The User Experience: Fragmented by Layer 2 Networks

As Ethereum continues to grow, users are increasingly onboarded directly to Layer 2 (L2) networks, where they interact with decentralized applications (dApps) and ecosystems that best suit their needs. However, this fragmentation across L2 networks presents challenges for managing essential identity services like Ethereum Name Service (ENS). Users want to manage their identities on the network they’re comfortable with, but existing tools primarily function on Layer 1 (L1), which can make managing ENS profiles challenging.

Our team experienced this firsthand while onboarding users to ENS at a local conference in East Africa. Many of these users were new to Ethereum, and after getting their first ENS name or subdomain, they repeatedly asked the same questions: How do I use this name? How do I create my profile and manage records? I use Base/OP/another L2, how do I manage my profile there? I only have gas on L2, how do I edit my records? Can I redirect my ENS to my website? These interactions highlighted the challenge users face when navigating fragmented networks.

Records.xyz was created to solve these issues. We built our platform with the user in mind, enabling anyone to manage their ENS profile directly from their preferred L2, without needing to interact with L1. Whether users were onboarded to a specific L2 or chose one for its benefits, our platform allows them to manage their ENS profiles in the most convenient way possible.

Features Designed to Simplify ENS Management

To further enhance the user experience, we’ve integrated several features designed to make managing ENS profiles intuitive and efficient:

AvatarSync: This feature enables users to easily sync avatars and banners from social platforms like Twitter/X, ensuring a cohesive identity across Web2 and Web3.
ENSRedirect: Users can point their ENS domains to any custom URL, providing flexibility for personal websites, portfolios, or project pages.
Basenames Support: We’ve recently added support for Basenames, allowing users to better organize and manage their base.eth subdomains.

These features are designed to simplify the process for both seasoned Ethereum users and those just getting started. We're also working on additional tools to further simplify profile management. Our goal is to make ENS management as seamless and straightforward as possible, no matter which L2 network you use.

Building with Security in Mind: Trust-Minimized ENS Management

While we prioritize user experience, we also understand the importance of security and trust in managing digital identities. We chose to build on L2 networks to maintain Ethereum’s security guarantees. By using storage proofs, we ensure that our platform offers a trust-minimized solution, giving users peace of mind that their data and identities are protected on-chain.

This approach allows us to deliver a simple user experience without compromising on the security Ethereum is known for, ensuring that users’ records are managed with transparency.

Our Vision for the Future: Interoperability

The future of Ethereum is about interoperability. As new L2s continue to emerge, users should be able to interact seamlessly across networks. At Records.xyz, we are building a platform that not only simplifies ENS management but ensures that it’s accessible and usable across all chains and L2 networks.

We are seeking funding to continue our work implementing Ethereum interoperability (starting with superchain interop) and further enhance our platform’s capabilities. By supporting Records.xyz, you’re helping create a more user-friendly and secure future for ENS management in an ever-evolving Ethereum ecosystem.