ecosystem. Phantom wallet, known for its Solana roots, recently announced Sui support—putting Sui directly in the hands of thousands of users. Similarly, Axelar and LI.FI, major players in bridging and routing, have added Sui to their networks.

These integrations are not just symbolic; they’re strategic. By positioning itself as a supported chain across EVM-native infrastructure, Sui becomes more accessible and developer-friendly—critical factors for long-term adoption.

The SuiPlay Effect

Sui is also expanding beyond traditional DeFi and into consumer crypto. SuiPlay, a gaming-focused hardware device launched earlier this year, sold out in days. It marks a shift in L1 differentiation—no longer just about TPS (transactions per second), but about vertical-specific UX.

The gaming angle aligns with Sui’s broader push toward being the “consumer chain,” capturing not only dApp developers but also everyday users seeking smoother, gamified blockchain experiences.

Performance and Market Sentiment

Price action also favors Sui. While Solana bounced impressively from its post-FTX lows, Sui is now showing similar potential—with infrastructure support, developer traction, and consumer-facing products driving upward momentum.

The market seems to agree. Multiple indicators suggest Sui could outperform both Solana and Ethereum in the upcoming cycle. Its lower starting valuation also offers more upside, especially for value investors looking for the “next Solana.”

Final Thoughts

While it’s too early to crown Sui the definitive winner, all signs point to a strong L1 contender. Between integrations, product expansion, and market sentiment, Sui is carving a path worth watching—and potentially investing in.

Track Sui’s Momentum with Token Metrics

At Token Metrics, our AI-powered analytics tools help you track emerging L1 narratives like Sui in real time. From grade-based investment ratings and on-chain indicators to AI-generated bullish/bearish signals and technical scorecards, Token Metrics gives you the data you need to make smarter decisions. Explore Sui’s performance, compare it to other L1s, and stay ahead of the next market rotation—all in one dashboard.

Token Metrics Media LLC is a regular publication of information, analysis, and commentary focused especially on blockchain technology and business, cryptocurrency, blockchain-based tokens, market trends, and trading strategies.

Token Metrics Media LLC does not provide individually tailored investment advice and does not take a subscriber’s or anyone’s personal circumstances into consideration when discussing investments; nor is Token Metrics Advisers LLC registered as an investment adviser or broker-dealer in any jurisdiction.

Information contained herein is not an offer or solicitation to buy, hold, or sell any security. The Token Metrics team has advised and invested in many blockchain companies. A complete list of their advisory roles and current holdings can be viewed here: https://tokenmetrics.com/disclosures.html/

Token Metrics Media LLC relies on information from various sources believed to be reliable, including clients and third parties, but cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of that information. Additionally, Token Metrics Media LLC does not provide tax advice, and investors are encouraged to consult with their personal tax advisors.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of money you invest, and past performance does not guarantee future performance. Ratings and price predictions are provided for informational and illustrative purposes, and may not reflect actual future performance.