the contextual web 2/2

We're already used to interacting with wallets in this manner. But it's wrong to assume that our wallet should be the only key-card that opens all the doors.

That's not the version of the future that I want to live in. The one where you flash your black amex at the door to get into the VIP room behind the VIP room. And that everyone saw you do it.

But what that means, if there is no data moat, is that all apps are simply experiences.

Experiences that change, contextually based on the data you bring them. Based on your identity. At least, the parts of it that you want them to know about.

Because much like a bar today doesn't need to see all of the information on your driver's license to know if you're old enough to drink, a website doesn't need to know who you are so long as you meet the requirements it sets for you (maybe you need to verify that you have a wallet, email, and phone number attached to your account. not what they are.)

So in a world where we bring all of our own preferences (light mode or dark mode? signal or telegram? contract or full time?), how dynamically personalized can the experiences we receive be? They were already so good when someone else was guessing on our behalf.

No more guessing, no more targeting.

This time, companies and platforms must listen.

The best UX will be the ones that focus on, and answer the needs of the individual. The user.

But we must be gentle with users in this transitionary period too. Most have been deeply conditioned not to be in control.

We must give them confidence, and then the tools, to do things even they didn't know were possible.