Faculty of Design

Industrial Design

Esteban Poblano-Zenil

Airbnb Connect: Where Every Connection is Home

How can Airbnb deepen connections between Gen Z users by creating more meaningful social interactions before, during, and after their travel experiences?(Participation in the D&AD New Blood Design Awards 2024)

“Project Value Proposition / Description: Airbnb Connect is a proposed feature designed to bridge the social gap within the existing Airbnb platform. Through user research, it became clear that while Airbnb successfully connects travelers to accommodations, it lacks tools that foster deeper, more meaningful human connections among its users. Airbnb Connect introduces a social layer to the platform, allowing users to share short videos and pictures, chat with other travelers, and leave activity-focused reviews, all designed to make travel more personal and memorable. By tapping into Gen Z's strong desire for authentic experiences and post-pandemic connection, this feature turns Airbnb into not just a service, but a community builder. Insight, Idea, Impact: Unlike other travel apps that prioritize logistics or accommodation alone, Airbnb Connect reimagines the platform as a space where shared memories start even before the trip begins. Through this project, I learned how powerful research-driven design can be in identifying hidden user needs. It also reinforced the importance of empathy in UX/UI design, understanding that today's travelers seek more than convenience; they crave real, lasting human connection. Airbnb Connect addresses this by integrating social interaction naturally into the app’s flow, enriching the user journey and creating a stronger, more emotional bond between Airbnb and its community.”