The Nouns.build Platform
The nouns.build platform is the primary frontend interface for launching, discovering, and managing Builder DAOs. It abstracts complex smart contract interactions into a clean and user-friendly experience, allowing individuals and communities to create and participate in DAOs without needing to write code.
Platform Overview
Section titled “Platform Overview”What It Does
Section titled “What It Does”The platform serves as:
- A DAO launcher: Create a fully onchain DAO in minutes.
- A management dashboard: Interact with proposals, token auctions, and treasury funds.
- A discovery tool: Browse and learn from other DAOs in the ecosystem.
Everything that happens through the platform is executed onchain, making governance actions transparent and verifiable.
Hosted vs. Self-Hosted Options
Section titled “Hosted vs. Self-Hosted Options”There are two ways to interact with the protocol:
1. Hosted (via nouns.build)
Section titled “1. Hosted (via nouns.build)”- Fast and convenient: No deployment or server required.
- Managed frontend: All the logic is handled for you.
- Recommended for most users: Ideal for creators and communities launching their first DAO.
2. Self-Hosted
Section titled “2. Self-Hosted”- Customizable: Modify branding, layout, or logic.
- Requires development skills: You’ll need to fork the open-source code and deploy it yourself.
- Ideal for advanced teams: Great for DAOs with specific design or integration needs.
DAO Discovery & Profiles
Section titled “DAO Discovery & Profiles”How DAOs Appear and Are Categorized
Section titled “How DAOs Appear and Are Categorized”DAOs launched through the platform are publicly visible on the homepage and DAO index. They are typically sorted by:
- Launch date
- Auction activity
- Proposal volume
- Treasury size
This allows users to explore and compare different DAOs across the Builder ecosystem.
Profile Customization and Visibility
Section titled “Profile Customization and Visibility”Each DAO has its own profile page, featuring:
- Token auctions
- Proposal activity
- Treasury overview
- Governance settings
DAOs can customize:
- Name and description
- Banner image
- Token artwork or visual logic (NFTs or static art)
These profiles act as a landing page for new members and voters.
Feature Guide
Section titled “Feature Guide”Launch Flow Walkthrough
Section titled “Launch Flow Walkthrough”Launching a DAO on nouns.build takes only a few steps:
- Click “Launch a DAO”
- Enter basic details: Name, symbol, auction settings, governance rules
- Customize visuals: Upload artwork or configure token rendering logic
- Deploy: Confirm the transaction in your wallet to launch
Once deployed, your DAO will begin auctioning its first token and be publicly visible on the site.
Proposal Management UI
Section titled “Proposal Management UI”The proposal interface makes it easy to:
- Draft and submit proposals
- View voting timelines and quorum status
- Cast onchain votes directly through your wallet
- Track executed proposals
Each proposal page includes a live status indicator and transaction history for transparency.
Auction Dashboard and Analytics
Section titled “Auction Dashboard and Analytics”Every DAO has a real-time auction dashboard where you can:
- View current and past auctions
- Place bids
- See top bidders
- Track token issuance history
Some DAOs integrate analytics dashboards (e.g., Dune) to visualize treasury growth, proposal metrics, and community engagement.
Limitations & FAQs
Section titled “Limitations & FAQs”Known Issues and Feature Roadmap
Section titled “Known Issues and Feature Roadmap”The nouns.build platform is rapidly evolving, but some current limitations include:
- No built-in multisig or offchain voting options (requires integration)
- Limited support for DAO-to-DAO relationships or delegation
- Proposal templates are basic (no advanced formatting or attachments)
Upcoming roadmap features may include:
- Delegation and voting enhancements
- Easier token art customization tools
Confirmed Roadmap
Section titled “Confirmed Roadmap”- July 2025:
- August 2025:
- Add “User votes”, “User proposals”, and voting history to a new “Activity” tab on profile page (#318)
- August–September 2025:
- Enable payment streaming through proposals (e.g. Sablier, Superfluid) (#463)
- TBD:
- Community-led Nouns Site template (Noun Site repo)
What Requires Direct Smart Contract Interaction
Section titled “What Requires Direct Smart Contract Interaction”While most actions can be done via the UI, some advanced tasks may require interacting directly with smart contracts:
- Upgrading governance logic
- Adding custom proposal logic/hooks
- Migrating treasury assets across protocols
- Advanced rendering configuration
Developers can use tools like Etherscan, Hardhat, or the Builder SDK for deeper control.