Charged Particles

Digital product

Overview.

Now, every NFT can contain digital assets.

I led the design and development of Charged Particles’ digital platform, transforming a complex decentralized finance concept into an accessible and engaging experience. Built through years of global collaboration, the platform allows users to deposit digital assets into NFTs, turning them into yield-generating instruments. My work included the entire digital ecosystem, from branding and visual identity to a seamless, responsive website and web-based application. Each element was crafted to support the protocol’s innovative features and diverse use cases such as art, collectibles, and in-game assets. By combining high-tech aesthetics with a community-focused approach, I created a user experience that communicates the platform’s technical sophistication while remaining welcoming to artists, developers, and crypto enthusiasts.

The work.

Industry

Web3 / Cryptocurrency

Role / Services

Digital product

Brand guidelines

Strategy

UX/UI design

Location / Timeline

Chicago, IL, USA

2021

Tools

Figma

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Zeplin

What was delivered.

I designed the core digital experience for Charged Particles by creating a cohesive visual identity, a responsive website, and an intuitive web-based application. Each element was developed to support the platform’s advanced DeFi features while remaining accessible to users engaging with NFTs across art, gaming, and digital collectibles.

Design with developers.

Collaborating closely with the development team was pivotal in translating the complex functionalities of Charged Particles into a user-friendly digital platform. From the project’s inception, I engaged in continuous dialogue with developers to ensure that design concepts aligned seamlessly with technical capabilities. This partnership facilitated the integration of features such as nesting ERC-20, ERC-721, and ERC-1155 tokens within NFTs, enabling users to create interest-bearing digital assets. By maintaining open communication channels, we were able to iterate rapidly, address challenges promptly, and refine the user experience to cater to both seasoned crypto enthusiasts and newcomers. This collaborative approach was instrumental in delivering a cohesive product that effectively bridges the gap between decentralized finance and digital art.

Designing for web.

When designing the Charged Particles platform, I focused on building a responsive web-based dApp to maximize accessibility across all devices and browsers. This approach allowed us to deliver a consistent and intuitive user experience without relying on mobile app stores, which helped us avoid regulatory hurdles and platform restrictions. As Apple later updated its App Store policies to limit NFT-related functionalities and enforce in-app purchase requirements, our decision to stay web-based proved strategically beneficial. It ensured full control over the user experience while supporting seamless interaction with the platform’s decentralized finance features.

By the numbers.

To support rapid growth and accommodate thousands of users, I designed the Charged Particles platform with scalability and user engagement at its core. By integrating decentralized finance functionalities into NFTs, the platform enabled users to deposit digital assets, such as USDC, into their NFTs, creating interest-bearing tokens. This innovative approach led to significant early adoption, with 168 “Protons” minted and approximately $215,000 in sales for artists within the first two weeks. Additionally, over $15,000 was “Energized” and deposited into NFTs, generating substantial interest for holders and enhancing the value of their investments. These design choices not only facilitated a seamless user experience but also positioned Charged Particles as a pioneering force in the NFT and DeFi space, driving sustained user engagement and platform growth.

Outcome.

In an industry often defined by volatility and fleeting trends, I designed the Charged Particles platform to provide stability and long-term value through a thoughtful, user-centered experience. While many NFT and DeFi projects are heavily impacted by market fluctuations, Charged Particles sets itself apart by enabling NFTs to hold interest-bearing assets, redefining the relationship between digital ownership and financial utility. The platform I built simplifies this complex technology, making it accessible to both experienced crypto users and those new to the space. By focusing on intuitive design, clear information architecture, and a vibrant community-focused brand, the platform allows users to create, explore, and interact with NFTs in meaningful ways that support real-world value, creativity, and lasting engagement in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

$300K

Through a carefully designed brand identity and user experience, I created a space where crypto-native users and digital artists alike could feel at home. The platform empowers creativity while educating users on innovative financial mechanics, making cutting-edge blockchain functionality both usable and inspiring. This approach proved effective, as featured artists processed over $300,000 in sales within the first month of launch, an unprecedented milestone that underscored the platform’s impact and adoption from day one.

168

The Charged Particles platform launched with immediate traction, generating over $215,000 in sales from 73 NFT purchases within the first two weeks. As the designer of the digital product, I built a system that not only supported these transactions seamlessly but also created an environment that encouraged participation from artists and collectors. With 168 “Protons” minted during this early phase, the platform proved its ability to drive real economic value and provide new revenue models for creators. This momentum demonstrated how design and technology, when aligned with community needs, can unlock powerful new avenues for engagement in the NFT and DeFi space.