Buterin says that simplifying the Ethereum key leads to a lack of real trust

The Ethereum blockchain needs to better explain its features to users in order to achieve a real lack of trust, a common challenge in blockchain protocols, co-founder Vitalik Buterin said.

Since self-trust enforces rules in code, the protocol works without developers' control. However, if a protocol is too complicated, only a small group can work on it, but in practice, others still have to trust that group.

Ethereum is trustless because transactions and smart contracts are implemented through open source code and a decentralized network of verifiers, but Buterin said in an X post on Wednesday that the network still needs to improve user experience.

“Essential and low-level trust is increasing the number of people who can actually understand the entire protocol. Ethereum should be better at this by simplifying the protocol.”

“Sometimes we have to be willing to have fewer features,” Buterin said when asked how realistic the idea is given the gap between technology features and user perceptions.

Last year, crypto executives told Cointelegraph that confusion over crypto storage, regulations and other tech-savvy people is driving average users away from the technology.

A better understanding of all protocols is required

INTMAX, the privacy layer 2 built on top of Ethereum, agrees with Buterin, and says the same principle applies to privacy infrastructure.

INTMAX “If only five people can understand how your privacy protocol works, you haven't discovered distrust, you've changed what you believe. Simple, auditable privacy architecture > complex black boxes.”

Others have noted that deciphering the tech-heavy jargon used by some protocols can feel like a full-time job or deter users from an otherwise promising project.

Ethereum aims for a better user experience.

Ethereum's roadmap admits that it may still be “too complicated for most people to use Ethereum” and outlines plans to “significantly lower the barriers to entry” and make it “as seamless as using a traditional Web2 app.”

Related: Ethereum gas limit may rise to 80M in January

Some suggested improvements aimed at creating a better user experience include smart contract wallets, which reduce barriers to running a node by streamlining complex blockchain details like gas payments and key management and making them accessible on devices like phone or browser apps.

The Ethereum Foundation funds a wide range of educational courses and programs to help people learn more about blockchain development and related technologies.

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