Building Base: From Experimental Layer 2s to Real On-chain Adoption

Xen Baynham-Herd, Head of Global Growth at Base, a Layer-2 network by Coinbase, emphasizes the potential of on-chain infrastructure as a fundamental aspect of the future internet. In a recent discussion, he outlined what success looks like for Base, the importance of user experience, and the ongoing evolution of the builder community.

Key Takeaways

Base is positioned to play a key role in making on-chain applications as familiar as smartphone apps.
A successful on-chain experience should emphasize user experience, safety, and control, while failure could lead to the technology remaining niche.
Unlike competitors focusing solely on fees and throughput, Base prioritizes user experience, deep product integration, and trust.
Founders should focus on long-term user satisfaction rather than short-term trends to promote sustainable growth.
The shift is occurring toward more robust, long-lasting products, with an emphasis on wallets representing on-chain identity.
Regulation provides an advantage by ensuring transparency and protection for users, aligning with the goals of serious builders in the space.

Understanding Success and Failure for Base

In an interview with CryptoNews, Xen Baynham-Herd described Base as a crucial component for unlocking an on-chain future for the internet. Over the next three to five years, success means that using on-chain applications should feel as natural as using any app on a smartphone. Users will enjoy a swift, secure, and user-friendly experience without needing to understand the underlying blockchain technology.

On the other hand, failure would be signaled by a lack of intuitive and democratic on-chain experiences. If decentralized systems cannot be perceived as open, trustworthy, and seamless at scale, they might remain on the fringe rather than becoming mainstream.

Base's Unique Position in the Layer 2 Landscape

While many Layer-2 networks are engaged in fierce competition centered around fees and throughput, Baynham-Herd highlights that Base stands out in different ways. The network provides impressive speeds and affordable fees, but these factors are not the ultimate objectives.

Base’s real focus rests on user experience, product distribution, and comprehensive integration. Its long-term achievements will be defined by user trust, convenience, and scalability—elements that are far more appealing to everyday users than minor fee adjustments.

Common Pitfalls for Builders on Base

Baynham-Herd points out that one of the biggest mistakes builders make is not prioritizing user experience. Successful teams are those that concentrate on creating products that attract and retain users, not just crypto enthusiasts, but newcomers as well.

He encourages founders to disregard the transient trends and commit to building applications that truly delight users. Sustainable growth stems from addressing real challenges, rather than chasing fleeting fads.

Transitioning from Experiments to Lasting On-chain Solutions

In the past year, Baynham-Herd has observed a transition towards more dedicated teams focusing on long-term development on Base. These builders are moving beyond simple experiments and are now creating durable products.

A significant evolution is occurring in the way teams approach wallets and identity. Wallets have transformed from basic key-management tools into symbols of on-chain identity, serving as environments where participation, creation, and collaboration thrive. This change is influencing product design and user interaction within the on-chain ecosystem.

The Importance of Regulation and Metrics Beyond Token Prices

Baynham-Herd asserts that being affiliated with a regulated entity like Coinbase is more of a strategic advantage than a constraint. Regulation fosters transparency and consumer protection, which are increasingly valued by builders as on-chain products begin to reach broader audiences.

Moreover, he advises stakeholders to look past token price fluctuations when gauging adoption. True progress, according to him, is evidenced by user expansion and application engagement, rather than the up or down movements of a coin's value. Resilient on-chain businesses emerge from teams whose users engage without financial incentives, motivated solely by their belief in the product and its enduring potential.