Open-Source Ledger Nano X Flutter SDK & VESPR Wallet Integration

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

The absence of a developer-friendly, secure connection between Ledger Nano X devices and Flutter applications within the Cardano ecosystem has limited the integration of Ledger Nano X support in Flutter-based wallets and dApps, which inhibits maximum user adoption and trust in Cardano applications.

We propose an open-source Flutter SDK tailored for Ledger Nano X integration, which offers a solution to this issue. This solution will feature:

A bespoke Flutter package, designed to enable a secure, reliable, and intuitive connection between Ledger X devices and mobile wallets or dApps.
A fully open-source codebase, encouraging active community involvement, allowing for peer review, collaboration, and easy incorporation of the SDK into a wide variety of projects.
An open-sourced Flutter application sample that incorporates the SDK, serving as a practical guide for other developers to leverage in their projects.
Ledger X integration within VESPR Wallet.

The beneficiaries of this solution include Cardano wallet and dApp developers, who gain an easy route to incorporate Ledger Nano X, as well as Ledger Nano X users, who will enjoy enhanced experiences with Cardano applications.

Integrating our SDK into the VESPR Wallet, a Cardano-native wallet developed by our team, will demonstrate its functionality and impact. This integration will serve as a real-world use case and practical guide for other developers, extending the SDK's impact across the ecosystem, and ultimately strengthening Cardano's mission of democratizing finance.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

Our proposed Flutter SDK solution for Ledger Nano X targets multiple dimensions to enhance the Cardano ecosystem:

Security: By integrating Ledger Nano X's renowned hardware wallet security within mobile applications, we significantly enhance the confidence of users in managing and transacting their digital assets on mobile platforms. This integration ensures the rigorous safeguarding of users' assets while enjoying the benefits of mobile wallets.
Accessibility: Our solution bridges the gap between stringent security standards and the convenience of mobile accessibility. By combining the security of Ledger Nano X with the versatility and user-friendly interface of the VESPR wallet, we accommodate a more diverse user base, including both novice and seasoned users.

Why Flutter?

This SDK leverages Flutter for its proven advantages:

Growing Popularity: Despite its relatively short existence (only 6 years), Flutter has become the most popular cross-platform mobile framework used by global developers, according to a 2022 developer survey. Flutter has experienced massive growth, outpacing its closest cross-platform contender, React Native, doubling in popularity.

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Google Trends

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Flutter supports iOS, Android, Web, Linux, Windows, and MacOS from a single codebase, simplifying development and maintenance.
Performance: Flutter compiles to native code, which means it's faster and more efficient than other cross-platform frameworks that use JavaScript bridges.
Engaging User Interfaces: Known for facilitating visually appealing designs, Flutter enhances the user experience and overall appeal of Cardano-related applications, accelerating user adoption.
Efficient Developer Experience: Flutter's straightforward syntax and fast development cycle improves developer productivity, allowing for timely and resource-efficient development of Cardano-related apps. For example, the Hot Reload feature allows developers to see changes in real time without losing the current application state, which speeds up the development process.
Google Backing: With Google's support, Flutter guarantees regular updates, improvements, a large community, and a wealth of resources for developers. Moreover, Google's new operating system, Fuchsia, uses Flutter for its user interface, which stands to boost Flutter's usage and popularity.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] 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?

We are an agile team of three individuals equipped with both the technical expertise and operational prowess necessary to execute this project successfully and responsibly.

Our work with VESPR Wallet, not only speaks to our deep understanding of Cardano's architecture, but it also showcases our vested interest in preserving a positive reputation within the Cardano ecosystem. The success of the VESPR Wallet and the trust it has earned from its user base serve as evidence of our team's dedication and integrity.

Alex, our Lead Senior Architect, has significant experience in mobile app development and has led projects on security-critical mobile applications for leading financial institutions like American Express, Virgin Money, and Tesco Bank. His stringent emphasis on security and industry best practices guarantees a high standard of delivery in our projects.

Derek, our UI/UX Designer, Product Owner, and Social Media Manager, has been instrumental in shaping VESPR Wallet, manifesting not just his creative prowess in designing intuitive and engaging user interfaces, but also his strategic acumen in product management. Derek's diligent social media efforts have also been key in fostering a vibrant and supportive community around VESPR Wallet, underlining our commitment to ongoing engagement and responsiveness to our user base. As a result, VESPR Wallet has become a notable success in the Cardano ecosystem and serves as both a testament to Derek's skills and a validation of our team's overall competence and commitment.

On the operational front, we’re very fortunate to have Andy, who brings over a decade of leadership experience in business management, specializing in operational efficiency and financial goal attainment. He has a proven track record, most recently coordinating and spearheading the 2022 CNFT Con Afterparty in Las Vegas, successfully managing five different teams contributing to the event, and showcasing his adeptness at fund management and event organization. His expertise ensures diligent and transparent handling of funds as well as strategic business direction.

Our unique blend of technical knowledge, proven record in Cardano-based project execution, and solid business management make us highly capable of delivering this project.

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

We will be using the Agile project management methodology, with bi-weekly meetings to review progress and troubleshoot issues. Continuous communication will be facilitated through our team Discord, and we will be using Trello for managing tasks and deadlines. We will provide regular updates on our progress to ensure transparency and accountability.

We estimate the entire process to span four to six months, starting from the time of funding receipt. The estimates do not account for potential unforeseen challenges or delays.

Milestone 1: Research and Analysis

Expected duration: 1-2 weeks

Expected cost: $10,000

We will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the technical requirements and potential strategies for developing a Flutter SDK that can integrate Ledger Nano X with Cardano wallets and/or dApps.

Success Criteria: Produce a well-defined plan for building the Flutter SDK.

>Milestone 2: Proof of Concept

Expected duration: 1 month

Expected cost: $19,000

We will develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) SDK, designed to establish a connection with a Ledger Nano X device and perform basic operations.

Success Criteria: Successfully develop a working PoC that connects to Ledger Nano X and retrieves the public key/receive address.

>Milestone 3: SDK Architecture Development

Expected duration: 1-2 months

Expected cost: $38,700

We will design and develop a full-fledged Flutter SDK, expanding on the PoC.

Success Criteria: Create a prototype SDK with all necessary functionalities, including signing and approving transactions.

>Milestone 4: Testing & Refinement

Expected duration: 3-4 weeks

Expected cost: $19,000

Upon completion of the SDK, we will conduct comprehensive testing to ensure its seamless functionality with Cardano-related Flutter applications and Ledger Nano X.

Success Criteria: Pass all function tests and make necessary refinements based on feedback.

>Milestone 5: Deployment, Documentation, & Example Application

Expected duration: 2-4 weeks

Expected cost: $11,200

Once the final refinements are made, we will officially release the Flutter SDK, along with detailed documentation.

Success Criteria: Release the final SDK and prepare comprehensive documentation.

>Milestone 6: VESPR Wallet Integration

Expected duration: 1-2 months

Expected cost: $38,700

The final phase will involve integrating the developed SDK into the VESPR Wallet.

Success Criteria: Successfully integrate the SDK into the VESPR Wallet and perform additional testing and refinements, as necessary, based on user feedback.

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

Our team is comprised of three members with a diverse set of skills that covers every aspect of this project:

Alex Dochioiu | Founder & Senior Software Architect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alex_vespr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandru-dochioiu

Email: [email protected]

Alex Dochioiu, the founder and senior software architect of VESPR Wallet, oversees the project's technical aspects. Drawing on over six years of experience in developing safety-critical mobile applications for major financial institutions, Alex is responsible for the development of the Flutter SDK and its integration into VESPR Wallet. He ensures adherence to industry best practices and navigates any technical challenges we encounter.

Derek Delgado | Co-Founder, UI/UX Design, Product Owner, Social Media Manager

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rokindo_

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-d-662290105

Email: [email protected]

Derek Delgado, our UI/UX Designer, Product Owner, and Social Media Manager, has been instrumental in shaping VESPR Wallet, manifesting not just his creative prowess in designing intuitive and engaging user interfaces, but also his strategic acumen in product management. Derek's diligent social media efforts have also been key in fostering a vibrant and supportive community around VESPR Wallet, underlining our commitment to ongoing engagement and responsiveness to our user base. As a result, VESPR Wallet has become a notable success in the Cardano ecosystem and serves as both a testament to Derek's skills and a validation of our team's overall competence and commitment.

Andy Belichkov | Co-Founder, Business Operations, Business Strategy, Human Resources

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andy_vespr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybelichkov

Email: [email protected]

Andy Belichkov, our co-founder, is responsible for business operations, business strategy, and human resources. With a background in healthcare administration and extensive experience in operations, quality management, and data analysis, Andy oversees the project's management, coordinating between different roles and ensuring that we meet our milestones on schedule and within budget.

We are all active members of the Cardano community, regularly engaging in technical discussions on Discord and Telegram. We also have direct lines of communication with various technical experts in the Cardano ecosystem and out via our personal external networks.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The day rates of the team members are as follows:

Senior Software Architect: $750/day

UI/UX Design / Product Owner / Marketing: $400/day

Business Operations: $500/day

Research & Analysis 

Senior Software Architecture: 10 days * $750/day = $7,500
Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
Total: $10,000

Proof of Concept (PoC)

Senior Software Architecture: 22 days * $750/day = $16,500
Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
Total: $19,000

SDK Architecture Development

Senior Software Architecture: 44 days * $750/day = $33,000
UI/UX Design/Product Owner: 8 days * $400/day = $3,200
Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
Total: $38,700

Testing & Refinement

Senior Software Architecture: 22 days * $750/day = $16,500
Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
Total: $19,000

Deployment, Documentation, & Example Application

Senior Software Architecture: 10 days * $750/day = $7,500
UI/UX Design/Product Owner/Marketing: 5 days * $400/day = $2,000
Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
Total: $11,200

VESPR Wallet Integration

Senior Software Architecture: 44 days * $750/day = $33,000
UI/UX Design/Product Owner/Marketing: 10 days * $400/day = $4,000
Business Operations: 5 days * $500/day = $2,500
Total: $38,700

The total comes to $139,200. However, we are requesting ₳200,000 in funding, which at the time of writing equates to roughly $73,000. The remaining costs will be subsidized by ourselves. We also have additional available developer resources, who have been previously involved in various VESPR Wallet-related endeavors, that we can and may utilize to speed up the development timeline of the SDK based on our budget and needs if necessary.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem given the caliber of our team, the complexity of the deliverables, and the projected impact that the Flutter SDK and Ledger Nano X integration into VESPR Wallet would bring.

The cost estimates we have defined are not arbitrarily determined but instead are based on reduced rates of our team's current and previous employment – aligned with industry standards. These rates are justifiable and we are ready to provide proof of income if required for verification.

Moreover, our funding request of 270,000 ADA (~~$80,000) is significantly less than our projected costs. The actual projected costs exceed this figure (~~$139,200) and we will be subsidizing the remaining costs ourselves to ensure that the community receives a product of significantly greater value than the requested funds.

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