How to build a Passkey Product, a Strategy and Design for it?

Find out more about passkey integration approaches, technical considerations, and user experience design on our blog.

Enhance Your Authentication System: Designing and Implementing Passkeys

Passkeys represent a transformative leap in secure and user-friendly authentication. For enterprises, adopting passkeys requires a comprehensive strategy that balances user experience, technical feasibility, and organizational goals. Here’s an overview of the key considerations when designing and implementing passkeys in your systems.

Understanding Passkey Integration Options

Selecting the right integration approach is crucial for a successful implementation. Here are four primary methods:

1. Passkey Button (Manual Approach)
   
   Adds a distinct "Continue with Passkey" button, allowing users to explicitly choose passkey login. While simple to implement, it risks low adoption due to extra decision-making steps.

2. Identifier-First Approach (Automatic Login)
   
   Users provide their identifier first, and if a passkey is available, they’re prompted to authenticate seamlessly. This approach minimizes friction and boosts passkey adoption but requires mitigation against potential account enumeration risks.

3. Password + Passkey (Second Factor)
   
   Passkeys act as a second authentication step after password entry. While this enhances security, it introduces additional steps that could reduce convenience.

4. Cross-Device Authentication First (CDA First)
   
   Enables passkey use across devices by integrating mobile and hardware security keys, even on non-supportive platforms. It ensures broad compatibility but demands a robust user education strategy.

Designing User Flows for Seamless Authentication

User experience is a cornerstone of successful passkey implementation. To create intuitive flows:

• Cross-Platform Design: Understand variations in browser and device capabilities to ensure consistent functionality.
• Visual Prototypes: Develop high-fidelity mockups using tools like Figma to refine login screens and passkey creation processes.
• User Testing: Perform manual and automated tests to identify usability issues, especially in cross-device scenarios.

A well-designed flow simplifies onboarding and boosts user confidence, increasing passkey adoption rates.

Technical Considerations for Implementation

Passkey integration demands updates across several technical components:

• WebAuthn Compliance: Ensure your backend supports WebAuthn standards for passkey registration and authentication.
• Frontend Modifications: Incorporate the WebAuthn API to handle passkey interactions while maintaining robust security.
• Database Adjustments: Extend user profiles to store passkey credentials securely, adhering to best practices.
• Fallback Mechanisms: Design alternative authentication options for scenarios where passkeys are unavailable.

By addressing these technical facets, you ensure a smooth transition to passkey-based authentication.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Approach

Before implementing passkeys, evaluate:

• Security Needs: Align the solution with your organization’s security policies.
• User Base: Consider device compatibility and user preferences.
• Cost Implications: Assess potential savings from reduced reliance on SMS-based OTPs.

Tailoring your approach to these factors ensures alignment with your organizational goals and user expectations.

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Passkeys are the future of secure and user-friendly authentication. By prioritizing intuitive design, robust technical implementation, and strategic decision-making, enterprises can unlock the full potential of this innovative technology.

Check out our the full version of the Enterprise Passkey Guide here:
Part 1 - Initial Assessment and Planning
Part 2 - Stakeholder Engagement
Part 3 – Product, Design & Strategy Development
Part 4 – Integrating Passkeys Into an Enterprise Stack