Ethereum ERC-6551 Standard: NFT into a Web3 Wallet

The Linguistic Challenge of Technological Development

The ever-evolving world of technology often presents us with complex concepts, which we aim to simplify and make relatable through language. Terminology such as ‘cookie’, ‘cloud’, ‘web’, and ‘spam’ is used to draw parallels between internet phenomena and everyday experiences.

However, one term that often faces criticism for its inadequacy is ‘wallet’, used to describe a common Web3 account tool such as MetaMask. Traditional wallets may contain currencies, personal identification, and the odd sentimental photo, but a Web3 wallet takes functionality to a whole new level. It doesn’t just store; it also serves as a key to a wide range of digital activities and even virtual locations.

A Game-Changing Protocol: ERC-6551

To complicate matters further, the recent introduction of the ERC-6551 protocol has taken the ‘wallet’ concept and expanded it even more. This groundbreaking protocol introduces token-bound accounts, transforming any individual NFT into what we could, for lack of a better term, call a ‘wallet’.

This exciting development was discussed in detail during a recent episode of the On the Other Side podcast. Benny Giang, co-founder of the iconic CryptoKitties NFT collection, and podcast host Chase Chapman, delved into the topic.

The Inspiration Behind ERC-6551

The seed for the idea behind ERC-6551 sprouted from a project that Giang developed alongside renowned streetwear designer Jeff Staple, known as Sapienz. The duo aimed to ‘reimagine the future’ of storytelling, fashion, and streetwear via profile pictures (PFPs). They challenged the notion that PFPs should remain static and unchanging.

Giang questioned why PFPs had to be static, asking, “Why are they wearing the same clothes forever?” This ignited the thought of launching a PFP that was not only visually appealing but also customizable, allowing for frequent outfit changes to express the individuality of the user.

The Birth of ERC-6551

However, keeping everything on-chain presented several challenges, notably the high gas fees associated with Ethereum transactions. This obstacle led Giang and Staple to a breakthrough realization at a San Francisco hackathon. What if NFTs had their own wallets, they pondered. Then, they could interact without the need for MetaMask.

Giang explained that with their own wallets, NFTs could own digital clothing items, like hoodies or t-shirts, to accompany PFPs. This realization spurred the creation of ERC-6551, granting every NFT its own smart contract account, or ‘wallet’.

The Impact of Token-Bound Accounts

Token-bound accounts give NFTs two crucial properties, as per Giang. First, the ability to own assets, including not just ETH and USDC, but other tokens and even NFTs. Second, the power to participate in social governance, acting as a signer on a multisig, having its own ENS sub-domain, or voting on proposals.

In conclusion, the Ethereum ERC-6551 standard is a significant step forward in the NFT space, paving the way for even more interactive and dynamic digital experiences. As we continue to grapple with the rapidly evolving world of technology, it is innovations like these that continue to reshape our digital interactions and redefine what we once thought possible.