Introduction to Web3 & DAOs

This unit introduces foundational Web3 concepts—the metaverse, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and blockchain-based identity and domain systems—using practitioner case studies and story-driven lessons. Students explore utility-first thinking, governance and membership models, and the practical steps to prototype a DAO, preparing them to apply these concepts in subsequent project-based units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze core Web3 and metaverse concepts presented in practitioner case studies (e.g., Cathy Hackl, Matt Gould) and identify implications for project management and entrepreneurial decision-making
• Evaluate the utility, governance structures, benefits, and risks of DAOs and membership-based models to determine appropriate use cases compared to traditional organizational models
• Apply a stepwise DAO design model to construct a preliminary prototype that defines purpose, membership rules, governance roles, token/utility considerations, and domain/identity choices
• Demonstrate synthesis of unit content by producing a concise project brief that prioritizes utility over hype and outlines next-step actions for implementing a Web3/DAO pilot in subsequent units