A Survey on Research Directions in Blockchain Applications Usability

Abstract

This research systematically reviews blockchain usability studies published between 2017 and 2021. It analyzes direction trends aimed at improving the overall blockchain application’s real-world adoption. After determining the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 articles were included in the review. This work presents the major existing challenges found in Blockchain applications, such as privacy issues and non-regulation, and the proposed solutions, including increased transparency and simple usable applications. Major findings include the fact that user surveys are the most popular method among these studies compared to expert surveys or observational studies. Most of the current blockchain usability studies are performed for applications related to the financial domain, followed by health care, supply chain applications, energy, and e-voting. The majority of these studies include less than 20 participants for the expert-based and less than 40 for user-based ones. This study further investigates the domain-specific target systems. The healthcare-related surveys concentrated on the usability of users’ data on electronic medical record (EMR). In the financial field, the focus was mostly on the use of crypto wallets or crypto applications. The main concern among participants in healthcare-related applications was the privacy of their medical data while in finance, the concern was the lack of a local regulatory body. This research has important implications that can help researchers address challenges and implement appropriate solutions, which can improve their adoption rate.