To view the full proposal on Google Docs, please visit: [link]
1. Overview
This proposal seeks retroactive funding to support the development and maintenance of PolkaGate, including the PolkaGate Extension and MetaMask Snap, over the past 12 months. During this time, we have implemented significant enhancements, such as advanced account management tools, improved transaction signing capabilities, and enhanced user interfaces, all aimed at providing a seamless interaction with Substrate-based chains.
Fig. 1. PolkaGate Extension / Dashboard home page (link)
Fig. 2. PolkaGate MetaMask Snap home page (link)
2. Context of the Proposal
2.1 About PolkaGate
PolkaGate is a project that enhances the user experience for interacting with Substrate-based chains like Polkadot and Kusama. It simplifies complex processes such as staking, governance participation, and asset management. With seamless integration into popular platforms like MetaMask and its own dedicated extension, PolkaGate empowers users to manage their digital assets and engage in the network’s governance through intuitive interfaces. Since its inception, PolkaGate has focused on reducing entry barriers for both newcomers and experienced users.
2.2 Overview of Products
PolkaGate comprises two core products:
• PolkaGate Extension: A browser extension designed to interact with Substrate-based networks. It enables users to manage multiple accounts, sign transactions, and participate in on-chain governance directly from their browser.
• PolkaGate MetaMask Snap: A groundbreaking integration that allows Polkadot and Kusama users to manage their assets and participate in staking and governance through MetaMask, one of the most widely-used crypto wallets. This integration brings the Polkadot ecosystem into the hands of millions of MetaMask users, expanding accessibility and reach.
3. Features and Updates
3.1 Pre-Existing Features
Before October 2023, the PolkaGate Extension offered essential functionalities for seamless interaction with Polkadot and other Substrate-based blockchains, including:
• Add Watch-Only Account: Use as a proxied address.
• Governance: Manage and participate in governance activities.
• Identity Management: Control on-chain identities.
• Light Client Integration: Efficient blockchain data access.
• QR Code Display: View addresses as QR codes.
• Proxy Management: Handle proxy settings and signings.
• Social Recovery: Recover accounts through social friends.
• Staking: Support for solo and pool staking.
• Support for Different Endpoints: Connect to various networks.
• Transfer Funds: Enable cross-chain transfers.
• View Balances: Display balances in crypto and fiat.
• View Transaction History: Access past transactions.
3.2 Newly Introduced Features
Since October 2023, we have introduced several enhancements to expand PolkaGate’s capabilities, including:
3.2.1 PolkaGate Extension Enhancements
• PolkaGate Dashboard: A comprehensive account management tool.
• Ledger Generic Support: Manage new generic accounts and migration options.
• Polkadot Vault Support: Sign transactions with Polkadot Vault.
• Profile Management: Simplified organization for advanced users.
• New Import Methods: Import from raw seed and batch import proxied accounts.
• Alert Notifications: Improved notifications for background tasks.
• Expanded Identity Management: Manage identities across chains easily.
• Expanded Chain & Asset Support: Support for multi-asset chains, foreign assets, and manual chain addition.
• Miscellaneous Improvements:
— Selective account imports from JSON.
— Automatic RPC selection.
— Selective account authorization in dApps. •
— Nomination pool migration alerts.
— Hidden balances before login.
— Updated transferable balance formula.
— Display of reserved balance details.
— Connected dApp icons on the homepage.
— Demo mode support.
— Paged era stakers support.
— checkMetadataHash extension support.
— Enhancements to governance page comments.
— Show balance in cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.
— Automatic updates for metadata.
— Login security for extension access.
— etc.
3.2.2 MetaMask Snap Enhancements
4. Projected Allocation & Budget
4.1 Team Members and Roles
The PolkaGate team consists of the following key members who have contributed to the project’s success:
4.2 Payments
PolkaGate Metamask Snap Development : 5,912 DOT ($24,600)
PolkaGate Extension Development: 58,339 DOT ($243,000)
Total allocation: 64,311 DOT (267,600 USD, based on EMA7 by Subscan 1 DOT = 4.161 USD)
5. Testimonials and Community Feedback
PolkaGate has received positive feedback from users who have benefited from its seamless integration and ease of use. Below are some of the highlights from community members and developers who have interacted with PolkaGate.
Fig. 3. Paradox, Credited Validator and Former Kusama Council Member, commends PolkaGate’s quick integration of the new Polkadot Generic app for Ledger devices (link)
Fig. 4. Juan, Support Specialist at Web3 Foundation, appreciates PolkaGate’s swift and responsive support.
Fig. 5. Kian, Fellowship Member and Core Developer, thanks PolkaGate for reporting a staking-related issue (link)
Fig.6. User review from the Chrome Web Store praising PolkaGate as the only extension enabling “Allow use on any chain” for Ledger devices.
Fig.7. Showcase of the PolkaGate Snap by MetaMask Developer on X (link).
To view the full proposal, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yPOuCW_ZEINWuSwh_ZdcdGVbcVMECr9J7yIvnqQC5cQ/edit?usp=sharing
Overview: PolkaGate seeks retroactive funding for the development and maintenance of its products over the past 12 months.
Products: PolkaGate includes two core products:
Features: PolkaGate has introduced several new features, including enhanced account management, Ledger support, and improved user interfaces.
Budget: The proposal requests 64,311 DOT (approximately $267,600) for development costs.
Team: The team includes a CEO, CFO, blockchain researcher, UI/UX specialist, and test engineer.
Feedback: PolkaGate has received positive feedback from users and developers for its seamless integration and ease of use.
Threshold
Have you considered investing in a proper UI redesign? I've tried using the extension for a bit and it seems quite robust, but the user-experience based on design is just really subpar. It's clearly been both designed and developed by a team of back-end developers which shows in good functionality but poor UX..
The UI is crowded, has inconsistent to unreadable font sizing and font-family usage, inconsistent use of icons / CTA, headers inside of headers inside of headers (see pool staking page) and no clear hierarchy.
You've clearly put effort into the extension, but for the community to pay over $250k is tough with sleek alternatives like Nova wallet and Talisman. Personally if I were to introduce a new user to the Polkadot ecosystem I would hesitate to show them PolkaGate. I don't want to be overly harsh or mean but in all honesty the extension looks more like a student's hobby project than something which over $250.000 has been invested into which sours the proposal. I don't think in it's current form PolkaGate has a spot among the competition or can provide much added value to the ecosystem.