Please describe your proposed solution

The proposed solution is actually an extension of the Summon Snapshot Voting system - which is the prototype for this solution. In Summon Snapshot Voting a user is asked to choose from a pre-defined selection of choices (i.e. Yes, No, or Abstain) and then sign a message with the value choice to cryptographically prove their selection. However, the poll manager can also make the poll more complicated by default - such as during the NFTxLV vote for Best Artist in the Gallery where several dozen names could be chosen. Interested people can investigate this prototype technology on the Summon Platform at <https://smmn.app>

We have already done special customizations of the tool by allowing users to enter their own text (i.e numbers) such as the time we asked for values and thresholds to be proposed for the CIP-1694 Initial Governance Settings Survey. Once this special survey was completed we uploaded the results to IPFS and then enshrined the URL on the Cardano blockchain. We will take this prototype to the next level by creating a system that automates posting the user-created message to IPFS and the Cardano Blockchain.

Message Creation and Signing:

• Any ADA holder can initiate an announcement. This inclusivity ensures that the system is democratized and accessible to all within the community.
• The user types their message into a text entry box on the dApp interface. This text entry box is the primary user interface for inputting the content of the announcement.

Cryptographic Hashing:

• Upon entering the message, the user signs it using their Cardano private key. This step is crucial as it binds the identity of the sender to the message, ensuring that the message authenticity and sender can be verified.
• Signing the message generates a cryptographic hash of the text. This hash acts as a digital fingerprint of the message, unique to its content. Any alteration of the message would result in a different hash, thereby alerting to tampering or alterations.

Blockchain Transaction:

• The message hash is then embedded into a Cardano blockchain transaction. This transaction records the hash on a decentralized and immutable ledger, providing a time-stamped, secure record of the message’s creation.

IPFS Posting:

• Alongside the blockchain transaction, the full message text, its corresponding hash, and the transaction ID from the blockchain are posted on IPFS. IPFS is chosen for its decentralized nature, which aligns with the ethos of blockchain technology, providing resilience against censorship and server failures.
• IPFS stores the data in a distributed manner across various nodes, ensuring the data remains accessible and permanent.

Message Display through dApps:

• A custom decentralized application (dApp) is used to display the IPFS file. This dApp can be hosted on the Summon Platform or any other platform that supports decentralized applications.
• The dApp fetches and renders the message text, hash, and transaction ID directly from IPFS, ensuring that anyone accessing the message can view its contents and verify its authenticity independently.

Advantages of the Solution:

• Security and Transparency: The use of cryptographic signing and blockchain ensures that each message is securely recorded and transparently verifiable.
• Decentralization: By utilizing IPFS and the Cardano blockchain, the system remains decentralized, reducing reliance on any single point of failure.
• Accessibility: Any ADA holder can make announcements, making the system inclusive and community-focused.
• Verification: The combination of IPFS and blockchain transaction IDs allows for robust verification processes, where users can independently verify the authenticity and integrity of each message.

This solution thus provides a comprehensive, secure, and decentralized platform for the Cardano community to share and verify announcements, enhancing trust and engagement within the ecosystem.

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

Implementing a cryptographically secure system for sharing announcements on the Cardano blockchain would have several impactful benefits for the wider community:

1. Trust and Transparency: By enabling verifiable and cryptographically signed messages, the system enhances trust among community members and improves transparency in communications. For instance, an individual or a project can make it publicly known that all official statements must be signed by a particular wallet if they are to be considered authentic. This fosters a more open and honest dialogue, which is crucial for effective governance and community engagement.
2. Inclusivity and Engagement: The ability for any ADA holder to create announcements democratizes the communication process, allowing broader participation and engagement from the community. This inclusivity can lead to a more vibrant and active community, driving innovation and collaboration.
3. Security and Historical Integrity: Utilizing blockchain and IPFS for communications ensures that messages are secure, resistant to censorship, and permanently recorded. This not only protects against tampering but also preserves the historical integrity of community interactions, providing a reliable archive of decisions and announcements.

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?

The capability to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability is underpinned by a strong foundation of experience and formal organization. The Summon team's pioneering role in establishing the first DAO on Cardano is a testament to their expertise and innovative approach in the blockchain space. This prior experience is crucial, as it demonstrates a proven track record in developing and managing decentralized applications.

The presence of a live product with several features already in operation further reinforces the team's capability. This existing product not only shows technical proficiency but also provides a tangible example of the team's ability to deliver on its promises.

The internal development team is another key asset. Having a dedicated team ensures that there is a focused and consistent effort towards achieving the project's goals. This internal resource provides the flexibility and responsiveness necessary to adapt to new challenges and opportunities that may arise during the project's lifecycle.

Legal and professional compliance is a critical aspect of building trust and accountability. The Summon Platform Operating Company exemplifies a commitment to formal and reputable management of the platform's development and operation. This structured approach to organization and management conveys seriousness and professionalism, essential qualities for ensuring trust and accountability.

In terms of validating the feasibility of the approach, the existing capabilities and achievements provide a strong basis. The team's history of successfully launching and operating a DAO on Cardano, coupled with the ongoing development and management of a live product, are clear indicators of practical feasibility. This track record, combined with the organizational structure and legal compliance, positions the Summon team as not only capable but also highly reliable and accountable in delivering this project.

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

Milestone 1: Proof of Concept Development

Objective: Extend the Summon Snapshot Voting system into an updated prototype of the system that integrates message signing with private keys and blockchain transaction creation.

Output:

• An updated prototype that allows a user to input a message, sign it using a private key, and create a blockchain transaction with the message hash.
• A simple user interface for entering and signing messages.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successfully generate cryptographic hashes of entered messages.
• Embed hashes in Cardano blockchain transactions that can be verified with a corresponding public key.
• Demonstrate the ability to input, process, and display messages through the prototype interface.

Milestone 2: IPFS Integration and Interface Enhancement

Objective: Enhance the prototype to include IPFS functionality for decentralized storage of messages and their corresponding data, and improve the user interface for better usability.

Output:

• Integration of IPFS to store message text, hashes, and transaction IDs.
• An upgraded user interface that includes features for viewing and verifying messages directly from IPFS.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successfully store message data on IPFS and retrieve it through the system.
• Confirm that message data remains immutable and accessible via IPFS.
• Validate that the interface is user-friendly and functional, allowing users to easily navigate and use the system features.

Milestone 3: Full System Deployment and Public Testing

Objective: Deploy the complete system for public use and conduct comprehensive testing with real users to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Output:

• Fully functional system deployed on a public domain.
• Completion of a testing phase involving actual users from the Cardano community.

Acceptance Criteria:

• System is live and accessible to the public without significant downtime or bugs.
• Positive feedback from users confirming the system's efficacy and security.
• Documented instances of successful message verification.

Final Milestone: Closeout Report

Objective: Compile a comprehensive report detailing the development process, deployment outcomes, user feedback, and future recommendations.

Output:

• A detailed closeout report that includes:
• Development methodology and technology stack used.
• Challenges encountered and how they were overcome.
• User feedback summary and system performance analysis.
• Recommendations for future enhancements and potential expansions of the system.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Documentation of the project from inception to deployment.
• Clear presentation of findings, supported by data.
• Approval of the closeout report by the project stakeholders.

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

Adam Rusch, President, Summon Association

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamruschtech/>

• Oversee education and outreach efforts
• Holds PhD in Education Policy and member of the School of Information Sciences faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Member of Cardano Civics Committee and Parameters Committee at Intersect MBO
• Founding core contributor of ADAO

Riley Kilgore, Head of Development, Summon Platform Operations Company

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-kilgore-1645b813a/>

• Oversee the development process of software and product development
• Assist in project outreach and technology integration
• Experienced DevOps and Smart Contract Engineer
• Wrote first DAO script deployed on the Cardano Blockchain as founding core contributor of ADAO

Dominik Zachar, Solutions Architect, Summon Platform Operations Company

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominikzachar/>

• Design and oversee the execution of solutions that meet infrastructure and project needs
• Experienced Solutions Architect and software engineer
• Assist with emergent structural issues
• Founding core contributor of ADAO

Rodrigo Molina, Front-end Developer, Summon Platform Operations Company

<https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigo-molina-dacaret-data-and-gis/>

• Engineer innovative solutions for front-end and back-end needs
• CTO of BETTER and Innovative software engineer
• Assist with emergent usage issues
• Long time core contributor to ADAO

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Budget Allocation for 96,240 ADA

1. Project Management &amp; Research (19,248 ADA):

• Percentage of Total Budget: 20%
• Details: This budget covers the planning, administration, and research activities necessary for effective project management and strategic decision-making. It ensures that the project remains on track and aligns with its objectives.

2. Integration Development (38,496 ADA):

• Percentage of Total Budget: 40%
• Details: This significant portion of the budget is allocated to the development of infrastructure and protocols for integration with existing systems or platforms. It includes developer salaries and technological resources, ensuring robust and efficient integration capabilities.

3. Testing &amp; Refinement (19,248 ADA):

• Percentage of Total Budget: 20%
• Details: This allocation is dedicated to thorough testing and refinement processes. It's crucial for ensuring that the project meets its functionality and quality standards. This budget addresses the costs associated with testing and necessary improvements.

4. Documentation (9,624 ADA):

• Percentage of Total Budget: 10%
• Details: This portion is reserved for the development of comprehensive user documentation and sample decentralized applications (dApps). It supports user understanding and showcases the project's capabilities.

5. Contingency Reserve (9,624 ADA):

• Percentage of Total Budget: 10%
• Details: A contingency reserve is set aside to handle unforeseen costs or challenges during the project's execution. This ensures flexibility and adaptability in managing the project.

This project will require access to the permissionless protocols of Cardano and IPFS. If IPFS has some problem where it becomes unsuitable we could switch to another decentralized file storage solution such as Arweave.

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

Broader Impacts and Benefits:

• Enhanced Security and Trust: By providing a verifiable and secure method for disseminating information, the project directly contributes to increased trust and security within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Community Engagement and Growth: Democratising the ability to make announcements encourages more participation from community members, potentially leading to growth in the user base and more robust community interaction.
• Innovation and Leadership: Implementing cutting-edge solutions and demonstrating successful use cases enhances Cardano's reputation as a leader in blockchain innovation.

Long-Term Benefits:

• Sustainability: The system's design ensures it is sustainable and can handle future expansions or integrations, potentially leading to long-term cost savings and added value.
• Replicability: The project can serve as a model that can be replicated or adapted by other blockchain communities, spreading its value beyond the immediate project.