Prototypr is a UX and UI design publication that's been running for over 5 years. The blog is dedicated to design, prototyping, coding, and future technologies such as AR/VR, AI and 3D. We run:
- ‘The Source’ newsletter: 60k subscribers bi-weekly (see here)
- ‘Prototypr Weekly’ a separate newsletter for an audience of 20k
- Prototypr Publication (hosted on Medium)
- Prototypr.io (new self-hosted platform)
We plan to use Web Monetization to solve these 2 issues:
- Paywalls: there has been a rise in centralized publishing platforms optimizing for paywalled business models that create a barrier to free learning.
- Targeted Ads: platforms (e.g. Facebook/Instagram) are optimised to harvest and exploit user data to sell targeted ads, and content surfaced is geared specifically to sell a corporate product.
Action Plan
By integrating Web Monetization into the Prototypr platform, we want to create a privacy-friendly and unbiased place for creators to earn from their content, whilst keeping it accessible to anyone with internet access. Here are some ways we plan to use Web-Monetization to increase access to information:
Open Source
Our platform is being open-sourced, so you can set up your own version of Prototypr. The process of building the site is being documented at open.prototypr.io, so you can learn how to set up your own Web-Monetized publishing platform like ours.
Ad-Free Rewards
The Prototypr website currently uses Web-Monetization through embedding a metatag with our payment pointer in the head of our website, meaning our payment pointer appears on every page of the website. Building upon this, we plan for authors to web monetize whatever they publish on Prototypr, and plan to reward contributors and readers for supporting this ad-free initiative:
Payment Pointers for Authors
Each registered Prototypr user will be able to add their own payment pointer, which will be attached to anything they publish with a Web Monetization meta tag. The user accounts section will have extra settings for Web Monetization, such as:
- A Web Monetization tab in user accounts linking out to instructions and related learning material.
- Guide users on setting up an wallet (Uphold)
- Explain what payment pointers are and how to retrieve one
- Show how to add the payment pointer in Prototypr account settings
Coil and Web-Monetized Visitor Perks
Prototypr is currently supported by ads. As a perk for web-monetized users, those visiting Prototypr with a web monetization provider will have the option to turn ads. Note: the ads we show don't track users or invade privacy – they're static pictures of products that the ourselves and the community love (e.g. ProtoPie, Maze).
Digital Rewards
Special perks can also be rewareded to Web-Monetized users, such as art and digital sticker givaways to say thank you! Web-monetized writers who use a payment pointer will get a special profile badge too (more on that to come).
Educational Guides
As designers, despite being huge advocates of accessibility, privacy, open source, and an open web, many will be new to Interledger and Web Monetization. Therefore, educational content to onboard designers (or 'design-developers'/'devsigners') is necessary to build an understanding of Web-Monetization in our industry.
Topics to cover:
- Why we need to democratise design content
- Helping self-taught designers by publishing on the Open Web
- What is the Open Web?
- An introduction to Open Design
- What is Web Monetization, and how it will affect the future
- How to use Web Monetization and be part of a better future
- UX Principles for Web Monetization
In addition to building an understanding of web monetization, designers are interested in why and how things work. With crypto wallets and browser plugins currently providing a fragmented user experience at times, we could think about how to improve things and make them more accessible. This can start with defining some tips and best practices when designing for web monetization.
Top comments (2)
Hi @graeme,
This is very cool. Just playing with setting up an account, and can't find a place to add a payment pointer. I am assuming that that is because that part is still in the works - yes or am I missing something? Once people can add payment pointers, let me know, and I will add prototype to our Web Monetized Platform tutorials.
Thanks.
Erica
Hi @ericahargreave , thanks a lot!
I realised now I hadn't included the roadmap here towards implementing the payment pointers! We've been revamping the Prototypr platform - making it more accessible and internationalised, and moving to a new content management system so we can host the articles better. That's looking ready to be released next week, and then we will add payment pointers.
I'll let you know when it's available, and I'm gonna write up our last month and post here to show the progress so far!