DAO Tokenomics: Incentivizing participation and collaboration

Karolina

17 May 2023
DAO Tokenomics: Incentivizing participation and collaboration

In the ever-changing world of blockchain technology, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) have risen as influential models for decentralized cooperation and decision-making. By harnessing the transparent and secure nature of blockchain, AI, and cryptocurrencies, DAOs establish self-regulating communities centered around common objectives and values. Tokenomics, which encompasses the creation and application of token-based economic systems within these organizations, lies at the core of DAOs. This article delves into the importance of tokenomics in DAOs and its crucial role in promoting involvement and encouraging cooperation among community members.

Are you interested in DAO security? Be sure to check out our article on The DAO Hack

DAO tokenomics involves using digital tokens to stimulate and reward ecosystem participants for their contributions. These tokens act as both a medium for exchange and a symbol of value, allowing individuals to partake in the governance, decision-making, and development processes within the DAO. By syncing community members' interests with the organization's success, tokenomics in DAOs serve as a potent tool for instigating active engagement and collaboration.

Understanding Tokenomics in DAOs

DAO tokenomics is a critical aspect in the functioning and management of decentralized autonomous organizations. In this segment, we study the core principles of DAO tokenomics, commencing with an examination of DAO tokens. Symbolizing ownership or membership within a DAO, the digital assets called DAO tokens are spread among participants and hold considerable worth in their ecosystem. They act as a governance mechanism for DAOs by giving holders specific rights, tasks, and decision-making authority.

1. Token Distribution

Several crucial factors should be taken into account when discussing DAO tokenomics. Primarily, token distribution is essential. To disseminate tokens among participants, DAOs utilize various techniques such as token sales, airdrops, or reward-based contribution programs. Establishing a fair and inclusive environment hinges on the equitable allocation of tokens, making certain that everyone has equal chances to engage and contribute.

2. Token utility

Token utility is another vital element, pertaining to the use of DAO tokens within their ecosystem. Such tokens can possess multiple functions – they might work as a medium of exchange or provide access to services and features, or they could represent voting rights. By improving the value and usability of tokens, these utility aspects promote their integration into the community.

3. Governance and Voting

Tokenomics also heavily influences governance and voting mechanisms in DAOs. Token-driven governance models permit holders to partake in decision-making procedures, suggest and vote for proposals, and affect the course of the DAO. Different voting systems and decision-making methods can come into play – from straightforward majority votes to delegated voting setups – based on a specific DAO's layout and goals.

4. Incentive Mechanisms

Moreover, incentive structures are central components of DAO tokenomics that encourage active involvement and cooperation within the community. Those who devote their time, resources, or knowledge to a DAO are often rewarded accordingly. Incentivizing active engagement results in a dynamic ecosystem where members are inclined to collaborate and strive toward shared objectives.

Benefits of Effective Tokenomics in DAOs

A variety of advantages arise from efficient tokenomics in DAOs, contributing to the flourishing and expansion of these decentralized entities. Enhanced community involvement and engagement is a notable benefit. DAOs can cultivate a feeling of membership and responsibility among individuals by developing tokenomics that reward substantial contributions and active participation. This encourages members to actively offer their talents, expertise, and assets, knowing they will be acknowledged and compensated. Such intensified involvement results in a thriving and energetic ecosystem where community members join forces, exchange thoughts, and strive towards shared objectives. Moreover, DAO tokenomics allows for effective resource distribution. Moreover, through utilizing tokens as a means for funding and managing resources, DAOs can allocate resources in a transparent, decentralized manner. This guarantees the best use of funds and input, enabling the DAO to carry out projects adeptly, create new features, and foster innovation.

Successful DAO Tokenomics Models

1. MakerDAO

One of the most prominent DAOs in existence, MakerDAO, employs a unique dual-token model that has contributed to its success. The system includes the Maker (MKR) token and the DAI stablecoin.

MKR tokens serve governance purposes, enabling holders to cast votes on proposals, such as adjustments to the system's parameters. Additionally, the tokenomics of MKR aims to promote responsible governance. As the system operates efficiently, MKR holders reap benefits due to a decrease in MKR's total supply through a process known as "burning." Conversely, during times when the system

DAI, on the other hand, is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. It's generated by locking up collateral in the form of other crypto assets. This dual-token model has proven successful, ensuring stability in the system and encouraging active participation from its members.

2. Aragon

Aragon is a platform that allows users to create and manage their DAOs. It uses the Aragon Network Token (ANT), a utility token that provides holders with voting rights within the Aragon network.

Aragon's tokenomics model is centered around the concept of decentralization and democracy. ANT token holders can vote on various aspects, such as changes to the network's settings and dispute resolution. This creates a self-sustainable ecosystem where the community directly influences the platform's direction and future development.

3. Compound

Compound is a decentralized lending platform governed by its users through the COMP token. In this DAO, users earn COMP tokens as they interact with the platform, borrowing, or lending assets.

The Compound's tokenomics model has been designed to distribute governance power proportionally to those who use the platform the most. COMP tokens give holders the right to propose and vote on changes to the Compound protocol. This model has been successful because it ensures that those who are most invested in and knowledgeable about the platform have the most significant say in its operation and future direction.

4. Yearn.Finance

Yearn.Finance represents a paradigm shift in the way DAO tokenomics models are structured. This platform aims to simplify the ever-growing DeFi space for investors by automating yield farming strategies. At the core of its governance is the YFI token.

Yearn.Finance's success lies in its unique approach to token distribution, incentives for holding tokens, active community participation, and a founder committed to the platform's success. Its tokenomics model ensures that the platform remains decentralized, democratic, and in the best interest of its most active users. This case study highlights how an innovative approach to DAO tokenomics can lead to a successful, thriving ecosystem in the DeFi space.

Conclusion

To sum up, DAO tokenomics is critical in motivating engagement and cooperation within decentralized autonomous organizations. Through the usage of tokens for value exchange, governance, and incentive structures, DAOs can foster dynamic communities in which members actively participate and pursue shared objectives. The core components of successful DAO tokenomics include token distribution, token utility, governance and voting systems, and incentives. Nevertheless, ongoing challenges such as decentralization, sustainability, and legal concerns must be tackled as this field continues to progress.

Do you need the help of specialists to create a tokenomy? Contact us!

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Token Engineering Process

Kajetan Olas

13 Apr 2024
Token Engineering Process

Token Engineering is an emerging field that addresses the systematic design and engineering of blockchain-based tokens. It applies rigorous mathematical methods from the Complex Systems Engineering discipline to tokenomics design.

In this article, we will walk through the Token Engineering Process and break it down into three key stages. Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase.

Discovery Phase of Token Engineering Process

The first stage of the token engineering process is the Discovery Phase. It focuses on constructing high-level business plans, defining objectives, and identifying problems to be solved. That phase is also the time when token engineers first define key stakeholders in the project.

Defining the Problem

This may seem counterintuitive. Why would we start with the problem when designing tokenomics? Shouldn’t we start with more down-to-earth matters like token supply? The answer is No. Tokens are a medium for creating and exchanging value within a project’s ecosystem. Since crypto projects draw their value from solving problems that can’t be solved through TradFi mechanisms, their tokenomics should reflect that. 

The industry standard, developed by McKinsey & Co. and adapted to token engineering purposes by Outlier Ventures, is structuring the problem through a logic tree, following MECE.
MECE stands for Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive. Mutually Exclusive means that problems in the tree should not overlap. Collectively Exhaustive means that the tree should cover all issues.

In practice, the “Problem” should be replaced by a whole problem statement worksheet. The same will hold for some of the boxes.
A commonly used tool for designing these kinds of diagrams is the Miro whiteboard.

Identifying Stakeholders and Value Flows in Token Engineering

This part is about identifying all relevant actors in the ecosystem and how value flows between them. To illustrate what we mean let’s consider an example of NFT marketplace. In its case, relevant actors might be sellers, buyers, NFT creators, and a marketplace owner. Possible value flow when conducting a transaction might be: buyer gets rid of his tokens, seller gets some of them, marketplace owner gets some of them as fees, and NFT creators get some of them as royalties.

Incentive Mechanisms Canvas

The last part of what we consider to be in the Discovery Phase is filling the Incentive Mechanisms Canvas. After successfully identifying value flows in the previous stage, token engineers search for frictions to desired behaviors and point out the undesired behaviors. For example, friction to activity on an NFT marketplace might be respecting royalty fees by marketplace owners since it reduces value flowing to the seller.

source: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFDTNKsIJs/8Ky9EoJJI7p98qKLIu2XNw/view#7

Design Phase of Token Engineering Process

The second stage of the Token Engineering Process is the Design Phase in which you make use of high-level descriptions from the previous step to come up with a specific design of the project. This will include everything that can be usually found in crypto whitepapers (e.g. governance mechanisms, incentive mechanisms, token supply, etc). After finishing the design, token engineers should represent the whole value flow and transactional logic on detailed visual diagrams. These diagrams will be a basis for creating mathematical models in the Deployment Phase. 

Token Engineering Artonomous Design Diagram
Artonomous design diagram, source: Artonomous GitHub

Objective Function

Every crypto project has some objective. The objective can consist of many goals, such as decentralization or token price. The objective function is a mathematical function assigning weights to different factors that influence the main objective in the order of their importance. This function will be a reference for machine learning algorithms in the next steps. They will try to find quantitative parameters (e.g. network fees) that maximize the output of this function.
Modified Metcalfe’s Law can serve as an inspiration during that step. It’s a framework for valuing crypto projects, but we believe that after adjustments it can also be used in this context.

Deployment Phase of Token Engineering Process

The Deployment Phase is final, but also the most demanding step in the process. It involves the implementation of machine learning algorithms that test our assumptions and optimize quantitative parameters. Token Engineering draws from Nassim Taleb’s concept of Antifragility and extensively uses feedback loops to make a system that gains from arising shocks.

Agent-based Modelling 

In agent-based modeling, we describe a set of behaviors and goals displayed by each agent participating in the system (this is why previous steps focused so much on describing stakeholders). Each agent is controlled by an autonomous AI and continuously optimizes his strategy. He learns from his experience and can mimic the behavior of other agents if he finds it effective (Reinforced Learning). This approach allows for mimicking real users, who adapt their strategies with time. An example adaptive agent would be a cryptocurrency trader, who changes his trading strategy in response to experiencing a loss of money.

Monte Carlo Simulations

Token Engineers use the Monte Carlo method to simulate the consequences of various possible interactions while taking into account the probability of their occurrence. By running a large number of simulations it’s possible to stress-test the project in multiple scenarios and identify emergent risks.

Testnet Deployment

If possible, it's highly beneficial for projects to extend the testing phase even further by letting real users use the network. Idea is the same as in agent-based testing - continuous optimization based on provided metrics. Furthermore, in case the project considers airdropping its tokens, giving them to early users is a great strategy. Even though part of the activity will be disingenuine and airdrop-oriented, such strategy still works better than most.

Time Duration

Token engineering process may take from as little as 2 weeks to as much as 5 months. It depends on the project category (Layer 1 protocol will require more time, than a simple DApp), and security requirements. For example, a bank issuing its digital token will have a very low risk tolerance.

Required Skills for Token Engineering

Token engineering is a multidisciplinary field and requires a great amount of specialized knowledge. Key knowledge areas are:

  • Systems Engineering
  • Machine Learning
  • Market Research
  • Capital Markets
  • Current trends in Web3
  • Blockchain Engineering
  • Statistics

Summary

The token engineering process consists of 3 steps: Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase. It’s utilized mostly by established blockchain projects, and financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund. Even though it’s a very resource-consuming process, we believe it’s worth it. Projects that went through scrupulous design and testing before launch are much more likely to receive VC funding and be in the 10% of crypto projects that survive the bear market. Going through that process also has a symbolic meaning - it shows that the project is long-term oriented.

If you're looking to create a robust tokenomics model and go through institutional-grade testing please reach out to contact@nextrope.com. Our team is ready to help you with the token engineering process and ensure your project’s resilience in the long term.

FAQ

What does token engineering process look like?

  • Token engineering process is conducted in a 3-step methodical fashion. This includes Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase. Each of these stages should be tailored to the specific needs of a project.

Is token engineering meant only for big projects?

  • We recommend that even small projects go through a simplified design and optimization process. This increases community's trust and makes sure that the tokenomics doesn't have any obvious flaws.

How long does the token engineering process take?

  • It depends on the project and may range from 2 weeks to 5 months.

What is Berachain? 🐻 ⛓️ + Proof-of-Liquidity Explained

Karolina

18 Mar 2024
What is Berachain? 🐻 ⛓️ + Proof-of-Liquidity Explained

Enter Berachain: a high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain that is set to redefine the landscape of decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain services. Built on the innovative Proof-of-Liquidity consensus and leveraging the robust Polaris framework alongside the CometBFT consensus engine, Berachain is poised to offer an unprecedented blend of efficiency, security, and user-centric benefits. Let's dive into what makes it a groundbreaking development in the blockchain ecosystem.

What is Berachain?

Overview

Berachain is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 (L1) blockchain that stands out through its adoption of the Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism. Designed to address the critical challenges faced by decentralized networks. It introduces a cutting-edge approach to blockchain governance and operations.

Key Features

  • High-performance Capabilities. Berachain is engineered for speed and scalability, catering to the growing demand for efficient blockchain solutions.
  • EVM Compatibility. It supports all Ethereum tooling, operations, and smart contract languages, making it a seamless transition for developers and projects from the Ethereum ecosystem.
  • Proof-of-Liquidity.This novel consensus mechanism focuses on building liquidity, decentralizing stake, and aligning the interests of validators and protocol developers.

MUST READ: Docs

EVM-Compatible vs EVM-Equivalent

EVM-Compatible

EVM compatibility means a blockchain can interact with Ethereum's ecosystem to some extent. It can interact supporting its smart contracts and tools but not replicating the entire EVM environment.

EVM-Equivalent

An EVM-equivalent blockchain, on the other hand, aims to fully replicate Ethereum's environment. It ensures complete compatibility and a smooth transition for developers and users alike.

Berachain's Position

Berachain can be considered an "EVM-equivalent-plus" blockchain. It supports all Ethereum operations, tooling, and additional functionalities that optimize for its unique Proof-of-Liquidity and abstracted use cases.

Berachain Modular First Approach

At the heart of Berachain's development philosophy is the Polaris EVM framework. It's a testament to the blockchain's commitment to modularity and flexibility. This approach allows for the easy separation of the EVM runtime layer, ensuring that Berachain can adapt and evolve without compromising on performance or security.

Proof Of Liquidity Overview

High-Level Model Objectives

  • Systemically Build Liquidity. By enhancing trading efficiency, price stability, and network growth, Berachain aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications.
  • Solve Stake Centralization. The PoL consensus works to distribute stake more evenly across the network, preventing monopolization and ensuring a decentralized, secure blockchain.
  • Align Protocols and Validators. Berachain encourages a symbiotic relationship between validators and the broader protocol ecosystem.

Proof-of-Liquidity vs Proof-of-Stake

Unlike traditional Proof of Stake (PoS), which often leads to stake centralization and reduced liquidity, Proof of Liquidity (PoL) introduces mechanisms to incentivize liquidity provision and ensure a fairer, more decentralized network. Berachain separates the governance token (BGT) from the chain's gas token (BERA) and incentives liquidity through BEX pools. Berachain's PoL aims to overcome the limitations of PoS, fostering a more secure and user-centric blockchain.

Berachain EVM and Modular Approach

Polaris EVM

Polaris EVM is the cornerstone of Berachain's EVM compatibility, offering developers an enhanced environment for smart contract execution that includes stateful precompiles and custom modules. This framework ensures that Berachain not only meets but exceeds the capabilities of the traditional Ethereum Virtual Machine.

CometBFT

The CometBFT consensus engine underpins Berachain's network, providing a secure and efficient mechanism for transaction verification and block production. By leveraging the principles of Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT), CometBFT ensures the integrity and resilience of the Berachain blockchain.

Conclusion

Berachain represents a significant leap forward in blockchain technology, combining the best of Ethereum's ecosystem with innovative consensus mechanisms and a modular development approach. As the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, Berachain stands out as a promising platform for developers, users, and validators alike, offering a scalable, efficient, and inclusive environment for decentralized applications and services.

Resources

For those interested in exploring further, a wealth of resources is available, including the Berachain documentation, GitHub repository, and community forums. It offers a compelling vision for the future of blockchain technology, marked by efficiency, security, and community-driven innovation.

FAQ

How is Berachain different?

  • It integrates Proof-of-Liquidity to address stake centralization and enhance liquidity, setting it apart from other blockchains.

Is Berachain EVM-compatible?

  • Yes, it supports Ethereum's tooling and smart contract languages, facilitating easy migration of dApps.

Can it handle high transaction volumes?

  • Yes, thanks to the Polaris framework and CometBFT consensus engine, it's built for scalability and high throughput.