Unlock Bitcoin Adoption Through Design

BDAN trains African designers to create sovereign, human-centred Bitcoin experiences for the next wave of users through open, decentralized design.

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Designers hold the key to Bitcoin's mass adoption.

Bitcoin Design Adoption Network (BDAN) equips designers from different design disciplines (UI/UX, graphic, motion, brand) with Bitcoin-native skills to bridge barriers, craft compelling stories, and design for financial freedom.

The Problem

Bitcoin's UX hurdles and narrative gaps slow adoption. Centralized designs erode sovereignty. BDAN changes that.

Our Mission

Empower designers to drive Bitcoin adoption by mastering 'Bridge Thinking': a framework for identifying barriers and designing grounded, aligned solutions.

Our Vision

A global network of 100+ trained designers by 2028, fueling open-source projects and Bitcoin-native apps.

The BDAN Program

Our 12-week online cohort starts with Bitcoin foundations (history, principles, economics), then splits into tracks. It ends with capstone projects & guest sessions from Bitcoin OGs.

Weeks 1-4

Shared Foundation

Bitcoin basics, Bridge Thinking framework, adoption barriers (e.g., UX pitfalls in wallets, onboarding friction).

Weeks 5-8

Specialized Tracks

UI/UX: Prototyping sovereign apps; Graphic/Motion/Brand: Visual storytelling, memes for education.

Weeks 9-12

Capstone Projects

Selecting individual or group projects (e.g., redesign a Lightning wallet UI), peer reviews, open-source contributions.

Who Can Join

Passionate designers in Africa across different disciplines (UI/UX, graphic, motion, brand/comms) who believe in Bitcoin and financial sovereignty. No prior crypto experience needed, just curiosity and drive. We’re starting where the need and potential are immense.

What You Get

Live sessions and resources, Discord community for ongoing support, Capstone project, and a network access for alumni introductions to Bitcoin projects.

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Application Process

If you believe Bitcoin adoption starts with better design, this is your entry point. BDAN is building a merit-based cohort of African designers shaping how Bitcoin is experienced across the continent. Limited spots. Serious builders only.

Here’s howto join the first cohort:

Design Challenge

Depending on your track (UI/UX, Graphic/Motion, Brand/Communication), you’ll get a focused Bitcoin-native design brief.

Submit Application

Fill out the form and tell us who you are, why Bitcoin matters to you, and what design skills you bring to the fight for adoption.

Portfolio Review

We review your application, portfolio, and submitted challenge to find a fit. No gate-keeping, just real evaluation.

Shortlist Interview

Top candidates get a 20–30 min 1:1 call with the BDAN team. We want to hear your fire and make sure we’re a fit.

Acceptance

If you’re accepted, you’ll hear back within 2 weeks of applying. Further information will be sent then. Welcome to the network!

Application Deadline!

17

Days

04

Hours

59

Minutes

42

Seconds

First Cohort starts on the 6th of April, 2026. The application is free, and only limited spots are available across different design tracks.

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Meet Our Founders

Umar Salihu

Founder BDAN

Product Designer & CEO, Gada: a design and tech agency. Pioneer of the Bridge Thinking Ideology.

Yohanna Daniel

Co-Founder BDAN

Product Designer & CTO, Gada

Find Answers to FAQs

No, not at all. You only need real design skills (UI/UX, graphic, motion, brand/communication), genuine curiosity, and belief in Bitcoin. No previous Bitcoin or crypto experience is required. We teach the Bitcoin-native thinking from the ground up.