Please describe your proposed solution

We propose to develop an easily integrable "Sign In with Cardano" plugin for WordPress, addressing the problem of user privacy and security compromised by traditional login methods that require personal information like emails and passwords. By enabling secure, decentralized login through Cardano wallets, our solution eliminates the need for traditional credentials, offering users a more private and secure authentication method.

Key Features:

1. Wallet Integration:The plugin will support seamless integration with popular Cardano wallets, allowing users to authenticate themselves securely by connecting their wallets. This decentralized login process enhances security by leveraging Cardano’s blockchain.
2. Customizable Login Page:Site administrators can easily customize the login interface to match their website’s branding, providing a consistent user experience. This feature includes options to modify design elements, colors, and layout to ensure seamless integration with the existing site.
3. Token-Gated Content:This feature allows site owners to restrict access to specific content or features based on ownership of particular Cardano tokens or NFTs. For example, premium content or special features can be gated and accessible only to users holding certain tokens, providing exclusive access and monetization opportunities.
4. Transaction-Based Actions:Users will be able to perform specific actions, such as voting or commenting, that require a small ADA transaction to confirm identity. This feature adds an extra layer of verification, reducing spam and ensuring that actions are tied to a verified blockchain identity.
5. Analytics and Reporting:The plugin will offer detailed analytics to site administrators, including insights into wallet-based sign-ins, token usage, and user engagement. This data-driven approach will help optimize content and user experiences based on real blockchain interactions.
6. Open-Source and Community-Driven:The entire plugin will be developed as open-source software under the MIT License, hosted on GitHub. This ensures transparency, encourages contributions from the global developer community, and promotes continuous improvement.

Our approach is driven by the growing need for privacy-focused solutions in an increasingly digital world. With WordPress powering nearly half of global websites, this plugin has the potential to impact a vast number of users and site administrators, promoting the adoption of blockchain technology in mainstream applications.

Our project will engage WordPress developers, site owners, and the Cardano community, offering them a robust tool to enhance security and privacy on their platforms. We will demonstrate impact through user adoption metrics, community feedback, and contributions to the open-source repository.

What sets our solution apart is its focus on privacy, security, and ease of use, addressing a critical gap in the current landscape of digital identity solutions. The plugin will benefit millions of users globally, providing a more secure and decentralized alternative to traditional login methods. This is crucial for the Cardano ecosystem as it extends blockchain’s benefits to a broader audience, driving further adoption and demonstrating Cardano’s capabilities in real-world applications.

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will positively impact the Cardano community by promoting the adoption of secure, decentralized login methods through the "Sign In with Cardano" plugin. This plugin will empower users with enhanced privacy and security, encouraging greater engagement with the Cardano ecosystem.

Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Increased Adoption: By integrating with a widely used platform, we will facilitate the adoption of Cardano wallets among millions of users.
2. Enhanced User Trust: The focus on privacy will attract users concerned about data security, further building trust in Cardano as a leader in decentralized solutions.
3. Community Development: As an open-source project, it will invite contributions from developers, fostering collaboration and innovation.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team has a strong capability to deliver the "Sign In with Cardano" plugin for WordPress, backed by our extensive experience in software development and blockchain technology. We have successfully completed several projects funded through Cardano Catalyst, demonstrating our ability to execute proposals effectively and deliver high-quality results.

Existing Capabilities:

• Technical Expertise: Our team includes skilled developers with experience in blockchain integration, API development, and WordPress plugin creation. We are familiar with Cardano's ecosystem and have previously implemented blockchain solutions.
• Previous Successes: We have a proven track record of completing funded projects, which showcases our ability to manage timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations effectively.
• Open Source Development: Our commitment to transparency and collaboration through open-source practices ensures that our code is reviewed and improved by the community, enhancing trust in our work.

Feasibility Validation:

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will:

1. Conduct a Market Analysis: Assess existing solutions and user needs to refine our plugin’s features, ensuring alignment with market demands.
2. Prototype Development: Create a minimum viable product (MVP) to test functionality and gather initial feedback from users and developers.
3. Community Engagement: Actively engage with the Cardano community for input and suggestions, ensuring that our project meets their needs and expectations.

Fund Management:

To ensure proper management of funds, we will:

• Create a Detailed Budget: Provide a transparent budget breakdown that outlines how funds will be allocated for development, testing, and marketing.
• Regular Reporting: Commit to providing regular progress updates and financial reports to stakeholders, detailing expenditures and milestones achieved.
• Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the Cardano community and funding body, allowing for questions and feedback throughout the project lifecycle.

We are confident in our ability to deliver this project successfully and build trust within the Cardano community by leveraging our expertise, validating our approach, and ensuring transparent fund management.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Initial Development (1 Month)

• Objective: Lay the foundation for the project by initiating development.
• Key Activities:
• Begin the development of core features, including wallet authentication and ADA-powered login.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Initial codebase with basic wallet integration setup.
• GitHub repository established with regular commits.

Milestone 2: Full Feature Development & Testing (2 Month)

• Objective: Complete the development of all planned features and conduct thorough testing.
• Key Activities:
• Develop and integrate additional features such as token-gated content access.
• Implement UI/UX for seamless integration with sites.
• Perform extensive testing.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• All features developed and functional.
• User interface finalized and tested across multiple environments.
• Successful completion of test with documented feedback and issue resolutions.

Milestone 3: Public Beta Release & Feedback Collection (1 Month)

• Objective: Launch a public beta version to gather user feedback and make final adjustments.
• Key Activities:
• Deploy the plugin for beta testing on selected WordPress sites.
• Collect user feedback and identify any bugs or areas for improvement.
• Iterate on the plugin based on feedback, refining features and fixing issues.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Public beta version released.
• Feedback collected and documented.
• Identified issues resolved and final improvements made.

Milestone 4: Final Release, Documentation & Marketing (1 Month)

• Objective: Finalize the plugin for public release and promote it within the Cardano and WordPress communities.
• Key Activities:
• Prepare comprehensive user and developer documentation.
• Release the final version of the plugin on the Plugin Directory.
• Execute a marketing campaign to drive adoption, including blog posts, and community engagement.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Plugin available on the WordPress Plugin Directory with clear documentation.
• Marketing materials published and outreach activities completed.

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Video (1 Month)

• Objective: Conclude the project with a comprehensive report and a video summarizing achievements.
• Key Activities:
• Compile a detailed project report covering the entire development process, challenges, solutions, and impact.
• Produce a video showcasing the plugin’s features, and the development journey.
• Submit the final report and video to the Cardano Catalyst community.
• Acceptance Criteria:
• Project close-out report completed and shared with stakeholders.
• Video created and published on relevant platforms.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Core Project Team:

1.Markos Muche - Project Lead & Blockchain Developer

• Role: Overseeing the overall project execution, responsible for the blockchain integration, smart contract development, and ensuring that the plugin securely interacts with the Cardano blockchain.
• LinkedIn: Markos Muche
• Experience - SingularityNet, iCog Labs, iCardio.io
• Certifications - Microsoft: Azure Fundamentals, Azure Data Scientist Associate, Google: Perform Foundational Infrastructure Tasks in Google Cloud, Migrating MySQL data to Cloud SQL using Database Migration Service, Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud, Google Cloud Essentials, Develop your Google Cloud Network, Create and Manage Cloud Resources, Build Infrastructure with Terraform on Google Cloud, Reliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and Process, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation, Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Core Services

2.Tadesse D. - WordPress Plugin Developer

• Role: Leading the development of the WordPress plugin, focusing on front-end and back-end integration, including UI/UX design to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Telegram:Tadesse
• Experience: Funded proposer on previous fund. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3. Co-founder of Herma apps
• Certification: Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate Number 5353074

3.Samuel Birhanu - Backend Developer

• Role: Blockchain integration, focusing on wallet-based sign-in, ADA-powered voting, and on-chain result storage features.
• Github:Samuel Birhanu
• Experience: Contributed on previously funded projects. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3

4.Tensae Berhanu - Backend Developer

• Responsibilities: Implement backend services, handle data management, and ensure efficient server operations.
• LinkedIn:Tensae Berhanu
• Experience in cache, database management and API integration, Proficient in server-side programming languages.

5.Mohammed Ibrahim - Frontend Developer

• Role: Responsible for implementing the user interface for blockchain features and ensuring a smooth user experience during sign-in, voting, and result viewing.
• Portfolio:Mohammed Ibrahim
• Experience: Contributed on previously funded projects. Check here Project 1, Project 2, Project 3. Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

6.Fikirte Gejo - Quality Assurance & Testing Lead

• Role: Responsible for testing the plugin at all stages, ensuring it meets security standards, performs optimally, and provides a smooth user experience across different environments.
• Telegram:Fikirte
• Expertise: Experienced in testing frameworks and methodologies, including manual and automated testing. Skilled in identifying and resolving software defects to ensure the delivery of high-quality products.

Engagement with Team

We have already engaged with our core team members, and they are committed to contributing their expertise to this project. We have also initiated discussions on relevant technical channels, such as Telegram, to gather community feedback and ensure alignment with user expectations.

Our team is well-prepared and fully engaged, with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, ensuring the project’s success from start to finish.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Initial Development - 9,000 ADA

• Wallet Authentication Development:
• Initiating development of core features, including wallet authentication and ADA-powered login.
• GitHub Repository Setup & Initial Commits:
• Establishment and maintenance of the GitHub repository with regular commits.
• Project Management:
• Oversight of the initial development phase, including planning and coordination.

Milestone 2: Full Feature Development & Testing - 18,000 ADA

• Feature Development (Token-Gated Content, UI/UX Integration):
• Complete the development of additional features, ensuring seamless integration with WordPress sites.
• Extensive Testing:
• Conduct testing across different environments to ensure feature functionality and stability.

Milestone 3: Public Beta Release & Feedback Collection - 8,000 ADA

• Beta Deployment & Feedback Collection:
• Deploy the plugin for beta testing on selected WordPress sites, collect user feedback, and make necessary adjustments.
• Iteration & Issue Resolution:
• Address feedback, refine features, and resolve any identified issues during beta testing.

Milestone 4: Final Release, Documentation & Marketing - 9,000 ADA

• Documentation Creation (User & Developer Guides):
• Prepare comprehensive user and developer documentation for the plugin.
• Plugin Directory Submission:
• Finalize and submit the plugin to the WordPress Plugin Directory.
• Marketing Campaign Execution:
• Launch a marketing campaign, including blog posts and community engagement to promote the plugin.

Milestone 5: Project Close-Out Report and Video - 3,000 ADA

• Project Report Compilation:
• Compile a detailed project report covering the entire development process.
• Video Production:
• Produce a video showcasing the plugin’s features and development journey, and share it with the community.

Contingency: 3,000 ADA

Total Budget: 50,000 ADA

No dependencies.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our budget offers strong value for money by focusing on essential development, testing, and marketing efforts. Development costs are aligned with industry rates, ensuring high-quality integration of Cardano features like wallet authentication and ADA-powered logins. Significant investment in testing and security ensures a reliable, secure plugin, while allocated funds for documentation and marketing drive adoption across millions of WordPress sites.

We are offering the plugin as open source to enable widespread use and community-driven improvements, maximizing the return on investment for the Cardano ecosystem. The costs are competitive and ensure a high-impact solution that benefits the broader community.