Intent-Based Architecture
An intent-based architecture is a DeFi design paradigm where users express desired outcomes ('swap X for at least Y units of Z') rather than specifying exact execution paths ('swap on Uniswap pool 0xabc...'). Solvers (also called fillers) compete to fulfill the intent with the best execution, often by sourcing liquidity across multiple venues, using their own inventory, or netting intents against each other. This inverts the traditional transaction model: instead of the user paying gas to execute a specific path, the solver pays gas to fulfill the intent and collects the spread between user requested price and actual execution. Intent architectures can internalize MEV — the solver competition converts what would be MEV extraction into better execution for users. Protocols using intent-based architectures include CowSwap (batch auctions), UniswapX (Dutch auction solver competition), and 1inch Fusion (Dutch auction with resolver competition).