Some of us are old enough to have become nostalgic for the so-called "golden days" of the Internet. While dial-up connectivity was slow for its time, we simply did not know any better. User interfaces, although rudimentary, were straightforward. We were not obligated to learn about the intricacies of modern e-wallets to perform everyday transactions (even if somewhat rare). Third-party music download sites such as LimeWire kept us entertained for hours, and MySpace was the craze.

Unfortunately, times change. Technology advances. Legacy software might no longer function (although some users still love with Windows XP operating system). The problem here is that not all changes are for the better. This is completely relevant when discussing how complicated online payments have become. Why not do away with the fluff, and get back to the basics?

Let's take a look at why complications have no place within the larger digital payment ecosystem, and how a straightforward UX is becoming the name of the game.

Jumping Through Digital Hoops to no Avail

Many third-party payment services (especially fiat-based systems) often tout their point-and-click nature. In other words, they claim to make things simple for the end user. This is more fiction than reality in many cases. Consider the gripes that have come to frustrate countless consumers:

• Processing times that could take days to complete.

• Hidden third-party transaction fees.

• Fiat exchange rates that can cause the price of products to unexpectedly increase.

• Complicated bank transfers.

• Options that are only available during specific hours.

Let's also mention that merchants can suffer from additional pain points:

• Lengthy settlements that may hamper in-house operations.

• Incompatible software platforms.

• POS systems limited to specific options.

• Poor sales returns due to cart abandonment.

Although it could be argued that outdated technology is at fault, this is only part of the equation.

Too many payment systems believe that novelty sells. They operate under the premise that innovation, a flashy user interface (UI), and "bells and whistles" attract consumers. However, experimentation can easily lead to software that is virtually impossible to decipher. There can also be times when overall functionality is sacrificed as a result. It makes little sense to make things more convoluted than they have to be. In other words, the rather coarse expression "keep it simple, stupid" is perfectly applicable to the online payment ecosystem.

Betting on Boring

The next great leap forward when it comes to cryptocurrency payments has little to do with breaking the mould. Engineers are not concerned about a flashy UX. Merchants are not keen on the prospect of relearning yet another POS system. Consumers are hardly willing to descend into a digital rabbit's hole simply to send, or receive money. Simply stated, there is nothing wrong with boring. Let's use a relevant example to understand how functionality always trumps fluff.

Welcome to the Polygon Open Money Stack

The team at Polygon has developed Open Money Stack to address the very same issues outlined above. Forget about needless bloatware, complicated interfaces, and enough fine print to fill an encyclopedia. They have instead decided to focus on the core metrics of cryptocurrency transactions. These include:

• Consistently low fees.

• Predictable settlement periods.

• Lightning-fast payment processing.

• Modular infrastructure able to be quickly integrated.

• 24/7 access to global transactions.

• Cross-chain compatibility.

• On-chain merchant access to all funds.

• On- and off-ramps

• Enterprise-grade wallets

• Transactions orchestration

• Fast, efficient, evolving blockchain rails

While these are all impressive in their own right, perhaps the most attractive feature of Open Money Stack involves its decidedly intuitive design. Polygon has done away with steep learning curves, software that might not suit all business models, and the concept of one size fits all. They have instead created modular simplicity; ideal for buyers and sellers alike.

When we remember the fast-paced nature of today's digital payment architecture, boring is back. Simplicity is key when paired with second-to-none levels of functionality. The Polygon Open Money Stack is a perfect example of why there is nothing wrong with going back to the basics. It will be interesting to see if other firms follow their lead.