Methodology
How Blockchain University Analyzes Systems
Blockchain University focuses on systems-level analysis, not market commentary or price forecasts.
Our work examines how blockchain systems behave under real-world conditions—especially during stress—by analyzing incentives, structure, and failure modes embedded in their design.
This methodology is designed for readers who want to understand how systems work, not simply what is happening right now.
1. Systems Before Outcomes
We begin with system design, not surface outcomes.
Price movements, narratives, and adoption metrics are downstream effects.
They are signals produced by deeper structural choices.
Our analysis starts with:
- Consensus mechanisms
- Settlement models
- Incentive alignment
- Custody and control assumptions
- Governance and upgrade paths
Understanding these components allows us to reason about behavior before it appears in markets.
2. Incentives Drive Behavior
Every blockchain system embeds incentives.
Participants—validators, users, custodians, developers, and intermediaries—respond predictably to the rewards and constraints they face.
We analyze:
- Who is rewarded
- Who bears risk
- Who absorbs losses when assumptions fail
When incentives are misaligned, fragility accumulates quietly.
When incentives change, behavior changes—often abruptly.
3. Structure Determines Risk
Risk is rarely eliminated. It is redistributed.
We focus on where risk resides within a system:
- On-chain vs off-chain
- User vs intermediary
- Immediate vs deferred
- Visible vs hidden
This includes distinctions such as:
- Settlement speed vs settlement finality
- Liquidity availability vs liquidity reliability
- Decentralization in theory vs control in practice
Understanding structure allows readers to identify risks that are not obvious during normal conditions.
4. Failure Modes Matter More Than Narratives
Most systems do not fail during periods of growth.
They fail when assumptions are tested.
We explicitly analyze failure modes:
- What breaks first?
- Under what conditions?
- Who is impacted?
- What recovery mechanisms exist?
This approach is common in engineering and risk disciplines but underapplied in blockchain analysis.
5. Frameworks Over Forecasts
Blockchain University publishes frameworks, not predictions.
Frameworks provide:
- Reusable mental models
- Clear distinctions between concepts
- Tools for reasoning across systems
They are designed to remain useful even as technologies, narratives, and market conditions change.
6. Reference Materials and Ongoing Research
Our published work is organized as:
- Public essays (orientation and context)
- Structured frameworks (core analysis)
- Reference materials (ongoing research and updates)
- Early standards drafts (for advanced members)
Paid members gain access to deeper research, early frameworks, and evolving reference materials as they are developed.
What This Is Not
Blockchain University does not provide:
- Trading advice
- Price targets
- Token recommendations
- Promotional coverage
Our goal is clarity, not persuasion.
Next Steps
If you’re new here, begin with the public essays and frameworks.
If you’re looking for deeper reference materials and ongoing research, you can view membership options below.