Foundation

The meta-pattern: How to think about UX decisions.

Why Foundation Matters

Before diving into specific patterns, you need a framework for making UX decisions. Without this, you’ll add features that don’t move metrics, fix symptoms instead of root causes, and overwhelm users with complexity.

The Foundation provides:

1. The Validation Framework - A 3-question filter for every feature decision
2. Core Principles - The mindset shift required for great Nostr UX
3. Quick Wins - High-impact improvements you can ship this week

The Core Problem

Nostr apps often suffer from feature bloat without validation. Features get added for various reasons:

• “Competitor X has it”
• “The protocol makes it possible”
• “Power users can configure it”
• “We’ll improve UX after adding more features”

These reasons don’t guarantee the feature solves a real user problem.

The result: 15-20 minute onboarding flows, relay configuration exposed to beginners, posts that disappear, and 0% retention.

The Solution: Validation-First Development

Every feature decision should pass through the Validation Framework:

1. Does this help users accomplish their core goal?
2. Have we validated this solves a real problem?
3. Can we measure if it’s working?

If you can’t answer “yes” to all three, reconsider whether this feature should be built now.

Start Here

Core Principle: Great UX is the gateway to the protocol’s power. Ship working experiences, then add features.