Using Airbnb to find your next community
This project was a practice exercise for adding additional feature to an existing app. I chose to add a feature that would help digital nomads find places that meet their specific needs and allow them to connect with the digital nomad community in the area.
Project type: Personal
Time Frame: 1 week
My Goal
The goal of this project is to add a new feature to an existing app that is tailored to digital nomads. The feature should help digital nomads find places that meet their specific needs and enable them to connect with the digital nomad community in the area.
The problem
Digital nomads often face challenges finding suitable places to work from and connect with other like-minded individuals. They may also struggle to find reliable information on the local area and the amenities available. This can make their work and travel experience frustrating and lead to isolation.
Proposed solution
Add a feature to the app tailored for digital nomads, allowing them to search for specific needs like coworking spaces, cafes with good Wi-Fi, and accommodation with comfortable workspaces. The feature also facilitates connecting with the digital nomad community through chat groups, forums, or events, creating a supportive network for like-minded individuals. The new feature will provide digital nomads with a comprehensive solution for all their work and travel needs.
Design & Research process
Building an idea
I love Airbnb and use it quite a lot, I have many digital nomad friends who love to travel around the world. I've heard them discuss the challenges of being a nomad. One common theme is the desire to follow communities and connect with other digital nomads to avoid feeling lonely. Given this, I believe that it is natural to leverage the Airbnb platform to meet the unique needs of digital nomads.
Persona
Based on user research insights, I created user persona named Alex, to identify their needs.
Tech usage: MacBook Pro, iPhone and apps for work, communication, finding accommodation, connecting with nomads, and scheduling. he value reliable and user-friendly technology.
Personality:
Adventurous, creative, independent, and resourceful. He enjoy new experiences, but may feel anxious when plans change unexpectedly.
“I rely on technology to manage my work and travel as a digital nomad.”
Alex Burd is a 28-year-old freelance graphic designer currently based in Bali, Indonesia. Alex is a digital nomad who has been traveling and working remotely for the past 3 years. He loves the freedom that comes with being a digital nomad, but also recognizes the challenges that come with it. He values being able to work from anywhere and experience different cultures, but finds it difficult to establish a routine and maintain work-life balance.
Challenges:
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Establishing routine while constantly traveling and working.
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Finding a sense of community and social connections while on the move.
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Often encounter unreliable or expensive accommodation options.
Goals:
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Find a community of like-minded individuals.
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Find reliable and affordable places to stay.
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Maintain a healthy work-life balance while working remotely and traveling.
Design guidelines
01
Seamlessly integrate the new feature with the existing Airbnb platform to ensure a smooth and familiar experience for users.
02
Keep the new feature simple and easy to use to prevent overwhelming users and damaging the regular Airbnb experience and flow.
03
Follow a similar flow to the original platform but create a different filter search based on the nomad needs. The new feature should offer a variety of options for digital nomads to filter their search and find the most suitable accommodations for their needs, such as fast and reliable internet and comfortable workspaces.
04
Offer places to stay that have an active community and provide the option to connect with other digital nomads. This will help digital nomads find like-minded individuals and create a sense of community while traveling and working remotely.
Digital nomads essentials filter
The "Digital nomads essentials" filter enables users to search for results based on specific preferences such as workspace availability, weather, digital nomad-friendly coffee shops, and active communities. This feature is designed to help digital nomads find ideal accommodations that meet their unique needs, allowing them to focus on work and enjoy their travel experiences.
Connect local communities
The second purpose of the project enables users to connect with local communities and participate in their events and activities, enhancing their overall travel experience by allowing them to meet new people and experience the local culture.
