Exploring Meta-Design in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)

The emergence of Web 3.0, characterized by its decentralized nature, has led to the proliferation of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). This research delves into the evolving role of design within DAOs, specifically focusing on the concept of meta-design. Meta-design encompasses both the final design output and the collaborative design process itself.

Employing a multi-case studies approach, the research examined design practices within an Astrogirls NFT DAO and three DAO projects under Kambria’s Open Innovation Platform.  They are Mine Clearing Robot DAO, Ocean Clean Up Robot DAO and Underwater Conservation Robot DAO. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four design contributors and four non-design contributors from four project DAOs to understand their roles and perspectives.  The research further investigated the participatory nature of design within DAOs, where token-based voting systems empower users to actively contribute to design governance and decision-making processes related to product design.

Unlike non Web 3 organizations, Web 3 ones do not have a workplace hierarchy or functional categorization. Instead, the community is shared based on interest and belief. Therefore, there is no such monthly remuneration but designers can get income from work contribution towards the DAO project. As Web 3 encourages community engagement, the decision making process is not made solely by C level but by members as per protocols. In traditional organizations, design work is done by a design professional team but in Web 3, designers or design contributors open the platform for users to become designers as well. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how meta-design empowers collaborative processes and reshapes design practices within the dynamic landscape of Web 3.0.

Keywords: Web 3, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, Design Management, Role of designers, Metadesign