An Accessible Interface Layer for Self-Sovereign Identity

The mechanisms and evolving standards collectively known as self-sovereign identity (SSI) offer the prospect of a decentralized Internet by providing central pillar for human-centered data ecosystem (HCDE). Once established this technology promises to afford participants same agency in digital realm individuals experience real world. Investigation suggests that domain is now sufficiently mature realize practically principles SSI, but order achieve sustainable adoption, significant design focused work needs be undertaken at interface layer. This paper presents recent practice-led research designed project current SSI prototypes scale through conceptual modeling, preliminary user interface, critical analysis. introduces term sovereign boundary mechanism (SBM), standardized collection interactions, which can described metaphorical ring sovereignty between participant wider network. Within model, control identity, relationships, streams access control. identifies domains interaction minimum required objects full-scale engagement an SBM. It defines component parts functionality HCDE require further consideration, it emergent concepts may lack mental model understanding. considers human computer (HCI) theory across internalized, external, distributed cognition, arguing trajectory requires internalized representations, prior knowledge, responsibility. argues these elements are problematic pose barrier adoption. In conclusion, community recognize obstacle potentially posed layer engage collective standardization, strategy, thinking increase probability