Currency of Care
Blockchain marketplace for building materials





  • Thesis Base:
  •                “Currency of Care- Design for Disassembly” by Melis Ellen Gurdal

  • Institution: 
  •                   AA School of Architecture
  • Date:      2022-2023
  • Skills:
  •                   UX Research
  •                   Fieldwork



 Currency of Care is a mobile and web platform designed to support circular construction by enabling the decentralized ownership, resale, and investment in building components. The app bridges construction materials, blockchain traceability, and investment, transforming how materials are valued and traded.

Problem Statement

 Building materials lose value after installation and are rarely reused.
Traditional property investment is inaccessible to many.
Current supply chains lack transparency, creating waste and inefficiency.
Underdeveloped areas suffer from disrepair and disinvestment.

Solution
Buy, sell, and track building components via QR and blockchain.
Invest in architectural components and their future reuse.
Contribute to material circularity and reduce embodied carbon.
Access ownership and profit-sharing through a transparent system.






Methodology
A mixed-method approach was used, including:

Ethnographic field studies in Ulus, Ankara, observing informal and formal construction material markets.
In-depth interviews with 12 participants (contractors, local business owners, architects, property investors, and planners).
Surveys to gauge user awareness and trust in blockchain and circular reuse.
Comparative analysis of existing material marketplaces, crypto-investment platforms, and supply chain apps.

Focus groups with 3 distinct user segments to test early concepts and language framing.






Designing for Web3
In designing Currency of Care, I focused on addressing the inherent UX challenges posed by Web3 technologies—namely, complexity, unfamiliar terminology, and low user trust. Blockchain systems are often opaque to non-technical users, so my goal was to create a user interface that demystifies these interactions while maintaining the integrity of decentralized processes. I implemented progressive onboarding, contextual tooltips, and simplified transaction flows to make actions like wallet connection and material verification more intuitive. By incorporating QR code scanning and visual material passports, I reduced cognitive load and emphasized transparency. Through this approach, I aimed to bridge the gap between technical functionality and human-centered design, ensuring that blockchain becomes a tool for empowerment rather than a barrier to entry.




User Personas


Sitemap





User Journey




Design Proposal