Ethereum developers are currently working on improving blockchain interoperability by creating two new developments ERC-7930 and ERC-7828 token standards. These standards are an answer to the current fragmented state of Ethereum’s inter-blockchain ecosystem. For one, they allow for a much more user-friendly and cohesive interface than jumping between different chains. This effort is being spearheaded by the Ethereum Foundation interoperability working group. They are joining forces with other DeFi protocols to attack the problem at the root.
Addressing Interoperability Challenges
Today, the Ethereum ecosystem has a massive interoperability problem, creating a choppy user experience for users interacting across various blockchains. This is especially difficult if the same address can be used to operate across different blockchains within the Ethereum ecosystem. Wallets, decentralized applications (DApps), block explorers, and smart contracts all have their own rules, leading to confusion and contradictions.
"The result? A messy, inconsistent experience that breaks cross-chain UX" - Wonderland.
ERC-7930 and ERC-7828 are tackling these challenges directly. Their universal address format improves interoperability across the Ethereum ecosystem. DeFi Wonderland shed light on these challenges and the promise of the new standards in a recent YouTube call.
ERC-7930 and ERC-7828: A Closer Look
ERC-7930 interoperable addresses ERC-7930 defines a compact, binary format for interoperable addresses. This standardization is an effort to ensure addresses are universally and consistently understood across chains and applications.
ERC-7828 as the text layer behind interoperable addresses, enabling use with a priority on user experience. As Teddy, a member of the non-profit organization, told us, ERC-7828 aims at the human interface.
"Target audience for ERC-7828 is anything that interacts with humans… It’s the text layer" - Teddy.
Wonderland described how a human-readable layer, such as address@chain, helps to make sure that everything remains clear and simple for users.
Collaboration and Future Outlook
The Ethereum Foundation interoperability working group has been deeply engaged in the ongoing development of ERC-7930 and ERC-7828. The organization has worked with a number of DeFi protocols, including Optimism, Aztec, Connext and Yearn. This partnership increases innovation and ensures broad, cross-industry interoperability. Ethereum Layer 2 solutions are expected to achieve interoperability within the coming months, further solidifying the impact of these standards.
"There’s no standard way for wallets, apps, or protocols to interpret or display this information" - Wonderland.
The proposed introduction of ERC-7930 and ERC-7828 are an exciting step in the direction of a more standardized, convenient Ethereum ecosystem that’s easier and more pleasant to use. Not just for public transport, these standards help sanitize address formats and provide a human-readable layer. In doing so, they will make cross-chain interactions simpler and less confusing for users.
