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Bitsafe: Making Bitcoin Smart
THE BRIEF
Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) are a breakthrough technology that allows Bitcoin to have "smart contract" features without moving the coins. But the tech is invisible and technically dense.
As the sole Product Designer, my mission was to turn this complex protocol into a usable product. I partnered with the founders to visualize the roadmap, helping the team secure $2M in pre-seed funding and prove the technology was ready for the real world.
ROLE
Product Design
UI/UX Design
Branding and Marketing
CLIENT
Bitsafe
DATE
2022–2025
Phase 1: Native Wallet Integration
We needed to prove to major wallet providers that DLCs could live natively inside their existing interface. The goal wasn't to build our own app, but to demonstrate that users could safely lock Bitcoin directly from their wallets.
The Execution
I designed a white-label flow that visualized the "Locking" mechanics without disrupting standard wallet UX. This was a strategic asset: a "show, don't tell" prototype to prove to partners that integrating our tech was low-risk and high-value.
A white-label locking flow designed to fit natively into partner wallets.
Visualizing the locking progress to prove the tech works on-chain.
Clear success states to confirm the DLC is active and secure.
The Reality Check
The strategy worked. These designs secured 3 partnership agreements. However, we realized a business constraint: while native locking worked technically, it prevented forced liquidations since the user held the keys. We validated the integration, but the lending business model required a pivot to a custodial approach.
Phase 2: The Institutional Pivot
To solve the liquidity issue, we pivoted to a B2B model: Minting dlcBTC. This allowed institutions to lock Bitcoin to mint a wrapped version on Ethereum (and L2s) for use in DeFi.
The Design Solution
This introduced a complex multi-chain workflow. Users had to sign transactions on both Bitcoin and Ethereum in a specific sequence. Even though the system handled the addresses safely, the process felt opaque.
I engineered a linear wizard to provide operational clarity. My focus was on visibility. Using strict color coding (Yellow for Bitcoin, Purple for EVM) to help operations teams instantly distinguish between chains. This turned a sophisticated technical process into a calm, predictable workflow.
Visualizing the full journey in one view, turning a complex technical bridge into a simple, guided workflow.
A clear timeline that keeps the process predictable, so users always know exactly where they stand
Helpful instructions guide the user through every step, removing uncertainty and doubt.
Live updates that reassure users that everything is working while the network processes the transaction.
A centralized dashboard to manage the asset lifecycle. Teams can track in-progress vaults and safely execute the next step, whether that is minting tokens or redeeming Bitcoin.
Phase 3: Future Proofing
Minting was just the first step. To capture real value, we needed to show that dlcBTC could generate revenue. We wanted to prove to investors that users could put their Bitcoin to work, not just hold it.
The Exploration
The market for Bitcoin staking is fragmented and confusing. I designed a unified dashboard that brought all these complex opportunities into one clean view.
I used a simple card layout to hide the technical noise. This focused the user on what actually matters: how much they earn and how to deposit. By reducing a ten-step process into a "one-click" experience, I helped the founders visualize a profitable future for the product.
Bringing different staking offers together into one simple, comparable list.
Hiding the technical complexity to focus the user on the reward and the deposit action.
4. Outcome
We didn't just design screens; we validated a business model. While the initial consumer app didn't launch, the design work successfully proved that DLCs could be made usable. This technical validation allowed Bitsafe to successfully pivot into an institutional infrastructure provider.
“Rok started with UI but quickly became a key strategic partner — contributing across UX, messaging, and investor decks.”
Aki Balogh
BitSafe
5. What I Learned
Speed over perfection
In a chaotic startup, you cannot wait for the perfect process. I learned to trade pixel perfection for speed. We built flexible systems that allowed us to tear down and rebuild the product in days instead of weeks.
Acting as a translator
Our technology was abstract and invisible. I learned that my role went beyond UI. I had to create the narrative. By producing infographics and animations, I helped the team and investors finally visualize the product we were building.
Safety over style
In crypto, boring is good. If a user is confused, they won't deposit money. I learned to prioritize clear, linear flows over flashy interactions. Making the user feel safe is the only metric that matters.
Next Project →
Compact Cocktail
Brand Strategy • Visual Identity • Website Design • Pitch Deck Design
View project →
Back to Portfolio
Bitsafe: Making Bitcoin Smart
THE BRIEF
Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) are a breakthrough technology that allows Bitcoin to have "smart contract" features without moving the coins. But the tech is invisible and technically dense.
As the sole Product Designer, my mission was to turn this complex protocol into a usable product. I partnered with the founders to visualize the roadmap, helping the team secure $2M in pre-seed funding and prove the technology was ready for the real world.
ROLE
Product Design
UI/UX Design
Branding and Marketing
CLIENT
Bitsafe
DATE
2022–2025
Phase 1: Native Wallet Integration
We needed to prove to major wallet providers that DLCs could live natively inside their existing interface. The goal wasn't to build our own app, but to demonstrate that users could safely lock Bitcoin directly from their wallets.
The Execution
I designed a white-label flow that visualized the "Locking" mechanics without disrupting standard wallet UX. This was a strategic asset: a "show, don't tell" prototype to prove to partners that integrating our tech was low-risk and high-value.
A white-label locking flow designed to fit natively into partner wallets.
Visualizing the locking progress to prove the tech works on-chain.
Clear success states to confirm the DLC is active and secure.
The Reality Check
The strategy worked. These designs secured 3 partnership agreements. However, we realized a business constraint: while native locking worked technically, it prevented forced liquidations since the user held the keys. We validated the integration, but the lending business model required a pivot to a custodial approach.
Phase 2: The Institutional Pivot
To solve the liquidity issue, we pivoted to a B2B model: Minting dlcBTC. This allowed institutions to lock Bitcoin to mint a wrapped version on Ethereum (and L2s) for use in DeFi.
The Design Solution
This introduced a complex multi-chain workflow. Users had to sign transactions on both Bitcoin and Ethereum in a specific sequence. Even though the system handled the addresses safely, the process felt opaque.
I engineered a linear wizard to provide operational clarity. My focus was on visibility. Using strict color coding (Yellow for Bitcoin, Purple for EVM) to help operations teams instantly distinguish between chains. This turned a sophisticated technical process into a calm, predictable workflow.
Visualizing the full journey in one view, turning a complex technical bridge into a simple, guided workflow.
A clear timeline that keeps the process predictable, so users always know exactly where they stand
Helpful instructions guide the user through every step, removing uncertainty and doubt.
Live updates that reassure users that everything is working while the network processes the transaction.
A centralized dashboard to manage the asset lifecycle. Teams can track in-progress vaults and safely execute the next step, whether that is minting tokens or redeeming Bitcoin.
Phase 3: Future Proofing
Minting was just the first step. To capture real value, we needed to show that dlcBTC could generate revenue. We wanted to prove to investors that users could put their Bitcoin to work, not just hold it.
The Exploration
The market for Bitcoin staking is fragmented and confusing. I designed a unified dashboard that brought all these complex opportunities into one clean view.
I used a simple card layout to hide the technical noise. This focused the user on what actually matters: how much they earn and how to deposit. By reducing a ten-step process into a "one-click" experience, I helped the founders visualize a profitable future for the product.
Bringing different staking offers together into one simple, comparable list.
Hiding the technical complexity to focus the user on the reward and the deposit action.
4. Outcome
We didn't just design screens; we validated a business model. While the initial consumer app didn't launch, the design work successfully proved that DLCs could be made usable. This technical validation allowed Bitsafe to successfully pivot into an institutional infrastructure provider.
“Rok started with UI but quickly became a key strategic partner — contributing across UX, messaging, and investor decks.”
Aki Balogh
BitSafe
5. What I Learned
Speed over perfection
In a chaotic startup, you cannot wait for the perfect process. I learned to trade pixel perfection for speed. We built flexible systems that allowed us to tear down and rebuild the product in days instead of weeks.
Acting as a translator
Our technology was abstract and invisible. I learned that my role went beyond UI. I had to create the narrative. By producing infographics and animations, I helped the team and investors finally visualize the product we were building.
Safety over style
In crypto, boring is good. If a user is confused, they won't deposit money. I learned to prioritize clear, linear flows over flashy interactions. Making the user feel safe is the only metric that matters.
Next Project →
Compact Cocktail
Brand Strategy • Visual Identity • Website Design • Pitch Deck Design
View project →
Back to Portfolio
Bitsafe: Making Bitcoin Smart
THE BRIEF
Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) are a breakthrough technology that allows Bitcoin to have "smart contract" features without moving the coins. But the tech is invisible and technically dense.
As the sole Product Designer, my mission was to turn this complex protocol into a usable product. I partnered with the founders to visualize the roadmap, helping the team secure $2M in pre-seed funding and prove the technology was ready for the real world.
ROLE
Product Design
UI/UX Design
Branding and Marketing
CLIENT
Bitsafe
DATE
2022–2025
Phase 1: Native Wallet Integration
We needed to prove to major wallet providers that DLCs could live natively inside their existing interface. The goal wasn't to build our own app, but to demonstrate that users could safely lock Bitcoin directly from their wallets.
The Execution
I designed a white-label flow that visualized the "Locking" mechanics without disrupting standard wallet UX. This was a strategic asset: a "show, don't tell" prototype to prove to partners that integrating our tech was low-risk and high-value.
A white-label locking flow designed to fit natively into partner wallets.
Visualizing the locking progress to prove the tech works on-chain.
Clear success states to confirm the DLC is active and secure.
The Reality Check
The strategy worked. These designs secured 3 partnership agreements. However, we realized a business constraint: while native locking worked technically, it prevented forced liquidations since the user held the keys. We validated the integration, but the lending business model required a pivot to a custodial approach.
Phase 2: The Institutional Pivot
To solve the liquidity issue, we pivoted to a B2B model: Minting dlcBTC. This allowed institutions to lock Bitcoin to mint a wrapped version on Ethereum (and L2s) for use in DeFi.
The Design Solution
This introduced a complex multi-chain workflow. Users had to sign transactions on both Bitcoin and Ethereum in a specific sequence. Even though the system handled the addresses safely, the process felt opaque.
I engineered a linear wizard to provide operational clarity. My focus was on visibility. Using strict color coding (Yellow for Bitcoin, Purple for EVM) to help operations teams instantly distinguish between chains. This turned a sophisticated technical process into a calm, predictable workflow.
Visualizing the full journey in one view, turning a complex technical bridge into a simple, guided workflow.
A clear timeline that keeps the process predictable, so users always know exactly where they stand
Helpful instructions guide the user through every step, removing uncertainty and doubt.
Live updates that reassure users that everything is working while the network processes the transaction.
A centralized dashboard to manage the asset lifecycle. Teams can track in-progress vaults and safely execute the next step, whether that is minting tokens or redeeming Bitcoin.
Phase 3: Future Proofing
Minting was just the first step. To capture real value, we needed to show that dlcBTC could generate revenue. We wanted to prove to investors that users could put their Bitcoin to work, not just hold it.
The Exploration
The market for Bitcoin staking is fragmented and confusing. I designed a unified dashboard that brought all these complex opportunities into one clean view.
I used a simple card layout to hide the technical noise. This focused the user on what actually matters: how much they earn and how to deposit. By reducing a ten-step process into a "one-click" experience, I helped the founders visualize a profitable future for the product.
Bringing different staking offers together into one simple, comparable list.
Hiding the technical complexity to focus the user on the reward and the deposit action.
4. Outcome
We didn't just design screens; we validated a business model. While the initial consumer app didn't launch, the design work successfully proved that DLCs could be made usable. This technical validation allowed Bitsafe to successfully pivot into an institutional infrastructure provider.
“Rok started with UI but quickly became a key strategic partner — contributing across UX, messaging, and investor decks.”
Aki Balogh
BitSafe
5. What I Learned
Speed over perfection
In a chaotic startup, you cannot wait for the perfect process. I learned to trade pixel perfection for speed. We built flexible systems that allowed us to tear down and rebuild the product in days instead of weeks.
Acting as a translator
Our technology was abstract and invisible. I learned that my role went beyond UI. I had to create the narrative. By producing infographics and animations, I helped the team and investors finally visualize the product we were building.
Safety over style
In crypto, boring is good. If a user is confused, they won't deposit money. I learned to prioritize clear, linear flows over flashy interactions. Making the user feel safe is the only metric that matters.
Next Project →
Compact Cocktail
Brand Strategy • Visual Identity • Website Design • Pitch Deck Design
View project →
