DeFi Aims for Unified Interface to Simplify User Experience and Preserve Decentralization

DeFi is poised to evolve beyond a collection of loosely connected protocols into a unified financial interface that simplifies user experience while preserving the decentralized nature of the technology [1]. According to Vikram Arun, co-founder and CEO of Superform, the current DeFi landscape is riddled with complexity, requiring users to navigate multiple apps, wallets, and chains to execute basic financial tasks [1]. This fragmented experience, Arun argues, hinders DeFi's potential to deliver on its promise of democratizing finance [1].

To address this, Arun proposes a re-architecture of DeFi based on two key concepts: and . A hyperstructure is a foundational protocol that is permissionless, composable, and designed to be the backbone of a broader ecosystem [1]. It should be free to use but valuable to own and govern, creating incentives for both developers and users to contribute and improve the system [1]. Examples include trading platforms like Uniswap and creator networks like Zora, which are evolving from protocols into full-fledged ecosystems [1].

The second layer, the , is the user-facing interface that integrates the hyperstructure into a seamless experience [1]. Unlike the current DeFi apps that require users to manually bridge, swap, and deposit, a superapp automates these actions in a single, intuitive interface [1]. It aims to solve two critical issues: discovery of earning opportunities and the execution of complex transactions [1]. By doing so, it expands access to yield while maintaining the permissionless nature of DeFi [1].

Arun emphasizes that for this vision to succeed, the infrastructure must be separated into a stable, neutral base and a more flexible product layer [1]. This ensures that while the base remains secure and resilient, the product layer can evolve rapidly to meet user needs [1]. The best superapps will compete on speed, strategy, support, and design, making the user experience a key differentiator [1].

However, Arun warns that the pursuit of user experience must not come at the cost of decentralization [1]. He cautions against the rise of centralized vaults, opaque risk assessments, and silent governance, which could undermine the core principles of DeFi [1]. While some argue that users prioritize convenience over decentralization, Arun insists that crypto was built on the promise of long-term empowerment, not short-term ease [1].

Looking ahead, Arun draws a parallel to the evolution of the internet, where once-unimaginable features like 4K video streaming have now become ubiquitous [1]. Similarly, he envisions a future where using DeFi is no longer a conscious decision but an inherent part of daily financial interactions [1]. People will not question whether they are "using DeFi"; they will simply use open, invisible, and unstoppable financial rails [1].

The transition from a patchwork of protocols to a cohesive financial interface, Arun concludes, is not just about better apps but about building a better system [1]. Hyperstructures and superapps, when aligned, offer a path forward that preserves the decentralized ethos while delivering a user experience that rivals traditional fintech [1].

Source: [1] DeFi will become the default financial interface (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6890cc1105d65f23f9c3457b/)