Grant Proposal: Nym Stake – A Mobile App for Stakers and Node Operators
1. Objective
The goal of this proposal is to develop a mobile application — “Nym Stake”— designed to provide real-time insights and control for both Nym stakers and node operators. The app will function as a mobile-first staking dashboard, mixing explorer functionality with advanced notification and wallet integration.
2. Target Audience
- Stakers: NYM token holders who wish to delegate to high-performing mixnodes and monitor their staking returns.
- Node Operators: Individuals or organizations who run mixnodes and gateways and want a way to monitor performance on-the-go.
3. User Experience
The Nym Stake app is designed to provide a seamless and intuitive staking experience and facilitate the management of nodes by operators.
Upon opening the app, users can
- Log in securely using their Keplr Wallet, which connects them to the Nym blockchain and allows access to their staking data.
- From there, users are presented with an interactive explorer map displaying all delegable mixnodes and gateways in the network.
- To help users make informed decisions, the app includes advanced filters and real-time performance metrics, such as uptime, routing score, and delegation volume. Users can easily search and compare nodes based on their preferences.
- Once a preferred node is selected, the user has the option to enable notifications to receive alerts about node status, performance drops, or delegation changes.
- When ready to stake, the user is redirected to the Keplr mobile app or browser extension to securely confirm the delegation transaction. This ensures the user maintains full control of their wallet, in line with Keplr’s security model.
The app combines powerful data visualization with a privacy-respecting workflow, making staking and node monitoring easy, accessible, and secure.
4. Core Features
a. Explorer Dashboard
- Display all mixnodes and gateways in the network.
- Sort and filter by:
- Performance score
- Delegated stake
- Cost to delegate
- Country/region
- View node details (uptime, routing score, stake history).
b. Notifications (Push or In-App)
- Alert users when:
- A node goes offline or underperforms
- A staked node is unbonded
- Delegated rewards are available
- New top-performing nodes appear
- Node operators get alerts for:
- Version out-of-date
- Configuration issues
- Harbourmaster test failures, including routing, ping, DNS resolution, or exit connectivity issues detected by the Nym probe system (DNS, Wireguard, ipv4/ipv6)
c. Keplr Wallet Integration
- Connect wallet via deep linking (for mobile Keplr)
- Stake tokens directly from the app, confirming them in Keplr
- View rewards, delegation history, and available balance
d. Analytics
- Reward history graph
- Delegation performance over time
- Node comparison
e. Node Operators Tools
- View current config state
- Trigger health checks
- View probe results (if public data is available)
5. Architecture Overview
- Frontend: React Native for cross-platform support (iOS/Android)
- Backend/Devops: Python Django + Docker + PostgreSQL
- Blockchain Access: Keplr Wallet APIs, CosmJS or Stargate libraries
- Data Sources: Harbourmaster (public node info), Nym Spectre Explorer, Nymesis
6. Security & Privacy
- The app does not store user keys or seed phrases.
- All transactions are signed via Keplr.
7. Benefits to the Nym Ecosystem
- Improves transparency and engagement from stakers
- Encourages delegation to performant nodes
- Helps node operators stay competitive and compliant with network standards
- Strengthens Nym’s mobile ecosystem
8. Development Blueprint
1st Quarter (Months 1–3) — Functional MVP (150,000 NYM)
Month 1 – Design + Infrastructure + Backend
- UX conceptualization and app design, in collaboration with a community designer (budget: $200 in NYM)
- DevOps:
- VPS setup (Docker, PostgreSQL, automated backups.
- Backend (Django + DRF or FastAPI):
- Endpoints for login via Keplr (wallet address)
- Data fetch from:
- Harbourmaster
- Nymesis
- Spectre Explorer
- Initial database models: users, tracked nodes, alerts
Month 2 – Initial integration and logic
- Partial UI implementation in React Native
- Node list + favorites system
- Filtering and display of basic performance metrics
Month 3 – Interactive Map (Basic Version)
- Map with plotted mixnodes/gateways around the globe.
- Display of basic node metadata (version, location, score)
- Stable backend integration
First Deliverable (End of Month 3):
Functional MVP with explorer, filters, basic node data, and map. This version will be deployed for testing on TestFlight (iOS) and Google Play Console (Android), allowing node operators — the primary users at this stage — to download the app, explore network metrics, and enable basic performance notifications.
2nd Quarter (Months 4–6) — Alpha with Staking and Wallet Integration (150,000 NYM)
Month 4 – Wallet Integration
- Keplr login flow
- Deep linking to stake via Keplr mobile
- Read wallet balance, delegations, rewards
Display user staking history
Month 5 – Enhanced Map + Interaction
- Add uptime, delegation size, score to the map view
Enable map interactions (tap → node → stake)
Local notifications for favorite nodes
Month 6 – Testing and Validation
- Internal beta (TestFlight/APK)
- Backend refactoring + API stabilization
- Initial documentation (API & technical)
Second Deliverable (End of Month 6):
Alpha version with full wallet integration, real staking functionality, interactive map, filters, and notifications. This build will be distributed via TestFlight and Google Play Console, enabling node operators to test staking flows, monitor performance, and provide feedback as primary stakeholders ahead of public release.
3rd Quarter (Months 7–9) — Metrics, UX, Public Beta
Budget: 150,000 NYM
Month 7 – Metrics and Analytics
- Integrate usage tracking (Amplitude, Firebase, etc.)
Monitor:- Delegations per user
- Most viewed nodes
- Click heatmaps (map interaction)
Month 8 – UI/UX Refinement
- Improve visual design and mobile responsiveness
- Optimize map performance on mid-range devices
- Polish animation, typography, interactions
Month 9 – Beta Release
- Publish closed/public beta (TestFlight + Play Store)
- Create landing page + onboarding tutorial
- Share with community + gather feedback
Final Deliverable (End of Month 9):
Stable Beta Version (v0.9) featuring full functionality — including staking, wallet integration, explorer, interactive map, notifications, and usage metrics. This version will be publicly available for broader community testing and feedback, marking the final milestone before polishing and refinement toward v1.0.
9. Notes
- While the budget is structured by trimester (150,000 NYM every 3 months), I kindly request that payments be distributed monthly to ensure stable and continuous development. This will help me pay for infrastructure costs, design and possible subscriptions
- I will commit to publishing monthly progress reports on the Nym Community Forum to maintain transparency and involve the community in the development process.
- Please note that significant volatility in the NYM token price could affect execution and scope. Adjustments to the timeline or deliverables may be proposed in this case.