As the bitcoin ecosystem continues to expand, innovative projects are emerging to enhance user experience and facilitate seamless transactions. One such project is DamageBDD, which aims to empower users to verify information at a low cost while leveraging the capabilities of the Lightning Network.
At DamageBDD, they believe in transforming the way software is built, tested, and delivered. As a bitcoin-first, blockchain-powered platform, they specialize in Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) to ensure the highest standards of quality, resilience, and integrity in software systems.
By combining cutting-edge verification tools with a robust tokenized ecosystem, DamageBDD empowers high-performance development teams and engineering leaders to create reliable software while unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. 
In an interview, we explore the insights and experiences of Steven Joseph; the brains behind DamageBDD, discussing his journey into the bitcoin and Lightning space, the challenges encountered, and his vision for the future of money.
First Steps into Bitcoin
- What initially drew you to the world of bitcoin and the Lightning Network?
The capacity to transmit funds directly cross border, avoiding having to deal with traditional banking, and as a career programmer bitcoin was a natural transition to independence. I started with Lightning network when exploring ways for customers of DamageBDD to fund their tests and provide such a service at a very low cost.
Overcoming Challenges in the Space
- What was the most challenging aspect of getting started in this space?
Still extremely early, complacency and resistance from the old guard gate keeping their interests over growth, extreme scepticism from the plebs, working with banks and exchanges to move funds, adapting and learning security hygiene habits for safe self custody and operations.
- What are some common misconceptions about the Lightning Network that you encounter?
That it’s fully automatic.
- What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing the Lightning Network?
Maturity of clients, channel funding and payment routing issues, especially if your are setting up your own infrastructure. Of course hosted solutions like WoL makes that easy.
Building on Lightning
- Can you walk us through a recent project you’ve completed on the Lightning Network?
I am currently working on DamageBDD.com. It’s goal is to enable humans to be able to verify stuff at a low cost. It incentivises verifications through lightning payouts.
- Can you discuss some of the technical challenges you’ve faced while building on Lightning?
Lack of many public repos with apps built on lightning, initial funding requirements are still high for node operation, reliable payment routing through channels.
- What are the most exciting use cases for the Lightning Network that you’ve seen or worked on?
HTLC Hold Invoices, I am working on integrating this into DamageBDD in many interesting ways.
- Are there any emerging technologies or trends that excite you in this space?
Channel rebalancing strategies liquidity floats, lightning enabled cross chain swaps.
Personal Projects and Recommendations
- What advice would you give to newcomers looking to contribute to the Lightning ecosystem?
Run a node open a small channel send some zaps on Nostr and engage in the community, many avenues to explore from there.
- Are there specific sectors or industries that you believe will benefit most from Lightning solutions?
All sectors that rely on reliable , cheap and instant micro transactions.
- If someone wanted to get started with using the Lightning Network today, what would be your top recommendation for them?
Install zeus wallet on mobile , if you have a pc or laptop run a bitcoin node and core-lightning , It’s worth committing to.
- How do you approach user experience in your projects?
Currently the UX is very barebones and functional (barely) but I hope to build an ecosystem of different UI/UX layers based on complexity of the use case and the proficiency of the user.
- How important is community feedback in shaping your projects?
Very important and valuable, to set the direction and help with governance, but ultimately secondary to the purpose and aims of the project and its long term viability to the ends that meet its goal.
Vision for the Future
- How do you see collaboration between different builders in the bitcoin space evolving?
I hope to provide essential tooling for collaboration between all and any software projects through readable behaviour definitions (BDD). BDD is a proven methodology for sane software development.
- Where do you see the Bitcoin Lightning Network in five years?
Ubiquitous and essential for business operation.
- If you could have dinner with any figure in the bitcoin space, who would it be and why?
Any bitcoin developer I don’t think I have any idealized developer tbh, maybe when I advance in my understanding and knowledge, I will see the footprints of the gurus.
- In one sentence, how would you summarize your vision for the future of money with respect to bitcoin and Lightning?
The future is of abundant micropayments from abundant micro investments and microtasks, this is exactly what will cause the current fiat systems with blow up in costs hence the real strength of bitcoin lightning, its; true calling to unlock the abundance of wealth and human potential.
- Finally, what’s next for you personally, and how can we support your journey moving forward?
Primary goal is to establish a liquidity stream to support the DamageBDD project and drive awareness and adoption.
