Integrating a Feedback Form into Your DApp for Scalable User Data Collection

The shift toward web3 continues to transform how we build and interact with digital applications. For developers, maintaining user engagement, enabling community-driven decisions, and collecting actionable insights are essential for growth. One effective way to achieve these goals is by integrating a feedback form directly into your decentralized application (dApp). These forms help bridge the communication gap between users and developers, support real-time feedback at scale, and promote a culture of active participation and inclusive decision-making.

From decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) using forms for on-chain governance to businesses seeking employee input, the applications are diverse and powerful. This guide walks you through the process of integrating a feedback system into your dApp’s backend to start gathering user insights efficiently.

Understanding Feedback Forms in Web3

Feedback forms in blockchain environments differ from traditional web forms due to their transparency, security, and anonymity features. By leveraging smart contracts, these forms ensure tamper-proof data collection and verifiable results—key tenets of the web3 ethos.

They allow dApp users to:

Share opinions and suggestions anonymously.
Participate in community decisions.
Help developers identify areas for improvement in real time.

Introducing an Open-Source Feedback Tool

Form xChange is an open-source tool designed for creating and managing feedback forms on the blockchain. Although its smart contract is currently deployed on Linea, its architecture is compatible with any Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) network.

The platform allows users to cast anonymous votes on proposals and enables both creators and participants to view results transparently. Built with Next.js and Solidity, Form xChange uses two primary smart contracts:

FeedbackForm Contract: Manages individual form instances.
FeedbackFormFactory Contract: Deploys new forms automatically.

Roles and Capabilities

Form Authors

Create new forms with multiple questions.
View average scores and aggregated responses.

Participants

Submit anonymous feedback.
Access results after submitting responses.

Steps to Integrate a Feedback Form into Your dApp

While some users may rely on pre-deployed instances of Form xChange, those with specific needs may want to host their own version or customize the user interface. Below, we focus on backend integration.

Prerequisites

Node.js (v16 or higher)
Truffle development environment

Cloning and Setting Up the Backend

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/Consensys/Form-XChange.git

Navigate to the contract directory:
```
cd Form-XChange/packages/form-XChange
```
Compile the contract:
```
truffle compile
```
Run tests to verify functionality:
```
truffle test
```

Deploying to the Linea Network

Linea is a Type 2 zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) that offers Ethereum-level security with lower transaction costs and faster finality. Its compatibility with popular development tools and default MetaMask integration make it ideal for deploying dApp components like Form xChange.

Deployment Steps

Start the Truffle dashboard:
```
truffle dashboard
```
Open localhost:24012 in your browser, connect your MetaMask wallet, and select Linea from the networks dropdown.
In a new terminal, run:
```
truffle migrate --network dashboard
```
Confirm the deployment transaction via the MetaMask prompt.

After completion, the terminal will display the new contract address. You can verify the deployment using the Linea block explorer.

Simplifying Wallet Connectivity with MetaMask SDK

To ensure users can interact with your dApp seamlessly, integrating a reliable wallet connection is crucial. MetaMask offers built-in support for Linea, and the MetaMask SDK simplifies integration across web, mobile, and gaming platforms.

Integrating MetaMask SDK into a React Project

Install the SDK:
```
npm install @metamask/sdk
```

Import and initialize it in your project:

import { MetaMaskSDK } from '@metamask/sdk';

const sdk = new MetaMaskSDK(options);
const provider = sdk.getProvider();

Request account access:

window.ethereum.request({ method: 'eth_requestAccounts', params: [] });

This method triggers the connection prompt, making it easy for users to link their wallets. 👉 Explore more strategies for seamless integration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of using blockchain for feedback forms?
Blockchain ensures transparency, immutability, and anonymity. Responses are recorded on-chain, preventing manipulation and enabling verifiable results.

Can I use Form xChange on non-EVM networks?
Currently, Form xChange is optimized for EVM-compatible blockchains. Adapting it for non-EVM networks would require significant modifications.

Is MetaMask the only wallet supported?
While Form xChange is designed with MetaMask in mind, its open-source nature allows developers to extend support to other wallets.

How can I customize the feedback form’s design?
You can modify the frontend code since the tool is open-source. The UI is built with Next.js, offering flexibility in design and functionality.

Are there costs associated with deploying forms?
Yes, deploying smart contracts and submitting transactions require gas fees, which vary based on network congestion.

Can I use this for commercial applications?
Yes, Form xChange is open-source and can be used in both personal and commercial projects.

Conclusion

Integrating a feedback form into your dApp can significantly enhance user engagement, provide valuable insights, and support decentralized decision-making. With tools like Form xChange and networks like Linea, developers have accessible, scalable options for building more interactive and community-driven applications.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to set up the backend, deploy to Linea, and integrate wallet connectivity using the MetaMask SDK. These steps empower you to create a more dynamic, responsive, and user-involved dApp experience.