The MemeX Festival, hosted by Memecore, MemeX, and 852Web3, and co-hosted by Pudgy Penguins, Ton, and Hashkey Exchange, brought together some of the brightest minds in Web3 to discuss a pressing question: How can we onboard more people to Web3? The panel, moderated by Chin, Spaces Host from Unfungible, featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Anndy Lian, Cheryl Law, Master Chef, and Denton. Together, they shared their insights, strategies, and experiences in making Web3 more accessible to the masses.
This article captures the key takeaways from the panel discussion, highlighting the innovative approaches and actionable ideas shared by the speakers.
The Challenge of Onboarding to Web3
Moderator Chin set the tone for the discussion by emphasizing the importance of onboarding in Web3. “Whether you’re a builder, content creator, or just curious, the question remains: how do we get more people into Web3?” he asked. The panelists agreed that while Web3 offers immense potential, the journey to onboard users is fraught with challenges, including technical complexity, lack of awareness, and skepticism.
1. Making Web3 Fun and Accessible
Master Chef, representing WONTON and Hungry Degens, shared a unique approach to onboarding users by gamifying the experience. He explained how their NFT collection starts in a Web2 environment, allowing users to collect items like Pokémon cards before transitioning to on-chain assets. “We encourage users to collect in a Web2 environment first, like opening a pack of cards. Once they’re engaged, we introduce them to the on-chain experience,” he said. This gradual approach has proven successful, with over 4.5 million users engaging with their mini-app.
Chin praised this strategy, noting, “It’s about creating a familiar and enjoyable experience. People love to collect things, and by making it fun, you’re lowering the barrier to entry.”
2. Show, Don’t Tell
Denton, founder of Moon Ring, emphasized the importance of demonstrating the value of Web3 rather than overwhelming users with technical jargon. “Show people what Web3 can do. Let them experience it,” he said. Denton highlighted the success of Moon Ring, a wearable device that allows users to earn tokens by contributing their data. “People don’t even realize they’re interacting with the blockchain. They just wear the ring, track their biometrics, and earn rewards. It’s seamless and user-friendly.”
This “show, don’t tell” philosophy resonated with the audience, as it shifts the focus from explaining blockchain technology to showcasing its tangible benefits. Denton added, “No more chains, no more gas fees. Just a simple, enjoyable experience.”
3. Leveraging Meme Culture
Anndy Lian, Managing Director of LIFT Ecofund and a bestselling author, brought a fresh perspective to the discussion by advocating for the use of memes as an entry point to Web3. “If you want to grow big, you have to be as degen and as silly as you can,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience. Anndy explained that meme coins and meme culture are powerful abilities for engaging users. “Memes are fun, relatable, and easy to understand. They create a sense of community and excitement.”
He also stressed the importance of showing users how they can benefit financially. “If you tell people how they can make money, they will come. Whether it’s Web1, Web2, or Web3, the principle remains the same,” he said. Anndy’s candid advice to projects was to focus on creating fun and engaging experiences that resonate with users.
4. Building Emotional Connections
Cheryl Law, Head of Asia for Pudgy Penguins, highlighted the role of emotional connections in onboarding users. “Pudgy Penguins is not just about selling dreams and visions. We’re selling physical toys that people can touch and feel,” she said. Cheryl explained that these toys create an emotional attachment, making it easier for users to engage with the brand and explore Web3.
She shared a personal anecdote about onboarding her mother, who initially dismissed Web3 as complex and intimidating. “When she saw the Pudgy Penguin toys, she was intrigued. It’s cute, it’s tangible, and it’s something she could relate to,” Cheryl said. This approach has helped Pudgy Penguins reach a broader audience, including those who might not typically engage with Web3.
Cheryl also emphasized the importance of distribution and visibility. “We’re everywhere—TikTok, Facebook, YouTube. We’re playing the long-term game, building a community, and creating mindshare,” she said. By combining physical products with a strong online presence, Pudgy Penguins has successfully bridged the gap between Web2 and Web3.
5. Simplifying the Onboarding Process
One recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need to simplify the onboarding process. Cheryl shared how Pudgy Penguins uses QR codes to make it easy for users to join their ecosystem. “You scan the QR code, enter your Gmail, and you’re in the Pudgy world. It’s that simple,” she said. This streamlined approach removes the technical barriers that often deter new users.
Denton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of removing friction. “No one wants to deal with gas fees or complicated wallets. The experience should be as smooth as possible,” he said.
6. The Role of Community and IP
The panelists agreed that community and intellectual property (IP) play a crucial role in onboarding users. Anndy pointed out that strong IP can create a sense of identity and belonging. “Pudgy Penguins is a great example. They’ve built a brand that people want to be a part of,” he said.
Cheryl added that community building is at the heart of Pudgy Penguins’ strategy. “We’re not just selling toys or NFTs. We’re creating a community where people feel connected and valued,” she said. This sense of community fosters loyalty and encourages users to explore Web3 further.
7. The Power of Memes and Mass Adoption
Anndy and Cheryl both highlighted the potential of memes to drive mass adoption. “Memes are universal. They transcend language and culture,” Cheryl said. Anndy added, “Memes are the perfect entry point. They’re fun, they’re relatable, and they make Web3 less intimidating.”
The panelists also discussed the role of meme coins in onboarding users. While acknowledging the risks, Anndy argued that meme coins can be a powerful ability for engagement. “It’s a lot easier to get someone to buy a $1 meme coin than to explain the intricacies of blockchain technology,” he said.
Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Approach
The panel discussion at MemeXFestival provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of onboarding users to Web3. From gamification and emotional connections to meme culture and community building, the speakers shared a range of strategies to make Web3 more accessible and appealing.
As Chin aptly summarized, “It’s about creating experiences that resonate with people. Whether it’s through toys, memes, or seamless technology, the goal is to make Web3 fun, engaging, and easy to use.”
The journey to onboard the masses to Web3 is just beginning, but with innovative approaches like these, the future looks promising. As the panelists demonstrated, the key lies in meeting users where they are, making the experience enjoyable, and showing them the value of Web3.
Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.
Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.
