What’s Around?
Case Study
Adding a feature to Airbnb’s platform to help users find their ideal stay based on what’s nearby
This conceptual project, completed as part of Designlab’s UX Academy , focused on the challenge of integrating a new feature into an existing platform. I chose Airbnb to expand on its well-established ecosystem, exploring how a new guest-focused feature could further enhance Airbnb's already excellent user experience.
Duration
8 Weeks
Tools
Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate
Collaborators
Me!
Product Designer/Mentee
Ayelén Malequin
Mentor
Overview
Opportunity Space
Users frequently switch between multiple platforms to research locations and nearby attractions when planning their trips. How might we help Airbnb users consolidate their trip planning experience by finding stays that match their location needs?
The Solution
I created a location-based search system that combines hotspot recommendations and a 'What's Around' filter to help users find stays in areas that match their interests. Users can explore nearby attractions for their potential stays, enabling more informed decisions.
The Design Process
Research
Problem Discovery & Research Findings
Through secondary research and five user interviews, I explored how people approach the trip planning process, focusing on their goals and pain points. Here is what I found:
01
Trip planning can be stressful
Trip planning involves juggling multiple factors and sources of information, making it a time-consuming and stressful process for people.
02
Travelers value location convenience
Users prefer stays near their planned activities to save time and money, but struggle to determine if an Airbnb listing is conveniently located for their needs.
03
Users want to discover things to do
Users get recommendations and discover nearby activities before booking to ensure they make the most of their travel experience.
Interview Participant Quotes
“I like when hosts add pictures of the neighborhood and things to do, that way I can get a gist of the area before committing to anything.”
“I usually ask friends for recommendations on areas and activities first. If nobody's been there, I'll spend hours on TripAdvisor trying to plan everything out.”
Click through them
The Problem
Too Many Tabs, Too Much Time
Research revealed that users find trip planning overwhelming and time-consuming, often leaving Airbnb to research locations and activities elsewhere. This created an opportunity to increase engagement while helping users make better decisions.
I started thinking about...
How can we consolidate the trip planning process for Airbnb guest users, so they can save time and make more informed decisions?
Ideation
Finding the Best Solution
To address this goal, I needed to prioritize which insights to implement. I used "How Might We" (HMW) statements to transform these user insights into actionable ideas and facilitate brainstorming.
Define
Defining the Core Feature
After analyzing the proposed solutions, combining different elements rather than pursuing them in isolation seemed more effective. This led to exploring a search system that could address multiple user pain points simultaneously.
Ideation
Ideating the Feature Integration
I started visualizing by creating quick sketches exploring different patterns and layouts for integrating the feature. This was challenging given Airbnb's complex information architecture. Mentor and peer feedback helped refine these concepts.
Exploration 01
Exploring a “Find Hotspots” filter within the map so users can narrow their search based on popular spots for different categories.
Exploration 02
Modifying the listing card to include “Things to do” near the stay. To provide users more information about what is popular/activities in that area.
Define
Mapping the User Journey
To better understand the complexity of user interactions and key decision points, I created a detailed user flow mapping where and how users would engage with each part — from filtering and searching to exploring hotspots and nearby activities.
Define
Low-Fi Rapid Paper Prototyping
Building on insights from the user flow, I created a rapid paper prototype as a fast and effective way to test interactions and feature placement, ensuring all elements would maintain consistency with Airbnb's existing design system.
Testing
Usability Testing & Design Revisions
I conducted usability testing with four Airbnb users to evaluate the feature by providing various scenarios and tasks. Affinity mapping of their feedback revealed key patterns and areas for reducing friction. Here are some revisions:
Before
Users were unclear about what defined a "hotspot," needing more context about why these areas were highlighted.
After
I added specific activities and popularity metrics to give users more detailed information about each location.
Before
Users requested more granular activity filters to help them discover places that better match their preferences.
After
Added subcategory filters so users have the option to further narrow their search based on specific interests.
Feature Highlights
Introducing “What’s Around”
The new feature consolidates trip planning by helping Airbnb users find stays based on nearby activities. By bringing location insights into the platform, the feature saves users time while enabling more confident booking decisions.
Final Design
Here's the final prototype showcasing how users discover and find their ideal stay based on nearby activities and points of interest.
Reflection
Takeaways
This challenging yet rewarding process sharpened my approach to solving complex design problems. Here are my key learnings and next steps:
01
Staying Confident about Decisions
While navigating a complex design space presented challenges, staying grounded in user goals helped me make confident, informed decisions.
02
Approaching a Feature Addition
Designing for Airbnb's established platform pushed me to think more holistically—creating a feature that felt natural within their ecosystem.
03
Keep Testing & Iterating
Further testing could explore what additional location data would most enhance users’ booking decisions.
03
Optimizing for Different Devices
Though I focused on web where most trip planning occurs, a key next step would be adapting this feature for mobile users exploring destinations on the go.
See the complete process in my Notion Doc :)
