# Research Outline: From Token to Trust - How Aya is Reshaping Crypto's Global Impact This research outline serves as a knowledge gateway for The Human Layer podcast episode 2 [[Episode 2-- From Token to Trust-Aya]] , providing deeper context for the technical concepts, discussed by hosts Crystal Street and Taylor Kendal and our guests [Eric Annan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/visionarybuilder/) and [Michael Lawal](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lawal-62141024/) from the [Aya team](https://www.ayahq.com/) . If you'd like to read more about Episode Two go here: [[Trust Beyond Tokens with the Aya Team]]. DYOR is designed to give you a foundation of the history and vocabulary used in [[Episode 2-- From Token to Trust-Aya]] and for you to copy/paste into your own LLM models and dive deep into the many layers of emergent technology. ## I. Foundational Concepts: The Human Layer in Technology ### A. The "Human Layer" Concept **Definition:** The foundational human elements and social relationships that technology either serves or exploits, positioning humans as the central consideration in technological development rather than an afterthought. **Evolution:** Emerged as a counter-narrative to techno-solutionism, which positions technology as inherently progressive regardless of its human impacts. The concept has evolved from early digital rights movements into a more comprehensive framework for how technology should be designed, deployed, and governed. **Context:** In the age of algorithmic governance and surveillance capitalism, the human layer has become increasingly critical as technology mediates more aspects of daily life, particularly in the Global South where technological interventions often fail to address actual needs. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya's builder hubs that prioritize physical space for human connection over purely digital interaction - Community-focused stablecoin implementations that address actual financial accessibility issues - Human-centered design principles applied to blockchain applications **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Weapons of Math Destruction" by Cathy O'Neil; "Technologies of the Human" by David Krueger; "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism" by Shoshana Zuboff - **Case Study:** M-Pesa in Kenya as technology serving actual human needs versus speculative blockchain applications ### B. "Programmable Humans" Framework **Definition:** As articulated by Michael, the understanding that human beliefs, behaviors, and societal structures can be shaped, modified, and restructured—humans are "programmable" through cultural, social, and technological influences. **Evolution:** Extends beyond traditional notions of social construction to include how digital technologies actively shape human cognition, identity, and social relations. Originally a concept from psychology and propaganda studies, now relevant to how technology platforms and protocols shape human behavior. **Context:** Critically important in the era of algorithmic feeds, digital identity, and AI, where technology increasingly programs human behavior rather than the reverse. **Connections:** Directly opposes the crypto ethos of "code is law" by positioning human systems as primary; relates to "soft hypocrisy" by revealing how we internalize contradictory beliefs. **Multiple Perspectives:** - **Techno-optimist:** Programming as human empowerment and choice - **Critical:** Programming as invisible coercion and manipulation - **Aya's Framing:** Programming as inevitable but directionally negotiable—requires conscious intervention to ensure human flourishing **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "You Are Not a Gadget" by Jaron Lanier; "The Attention Merchants" by Tim Wu; "Program or Be Programmed" by Douglas Rushkoff - **Projects:** [Center for Humane Technology](https://www.humanetech.com/) - **Case Study:** Cambridge Analytica's use of psychographic targeting to influence election outcomes ## II. Crypto-Economic Concepts & Critiques ### A. "The Casino" vs. Real Utility **Definition:** "The casino" refers to speculation-focused crypto development prioritizing price appreciation over solving actual human problems, contrasted with utility-focused approaches that address concrete needs. **Evolution:** The crypto space began with utility-focused visions (Bitcoin as peer-to-peer electronic cash) but evolved toward increasingly speculative applications as financial incentives dominated. The "casino" criticism emerged as a pushback against this divergence from original purposes. We explore this in [[Episode 1 - The Premise]] **Context:** Particularly relevant as institutional adoption increases the financialization of crypto while actual use cases remain limited in many regions. **Real-world Applications:** - Stablecoins in high-inflation economies as utility (described by Eric as "Africa has shown the world its utility") - Memecoins and token speculation as "casino" economics - Aya's focus on building applications with actual users solving concrete problems **Connections:** Links to "soft hypocrisy" as projects claim to be building for human empowerment while optimizing for speculative gain. **Multiple Perspectives:** - **Mainstream Crypto:** Speculation drives innovation and adoption - **Critical:** Casino economics undermine legitimate use cases and sustainability - **Aya's Framing:** "The beauty of blockchain technology, beyond the buzzwords... is actually showing that this technology actually solves problems" **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain" by David Gerard; "The Infinite Machine" by Camila Russo; "Other People's Money" by John Kay - **Projects:** [GoodDollar](https://www.gooddollar.org/); [Grassroots Economics](https://www.grassrootseconomics.org/) - **Case Study:** Venezuela's hyperinflation and cryptocurrency adoption patterns ### B. "Trust as Currency" **Definition:** The concept that trust functions as an economic resource, particularly in blockchain ecosystems which, despite being "trustless" at the protocol level, require tremendous social trust to function in practice. **Evolution:** Originally blockchain was positioned as eliminating the need for trust ("trustless systems"), but experience has demonstrated that trust simply shifts to different points in the system (code, developers, exchanges). Aya's approach recognizes trust as a foundational asset that must be cultivated. **Context:** Particularly crucial in regions with weak institutional trust but strong interpersonal trust networks. The concept challenges techno-deterministic views that code alone can solve trust problems. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya's approach of building trust infrastructure before technical infrastructure - Physical builder hubs as trust-building environments - Community-centered development processes **Connections:** Links to the "human garden vs. jungle" metaphor; underlines why purely digital communities often fail. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "The Social Life of Information" by John Seely Brown; "Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution" by Klaus Schwab; "The Culture of the New Capitalism" by Richard Sennett - **Projects:** [Trusted Seed](https://trustedseed.org/); [Commons Stack](https://commonsstack.org/) - **Case Study:** Traditional hawala systems as trust-based financial networks that predate blockchain ### C. Stablecoins as Liberation Technology **Definition:** Cryptocurrency assets pegged to stable values (usually fiat currencies) that provide financial services in regions with currency instability, banking restrictions, or high inflation. **Evolution:** Initially created to reduce volatility for crypto traders, stablecoins evolved into essential infrastructure for actual financial use cases, particularly in economies experiencing currency devaluation. **Context:** As Eric notes, "Africa showed the world that, oh, now we have opportunity to actually convert our local currency, which have high inflationary, to actually mortgage and hedging." **Real-world Applications:** - Small businesses in Ghana protecting against 60% currency devaluation - Cross-border payments without colonial banking restrictions - Financial access for the unbanked and underbanked **Connections:** Demonstrates how utility-focused crypto diverges from casino economics; exemplifies technology serving actual human needs. **Multiple Perspectives:** - **Mainstream Crypto:** Primarily sees stablecoins as trading pairs and liquidity - **Critical:** Concerns about centralization and dependence on dollar hegemony - **Aya's Framing:** Liberation technology addressing actual economic sovereignty needs **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "The Case for Digital Currency" by Eswar Prasad; "The Currency Cold War" by David Birch; "Money: Vintage Minis" by Yuval Noah Harari - **Projects:** [Celo](https://celo.org/); [Reserve Protocol](https://reserve.org/) - **Case Study:** Zimbabwe's hyperinflation and cryptocurrency adoption ## III. Community & Governance Frameworks ### A. The "Human Garden vs. Jungle" Metaphor **Definition:** Michael's contrast between regenerative, cooperative systems (gardens) and extractive, predatory ones (jungles): "What we've created now? We've created a jungle instead of a garden... We need a place where we all cross-pollinate and coexist as a collective of humans." **Evolution:** This metaphor updates older ecological frameworks for understanding human systems, particularly relevant to digital communities which often lack clear boundaries and norms. **Context:** As crypto communities grow more complex and financialized, the distinction between extractive and regenerative cultures becomes increasingly crucial. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya's builder hubs as intentional "gardens" with specific cultural values - Cross-pollination through programs like [ZuAfrique](https://x.com/zuAfrique) - Approaches to community governance that reject predatory dynamics **Connections:** Directly challenges "casino" economics; supports the "trust as currency" framework. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Emergent Strategy" by adrienne maree brown; "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer; "Governing the Commons" by Elinor Ostrom - **Projects:** [Regen Network](https://www.regen.network/); [MetaGame](https://metagame.wtf/) - **Case Study:** The evolution of traditional communal farming systems as governance models ### B. Physical Infrastructure for Digital Communities **Definition:** The deliberate creation of physical spaces and in-person gatherings that support virtual communities and digital infrastructure development. **Evolution:** Initially, blockchain communities were primarily virtual, but experience has demonstrated the essential role of physical infrastructure in community formation, trust-building, and actual development. **Context:** Aya's insight that "Africans actually do well by coming together. We are communal people," has broader implications for how effective digital communities are built. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya Builder Hubs as permanent physical spaces - [Zuafrique](https://x.com/zuAfrique) as immersive community experience - The power of "random conversations" in physical settings **Connections:** Supports "trust as currency" by creating environments for trust formation; contradicts purely virtual organizational models. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "New Dark Age" by James Bridle; "How Buildings Learn" by Stewart Brand; "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs - **Projects:** [Civana House](https://civana.house/); [Edgeryders](https://edgeryders.eu/) - **Case Study:** Impact of hackerspaces and maker communities on technological innovation ## IV. Political Economy & Power Structures ### A. "Soft Hypocrisy" in Technology **Definition:** The subtle misalignment between stated values and actual practices in technology development and governance, particularly in crypto where emancipatory rhetoric often masks extractive practices. **Evolution:** As blockchain shifted from cypherpunk roots to financialized industry, gaps between stated purposes and actual practices widened, creating the "soft hypocrisy" that Michael references. **Context:** Particularly important as institutional adoption increases, creating stronger incentives for symbolic rather than substantive commitments to original values. **Real-world Applications:** - Projects claiming decentralization while maintaining centralized control - Community as marketing tool rather than actual governance - Inclusion rhetoric without substantive resource allocation **Multiple Perspectives:** - **Mainstream Crypto:** Views contradictions as necessary compromises for growth - **Critical:** Sees hypocrisy as evidence of bad faith and capture - **Aya's Framing:** Treats it as "cancer" that must be addressed directly for ecosystem health **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "The Code Economy" by Philip E. Auerswald; "Radical Technologies" by Adam Greenfield; "Bitcoin and Beyond" by Malcolm Campbell-Verduyn - **Projects:** [DAppNode](https://dappnode.io/); [Gitcoin](https://gitcoin.co/) - **Case Study:** The evolution of Bitcoin mining from distributed to industrial scale ### B. The "Crypto Bro" Power Structure **Definition:** The concentration of power, resources, and decision-making in cryptocurrency ecosystems among primarily Western, male, technically-oriented individuals—what Michael calls "crypto bros" who "never had any job in their life or any real world experience." **Evolution:** From cypherpunk origins to venture-backed financialization, concentrating power and creating what Michael describes as insecurity-driven ego dynamics. **Context:** Perpetuates colonial patterns of resource extraction and center-periphery dynamics, despite blockchain's theoretical potential for more distributed power. **Real-world Applications:** - Funding disparities between Global North and South projects - Cultural dynamics at conferences and in digital communities - Concentration of governance power in existing capital holders **Connections:** Links directly to "soft hypocrisy" and challenges to the "human layer"; contradicts decentralization narratives. **Multiple Perspectives:** - **Mainstream Crypto:** Meritocratic narrative based on technical contribution - **Critical:** Reproduction of existing power structures in new technological domain - **Aya's Framing:** "Wake up, crypto bros... there are new set of builders here. We don't really give a shit about your ego." **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Automating Inequality" by Virginia Eubanks; "Race After Technology" by Ruha Benjamin; "The Black Box Society" by Frank Pasquale - **Projects:** [Black Bitcoin Billionaire](https://www.blackbitcoinbillionaire.com/); [She256](https://www.she256.org/) - **Case Study:** Distribution of venture capital funding in blockchain startups by geography and founder demographics ### C. Hope as Infrastructure **Definition:** The concept that hope functions as essential infrastructure for resilient communities and technology development—what Michael describes as "hope is what fuels our movement." **Evolution:** Transforms hope from individual psychological state to collective resource for mobilization and resistance, particularly important in communities facing structural challenges. **Context:** Critical for understanding how communities in the Global South maintain technological development despite resource constraints and systemic barriers. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya's cultivation of "a belief in themselves that the world can be a better place" - Building long-term vision despite short-term obstacles - Creating sustainable motivation beyond financial incentives **Connections:** Complements "trust as currency"; underlies the "human garden" approach to community. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Hope in the Dark" by Rebecca Solnit; "Afrofuturism" by Ytasha L. Womack; "Development as Freedom" by Amartya Sen - **Case Study:** The role of techno-optimism in post-colonial technological development ## V. Global Systems & Alternative Infrastructures ### A. The "Alternative Garden" Strategy **Definition:** Creating parallel systems and communities rather than attempting to reform existing ones, as described by Michael: "We're creating an alternative garden where, if you believe you need to cross-pollinate, you're welcome." **Evolution:** Builds on exit vs. voice theories of institutional change, but with emphasis on building rather than merely exiting. **Context:** Particularly relevant as existing crypto institutions become more rigid and resistant to fundamental change. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya's builder hubs as alternative development environments - ZooAfric as alternative to Northern-centered gatherings - Building protocols and applications outside traditional venture paths **Connections:** Implementation of the "human garden" metaphor; strategy for addressing "soft hypocrisy." **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Exit, Voice, and Loyalty" by Albert O. Hirschman; "How to Do Nothing" by Jenny Odell; "New Rules for the New Economy" by Kevin Kelly - **Projects:** [Economic Space Agency](https://economicspace.agency/); [Holochain](https://holochain.org/) - **Case Study:** Maroon communities as historical parallel to digital exodus communities ### B. "Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud" **Definition:** The deliberate practice of making explicit the power dynamics, contradictions, and challenges that are typically unacknowledged in technical and financial discussions. **Evolution:** From whispered critiques to explicit naming of systemic problems, creating space for more honest engagement. **Context:** Essential practice as blockchain systems become more complex and integrated with existing power structures. **Real-world Applications:** - Naming extractive patterns in community building - Acknowledging colonial patterns in technology deployment - Directly addressing power concentrations in supposedly decentralized systems **Connections:** Strategy for confronting "soft hypocrisy"; supports building more authentic trust. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Bullshit Jobs" by David Graeber; "The Internet of People" by Geert Lovink; "Algorithms of Oppression" by Safiya Umoja Noble - **Projects:** [Distributed Cooperative Organizations](https://disco.coop/); [Kernel Community](https://kernel.community/) - **Case Study:** The evolution of critical discourse in early internet development ### C. "Value Beyond Pity" Framework **Definition:** Eric's articulation that meaningful engagement must be based on value exchange rather than charity or pity: "It's not about, oh, because I'm African, employ me. No, it's about value." **Evolution:** Challenges both colonial savior narratives and extractive exploitation models, proposing value-centric relationships as alternative. **Context:** Critical for shifting blockchain development from speculative to substantive, particularly in cross-regional engagement. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya's approach to partnership rather than aid - Focus on measurable outcomes rather than symbolic inclusion - Shifting from charity to investment mindset for Global South projects **Connections:** Supports "trust as currency"; contradicts typical resource flow patterns. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Poor Economics" by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo; "The Blue Sweater" by Jacqueline Novogratz; "Dead Aid" by Dambisa Moyo - **Projects:** [BitPesa](https://bitpesa.co/); [Akoin](https://www.akoin.io/) - **Case Study:** Impact investment vs. traditional development aid in African tech ecosystems ## VI. Future Trajectories & Strategic Horizons ### A. Physical Immersion as Perspective Shift **Definition:** The strategic use of immersive physical experiences to catalyze perspective shifts about technological possibilities, as articulated in Eric's explanation of ZooAfric. **Evolution:** From conferences to immersive experiences designed specifically to change mental models rather than just transfer information. **Context:** Particularly important as digital communication increasingly reinforces existing perspectives rather than challenging them. **Real-world Applications:** - Zuafrique as "21 days pop-up experience" in Kenya - "If you spend 24 hours in Zuafrique, your mindset will shift" - Using immersion to overcome preconceptions about regions and possibilities **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Seeing Like a State" by James C. Scott; "Metaphors We Live By" by George Lakoff; "Design Justice" by Sasha Costanza-Chock - **Projects:** Zuzalu; [Edgelands Institute](https://www.edgelands.institute/) - **Case Study:** Impact of study abroad programs on technological development perspectives ### B. "Hyperlocal to Global" Model **Definition:** Development approach that starts with hyperlocal infrastructure and needs, then expands to global relevance through demonstrated value. **Evolution:** Contrasts with typical top-down or universalist approaches to blockchain development, prioritizing concrete local implementation first. **Context:** Aligns with broader shifts toward localism in many domains, while leveraging global technological possibilities. **Real-world Applications:** - Aya's builder hubs as hyperlocal infrastructure with global connections - Projects like Socazim growing from local needs to 80,000+ users - Building proof points through measurable local impact **Connections:** Implements "human layer" priorities; contradicts typical scaling narratives. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Small Is Beautiful" by E.F. Schumacher; "Rethinking the Economics of Land and Housing" by Josh Ryan-Collins; "Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital" by Carlota Perez - **Projects:** [EthereumLocalism.Xyz](https://www.ethereumlocalism.xyz/) - **Case Study:** M-Pesa's evolution from local Kenyan solution to global influence ## VII. Methodological Approaches & Practical Implementation ### A. "Random Conversations" as Development Methodology **Definition:** Eric's observation that "most of the magic that has happened in this world is through random conversations, conversations that you don't plan" as a framework for technological development. **Evolution:** Recognizes serendipity and unplanned interaction as essential to innovation, contrasting with rigid planning approaches. **Context:** Particularly important as AI and algorithmic systems increasingly structure interactions toward predetermined outcomes. **Real-world Applications:** - Physical builder hubs designed for random interaction - Immersive experiences like Zuafrique that create space for unplanned connections - Community-centered rather than project-centered development **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Where Good Ideas Come From" by Steven Johnson; "Serendipity" by Christian Busch; "The Social Physics of Innovation" by Alex Pentland - **Projects:** [Creative Currency](https://www.creative-currency.org/) - **Case Study:** The role of "third places" in technological innovation throughout history ### B. "Investment not Charity" Framework **Definition:** Eric's articulation that ecosystem development requires substantial investment rather than minimal grants: "Can we get 1% of this to actually create what matters?... Test us with $10 million, test us with $20 million. Come back in five years. Come see the result." **Evolution:** Challenges both extractive investment models and inadequate charity approaches, proposing substantial but accountability-based investment. **Context:** Addresses the dramatic underfunding of Global South blockchain projects despite their outsized impact potential. **Real-world Applications:** - Contrast between Silicon Valley and African funding ($10M vs. $100K for similar traction) - Lisk's investment in Aya driving disproportionate ecosystem growth - Measuring ROI through actual utility and adoption rather than token prices **Connections:** Implements "value beyond pity"; challenges casino economics. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid" by C.K. Prahalad; "Winners Take All" by Anand Giridharadas; "Reimagining Capitalism" by Rebecca Henderson - **Case Study:** Impact of patient capital vs. venture capital on African tech ecosystem development ### C. "Bits and Atoms" Balance **Definition:** Taylor's observation about the necessary integration of digital technologies ("bits") with physical reality ("atoms"), and how Aya inverts typical patterns: "You guys started with the atoms and you realize that the bits are important." **Evolution:** Challenges digital determinism by emphasizing the necessary grounding of technology in physical reality and human needs. **Context:** Particularly important as virtual experiences increasingly dominate technological development conversations. **Real-world Applications:** - Physical builder hubs as foundation for digital development - Starting with actual human needs rather than digital possibilities - Building technology that addresses material conditions first **Connections:** Supports "human layer" priorities; challenges purely virtual organizational models. **Further Exploration:** - **Readings:** "Bit by Bit" by Matthew J. Salganik; "Flesh and Machines" by Rodney Brooks; "The Stack" by Benjamin Bratton - **Case Study:** The evolution of internet cafes in developing regions as physical-digital infrastructure