Agentic Design & Product

Firecracker — On-Chain Credit Cards

May 2025

1. Research & Discovery
2. v1: The Problem with “Features First”
3. v2: Crypto-First Pivot
4. v3: Decentralization as Hero
5. The Winning Formula

The workflows AI agents offer allow near instant iteration on ideas, market research, and product development.

In this light case study, I explore how agentic design could be applied to product. It blends highly emergent technologies with traditional product thinking.

An up–and–coming fintech company is launching a unique crypto product:

🧨 Firecracker on-chain credit cards.

We’ll use AI agents to explore the product space, and iterate on the product.

Project length:

11 hours

Tools used:

• Cursor
• DeepSeek (Research & Discovery)
• Claude (Research & Product Development)
• React
• Tailwind CSS
• Hueshift (Color Palettes)

Research & Discovery

DeepSeek was used to analyze opportunity areas, and guide our path to product–market fit.

Claude was used to substantiate findings and technical feasibility.

Additional research was conducted to understand how sBTC unlocks Bitcoin-backed credit without custody risks.

Competitor gaps

Existing crypto cards (like Crypto.com, BitPay) rely on custodial models, and fiat transactions with crypto-incentives.

This misses the DeFi-native user, who wants to pay in BTC & settle in BTC.

User pain points

Nearly 1 in 5 cryptocurrency owners have had difficulty accessing or withdrawing crypto funds from custodial platforms.¹

Custodial platforms force users to lock their crypto in a centralized system, and ask for permission to spend it.

Technical feasibility

sBTC’s trustless peg allows automated collateralization without centralized issuers (like banks).

You put BTC in, and get a loan amount—no asking, instant approval.

Key insight: Decentralization was the unmet need, not just “crypto rewards.”

Learn a lil’ crypto corner 💳

When you use a traditional credit card, the bank is the middleman. They are the custodian of your money—they decide when you can use it, and how much you can spend.

Decentralization is about removing the middleman.

sBTC enables you to transfer Bitcoin into smart contracts using Stacks’ Layer 2 (L2) protocol. You lock your BTC into sBTC, allowing you to interact with dApps that can instantly process your transactions against programmable conditions (like an NFT).

An on-chain credit card company could setup a contract to issue lending against your sBTC.

1. You lock your BTC into sBTC.
2. You deposit your sBTC into the credit card company’s smart contract.
3. The company mints a credit card NFT for you—no custody, zero permissions.
4. You spend on your collateralized BTC.

You can even toss your sBTC into a decentralized liquidity pool to earn interest. Other borrowers can borrow against the pool, and you earn interest on the collateral you supplied.

Zero custodial risk, backed by 100% Bitcoin finality.²

v1: The Problem with “Features First”

Visit the v1 Site ➔

Conversion Killer 🥶

Generic fintech language (“seamless,” “global access”) failed to stand out in the crypto space.

Multi-step signup process added friction and discouraged users from completing the conversion.

Missed Opportunity 😶‍🌫️

Value proposition buried below fold under a generic card design.

Key Insight: Crypto users need immediate proof of decentralization.

v2: Crypto-First Pivot

Visit the v2 Site ➔

What Worked 🤔

“…on-chain credit” hero text speaks directly to Web3 users.

Added social proof (“thousands of early adopters”).

More attractive animated card mockup creates desire.

New Problem 😵‍💫

Overwhelming information density (6 features + metrics).

Key insight: Crypto credit users need to instantly understand the value proposition.

v3: Decentralization as Hero

Visit the Finalized Site ➔

Breakthrough Changes 😎

“Fully decentralized credit card” above fold instantly communicates differentiation.

Card-as-NFT implied through expiration date (04/28 ≅ Bitcoin halving year³).

DeFi integration as a primary feature (not just “rewards”).

Path to PMF 🏎️

Monetize decentralization by packaging it as exclusive next–gen access.

Key insight: Crypto users value sovereignty above all other features/metrics.

The Winning Formula 🎯

Decentralization Promise (v2/v3) + Desire (v2) + Urgency (v3)

Why This Works for Crypto Audiences

Trust Through Transparency 🤝

v3’s “secured by you” > v1's "complete ownership"

(passive vs active)

Scarcity Engineering 👀

No explicit waitlist number creates artificial scarcity (vs v2’s “thousands”)

Technical Credibility 🔐

“Cryptographically secured on-chain” satisfies advanced users without alienating beginners.

Language meets users where they are, highlighting the unique value proposition, without leaning on technical jargon.

Conclusions 💭

Crypto users prioritize ownership over convenience.

A path to PMF:

• Monetize decentralization by making it aspirational;
• Make the product experience feel unique and exclusive;
• And make the product feel secure and trustworthy.

In crypto, trust is currency.

Amplify trust, simplify the experience.

🧨 Want to uncover your product’s PMF? ➔

👋🏼alfred.r.duarte@gmail.com Message Copy