What's on the Horizon

HeartBadge today handles identity, rewards, status, and messaging (via the live MessageBox core feature). The features on the Horizon represent the next architectural expansions of the protocol: Zero-Knowledge attribute verification and NFC-based Bump interactions.

These Ring 3 capabilities will allow members to verify aspects of their identity completely anonymously and interact with other badges physically at the edge, without a centralized mediator.

Zero-Knowledge (ZK) Roadmap

Zero-knowledge proofs do not just encrypt data — they prove specific claims without revealing the underlying information. For HeartBadge, we are designing three concrete capabilities:

1. Anonymous Membership Proof

Prove to a reader or venue: "I am a valid HeartBadge member, but I am not telling you which member I am." This enables anonymous venue check-ins, whistleblower verification, and private feedback mechanisms while ensuring only authentic members can participate.

2. Verified Attributes Without Identity

Prove credentials or milestones: "I am a founding member with 100+ check-ins, but you do not know my badge ID." This allows members to claim tier-specific access or rewards at events without exposing their complete identity or past check-in history.

3. On-Chain Delivery Proof

With the development of STARK verifiers for Bitcoin Script, we are designing verifiable message delivery receipts. Using OP_CAT + STARKs, the protocol can cryptographically prove that a message was delivered to a recipient, without disclosing the contents of the message to the ledger.

Physical Bump Interactions

Bump interactions bring the badge into physical spaces. Using NFC (Near Field Communication) or local reader scans, two badges can interact directly to execute trustless transactions:

NFC Bump-to-Connect

Two members physically tap their devices together to exchange badge identifiers. This registers a direct connection, allowing future messages sent between them in MessageBox to bypass standard search filters and rates.

NFC Bump-to-Send

Transfer MNEE stable-dollars or other rewards directly from one badge to another by bumping devices and confirming the transaction amount. This replaces the need for inputting badge IDs or scanning static QR codes.

NFC Bump-to-Gift

Transfer gift codes or sponsor a membership on the spot. Tapping an unactivated badge with a gift payload enables the recipient to activate their badge instantly.

Co-Sign Attestations

Two members sign a mutual proof-of-presence: "I was here, and so was this member, at this exact time." Both badges record the signed attestation locally. The members can choose to keep the proof private, share it with the event organizer for bonus rewards, or publish it to their public profile streams.