Ledger
Challenge
How to imagine and design, from a blank page, the software experience of a totally new physical device: the Ledger Stax, a credit-card-sized crypto wallet equipped with a curved e-ink screen.
As the product itself was still being designed, we didn't have access to the final prototype. So we had to anticipate, be creative and clever... and defend our convictions.
Founded in France, Ledger has become the global reference in crypto-asset wallets, with over 7 million devices sold.
Since 2021, Source.paris has been supporting its product, design, software and marketing teams on all its interfaces: website, desktop and mobile applications, as well as embedded software.
Approach
Understanding the fundamentals: the world of physical wallets, blockchain, security issues.
Analyze what already exists: dissect the experience of the Ledger Nano (which has sold over 6 million units) and the companion app Ledger Live.
Designing without real support: producing 1:1 scale paper prototypes, then testing on smartphones equipped with e-ink screens to simulate interactions.
Key solutions
Making complex things simple: we've rethought the two critical moments in the experience - onboarding and transaction signature - to make them intuitive, fluid and reassuring, both on Ledger Stax and on the companion Ledger Live app.
Making the most of constrained hardware: with 2 MB of memory and a 2.8” e-ink screen in 16 levels of gray, every design choice has been optimized to offer a fast, readable and reliable interface, despite physical limitations.
Down to the pixel: To enhance readability, we've hand-tuned every character in the system font. This attention to detail is essential on an e-ink screen.
”Source showed strong commitment, great motivation, quality of deliverables, creativity, methods, great flexibility in the face of very tight deadlines, sometimes with last-minute requests. I didn't feel I was working with a supplier, but with a true partner.”
Rémi d'Alise
Lead Product, Hardware Wallets
Results
A success from the start: Ledger Stax was an instant hit, with pre-orders sold out within a week.
A foundation for the future: the work carried out laid the foundations for the design of the next wallet, Ledger Flex.
International recognition: the project was awarded the Innovation by Design 2023 prize by Fast Company.
