Steal these ideas from Airbnb

I’m a huge fan of Airbnb. For my money, no one is better at squeezing all the business juice out of design. As a designer (and a frequent user), I’m continually amazed at their skill at not just adding functionality, but also deprecating less-used features. Good design isn’t just about adding, it’s also about subtracting.

Even the ebb and flow of their feature release schedule is well considered. They plan major releases twice a year, which allows them to plan, work, and communicate with users on a regular and predictable cadence. CEO Brian Chesky has openly discussed how this creates a natural rhythm to their operations. Maybe this most recent release (Winter 2024) triggers a product or design idea for you:

• Verified Listings: Airbnb has advanced its efforts in verifying listings to boost trustworthiness (checking that listings meet a set of quality standards and accurately represent the physical space).

• Highlight for Top Homes: A new feature, 'Guest Favorites', showcases top-rated homes based on user reviews and reliability data.

• Reduction in Host Cancellations: New tools and policies have been implemented that have resulted in a significant reduction in host cancellations (adjusting default booking settings, introducing clearer pricing tools, and implementing stricter policies and consequences for avoidable cancellations).

• Removal of Low-Quality Listings: Airbnb has also taken steps to remove approximately 100,000 low-quality listings that did not meet the platform's standards.

• Smart Lock Integration: The update includes integration with smart lock technologies, allowing hosts to offer a more seamless check-in process.

This sort of innovation is the natural output of embracing a user-centered discovery process. Click here to learn more about how Airbnb's Design Thinking approach has shaped its business and user experience.

Until next time, Mike-

ps.
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