Airbnb was not a brand new concept. So, what makes it stand out?
Reflection point: Usability, Accessibility, and Ethics
I’m a big fan of backpacking and traveling. Back in the days before I came across Airbnb, Hostelworld.com was one of my favorite platforms for finding short-term accommodations. In fact, there were many other home-rental companies long before Airbnb. Such as HomeAway.com, VRBO.com, Couchsurfing.com, Housetrip.com…etc. So, why did it take off? What makes Airbnb stand out?
My first impression was it was designed differently. The website was appealing and user-friendly with a slick and minimalist design. While the other sites were clogged with overwhelming contents and information, the homepage of Airbnb was full of big and lush photos which make it instantly look more fun and inviting to use.
Airbnb’s unique “user experience” not only reflected in its design-friendly interface but also emerged through out the whole interactive process between the “host” and the “guest.” Guest can easily reach the host with the instant messages feature. Users’ profiles, reviews, and the interactive map were a big part of the experience. Travelers can quickly compare price and location between properties. Payment process was seamless and contained on both the website and on the mobile app.
One of the essential queries in Airbnb was the location. Before Airbnb, most home-rental companies were focused on the second homes in suburb area or resort destinations, while the majority of Airbnb’s listings are studios and one-two bedroom apartments in cities. The idea of sharing a space while both parties remained present makes both hosting and accommodations renting much more accessible. More importantly, travelers could now have a chance to truly experience the local life at an affordable price.
So even there were plenty of other companies in the same category industry, and while Airbnb didn’t create the concept of short-term rentals. It’s well-played users experience shows that you don’t always have to bring to market a whole new invention to be disruptive. Sometimes, the most successful idea comes from looking at something ordinary in a slightly extraordinary way.
