Exploring Intent-Centric Encryption Protocols: A New Direction for Simplifying User Experience

Imagine a scenario where you have 1000 USDT on the Ethereum mainnet and want to purchase $OP on a decentralized exchange on the Optimism Layer 2 network. This process involves multiple steps: selecting a wallet that supports Optimism, adding network settings, transferring assets through a cross-chain bridge, connecting to the decentralized exchange, and executing the trade. For newcomers, each step can be a challenge, which also limits the widespread adoption of on-chain applications.

So, can the complexity of on-chain interactions be reduced to a level of simplicity comparable to operating a centralized exchange? This is the concept of "intent-centric". Users simply need to issue the instruction "I want to buy $OP on Optimism" and sign it, and the intent-centric protocol will coordinate third parties to complete all necessary steps, providing users with a seamless experience.

Currently, multiple projects are exploring intent-centric applications.

Bob the Solver

Bob the Solver is an infrastructure based on intent trading that can be integrated into account abstraction wallets and decentralized applications. It consists of two parts:

1. Solver: Uses machine learning to identify and classify user intentions, plan the optimal implementation path, construct the required transactions, and forward them to the account abstraction wallet.

2. Account Abstract Wallet: Responsible for executing transactions, including bundler (receiving and planning transactions) and paymaster (managing gas fees).

Anoma

Anoma is an intent-centric privacy protection protocol for decentralized counterparty discovery, resolution, and multi-chain atomic settlement. Its core process includes:

1. The user sends the intent to the intent gossip network.
2. The solver in the network collects intents and matches them.
3. The trades matched are submitted to the encrypted mempool, where they are processed by validators and the status is updated.

The execution layer of Anoma is based on Taiga (a zk-circuit based on Halo2), which can be used to deploy Ethereum's zk-rollup, sharing some security. In addition, Anoma can also be used to develop applications such as op-rollup, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized exchanges.

Essential

Essential is committed to building intent-based infrastructure and tools to address the MEV problem. Its goal is to reduce the negative impacts of MEV and enable users to realize their intentions at the lowest cost. Essential is developing the following products:

1. General domain-specific language for intent expression: standardized intent language that facilitates solver understanding of user intent.
2. Ethereum and EVM's intent-centric account abstraction standard: introducing ERC-4337, allowing solvers to construct valid transactions.
3. Modular Intent Layer: Simplifies architecture, aggregates order flow, enhances MEV resistance, and supports cross-chain intent execution.

Flashbots Suave

Suave launched by Flashbots focuses on intent-centric cross-chain MEV extraction. Its architecture is organized around user trading preferences (understood as intentions with conditions and constraints), including preference expression, execution, and settlement. Intent executors return part of the MEV gains to users through full competition, maximizing user benefits.

Recently, Flashbots launched MEVM, providing new precompiles for MEV that allow centralized MEV infrastructure to be transformed into smart contracts on the blockchain. MEVM enhances privacy and efficiency by moving sensitive data computation to off-chain execution nodes.

Future Opportunities of Intent-centric

1. Intent language combined with AI: Utilize AI technology to more accurately identify users' complex intents and build intent recognition models.

2. Third-party execution layer: Develop a fast response, accurate handling, and secure and stable execution layer, while paying attention to preventing centralization issues and DOS attacks.

3. Large-scale adoption of DeFi: Some DeFi projects have begun to adopt intent-centric models, such as Cowswap, 1inch Fusion, and UniswapX. This may improve capital efficiency and liquidity provision in the future.

4. Full-chain game development: Simplifying player operations through intent-centric approaches to enhance the gaming experience.

With the development of Web3, user experience and interaction efficiency are becoming increasingly important. Intent-centric provides a new approach to building and operating complex systems, promising to create a more user-friendly, efficient, and transparent decentralized world.