The Lightning Network has continued to grow since its inception, with many optimizations making the Lightning payment experience smooth. However, the current user experience still has room for improvement. This article will explore the future user experience of the Lightning Network, based on the solutions that many bright minds are developing.
Currently, a large number of transactions on the Lightning Network are completed through custodial wallets due to the convenience and simplicity of the user experience, as well as the challenges of using self-custody Lightning wallets. We group these current challenges into three broad categories: hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and technical deficiencies.
After solving these problems, the user experience of Lightning Network will be greatly improved. For example, channel splicing technology can make Lightning channels invisible to users, reducing channel reset costs; Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) can lower entry barriers and help users hide complexity; eliminating manual operations makes the user experience closer to Existing payment solutions; privacy comes standard on the Lightning Network, allowing users to benefit without taking any action.
As more technical solutions emerge and more capital is invested in the Lightning Network, LSPs may play a larger role in helping end users remove complexity. Technological advancements will also benefit self-sustaining users and bring the entire network closer to a “just-so-good-to-use” experience.
Currently, a large number of transactions on the Lightning Network are completed through custodial wallets due to the convenience and simplicity of the user experience, as well as the challenges of using self-custody Lightning wallets. We group these current challenges into three broad categories: hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and technical deficiencies.
After solving these problems, the user experience of Lightning Network will be greatly improved. For example, channel splicing technology can make Lightning channels invisible to users, reducing channel reset costs; Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) can lower entry barriers and help users hide complexity; eliminating manual operations makes the user experience closer to Existing payment solutions; privacy comes standard on the Lightning Network, allowing users to benefit without taking any action.
As more technical solutions emerge and more capital is invested in the Lightning Network, LSPs may play a larger role in helping end users remove complexity. Technological advancements will also benefit self-sustaining users and bring the entire network closer to a “just-so-good-to-use” experience.