NFTs are not just jpegs uploaded and minted on the Blockchain. Industry players are finding new ways to harness this technology and create game changing products that are shaping the way we interact. True, the recent crypto market slump may have dampened the spirits of the general market. However, industry leaders opine this is part of the market cycle and soon we will be out of the woods. This article is a primer on NFTs, their use cases and where the world is headed with regard to this technology.
As an art form.
This is the most notable way through which NFTs have gained prominence.
This technology has democratized art, enabling previously unknown artists to be at the vanguard of artistic development- enabling designers, artists and graphic experts across the world to earn passive income. Some digital artworks have turned artists into instant millionaires and much-vaunted celebrities in the art world . There are exclusive clubs created around some of these artworks, attracting celebrities and sports stars. NFTs have enabled artists to earn royalties even in perpetuity every time their artworks are resold. In some instances, sovereign countries are adopting them and finding ways to use them to boost economic output. Countries,
such as Japan, recently adopted NFTs as gifts for the civil service.
Government employees who perform well are gifted with NFTs; they use them for commemoration.
In Supply chain
NFTs have found notable use cases in supply chain management .
Manufacturers can use them to create unique tags for their products for provenance.
Consumers can easily scan these NFTs and help them get detailed understanding of the products they consume. Businesses can use NFTs to enhance transparency and boost efficiency as they can track products on real time . With one scan all supplier information can be brought to the fore.
This form of transparency can be, especially, helpful for perishable goods, medical supplies and fragile industrial products. Businesses can also use NFTs to enhance collaboration across
the supply chain – enabling them have one permanent track of records of the goods they procure. This ultimately helps businesses maintain a competitive advantage, cut costs, and build better inter- business relations.
As digital Identities
NFTs can also be used as digital identifiers. Their unique identifiers and qualities enable them to be potential tech candidates for a global registry. This is still controversial and industry players are still unsettled on how best to go about this.However, traction has been gained in the gaming industry where players can use NFTs to create unique personalities, ammunition or gaming accessories and even trade them. For sure , this is slowly gaining real-world adoption.
Some companies have developed NFT based KYC identifiers that automate the KYC process wile at the same time maintaining anonymity. What these do is that a user creates a single NFT with attributes such as age, address, location and gender. These can then be used across multiple platforms anonymously in the event that one needs to pass KYC. The details can not be accessed publicly and can only be shared with express permission from the owner. In the UAE,
the government has established a digital presence(consulate) on the metaverse using web 3.0 technologies that also encompass NFTs. This metaverse is meant to offer a digitally immersive experience where the country can promote their services and educate people about
the investment potential in this region. Visitors to the country’s digital platform will have a chance to interact with a customer representative and can be issued with a ticket where they’ll get their issues resolved.
These are tech development that can be directly attributed to NFTs and their uses as this industry matures, more products and services will be developed anchored on this technology.
Hail, NFTs.This is the new norm.