Blockchain and Beyond: Understanding Blockchains Through Prototypes and Public Engagement

This article presents an annotated portfolio of projects that seek to understand and communicate the social societal implications blockchains, DLTs smart contracts. These complex technologies rely on human technical factors deliver cryptocurrencies, shared computation trustless protocols but have a secondary benefit in providing moment re-think many aspects society, imagine alternative possibilities. The use design HCI methods relate blockchains range topics, including global supply chains, delivery infrastructure, grids, volunteering charitable giving, through engaging public, exploring ideas speculating possible futures. Based extensive we draw out learning for blockchain systems, broadening participation surfacing questions around imaginaries, engagement with new technology. paints comprehensive picture how can shape understandings future technologies.