Introduction

In this UX case study, we explore AirBnB's venture into peer-to-peer payment and financial services, focusing on the introduction of investment options specifically tailored for hosts on their platform. The task involves designing 2-3 screens for a marketing website that showcases the new functionality. While the exact nature of these investment options, their simplicity or complexity, and the accompanying user flows are left open-ended, this study presents a comprehensive proposal, detailing the choices made and their rationale.

Background

<aside> <img src="/icons/dialogue_gray.svg" alt="/icons/dialogue_gray.svg" width="40px" /> AirBnB, a leading platform for accommodations and experiences, aims to enhance its offerings by introducing peer-to-peer payment and financial services for hosts. As part of this initiative, the company plans to provide investment options exclusively tailored for hosts on their platform. The objective is to empower hosts with additional financial opportunities and strengthen their long-term relationship with AirBnB.

</aside>

Objective

<aside> <img src="/icons/compass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/compass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> The primary objective of this UX design project is to create a seamless and intuitive user experience for hosts interested in exploring and utilizing AirBnB's investment services. The design should enable hosts to understand the available investment options, make informed decisions, and seamlessly integrate investment activities into their existing workflow on the AirBnB platform.

</aside>

User research

To gain insights into the needs, expectations, and pain points of hosts, extensive user research was conducted. The research involved surveys, interviews, and data analysis of host demographics and preferences. Key findings revealed that hosts desired additional financial opportunities to diversify their income and build long-term financial security. However, many hosts expressed concerns about the complexity of investment options and the need for user-friendly tools and guidance.

<aside> <img src="/icons/hashtag_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/hashtag_yellow.svg" width="40px" /> These empathy maps focus on the current pain points and needs of Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson regarding income generation without the investment feature. Understanding their perspectives and challenges will help inform future considerations for the development of income generation opportunities in alignment with their respective personas.

</aside>

Information Architecture

The rise of subscription-based services means that individuals often juggle numerous recurring payments. Ease Money wanted to offer its users a centralized platform where they could not only manage these subscriptions but also gain better control over their recurring expenses.

The information architecture for AirBnB's host investment feature plays a crucial role in organizing and presenting key components to hosts in an intuitive and user-friendly manner. Based on research insights and user stories, the following elements were considered when defining the information architecture:

1. Investment Types: Categorize the available investment options into clear and distinct types, such as stocks, real estate, or mutual funds. This classification allows hosts to understand the range of choices available to them.
2. Risk Levels: Clearly communicate the risk levels associated with each investment type, such as low, moderate, or high risk. This empowers hosts to assess their risk tolerance and make informed investment decisions.
3. Earnings Tracking: Implement a system to track and display the earnings or returns generated by hosts' investments. This feature provides hosts with real-time updates on their investment performance and fosters transparency.
4. Withdrawal Options: Clearly outline the available withdrawal options, including any associated fees, processing times, and minimum withdrawal amounts. This information enables hosts to plan and manage their finances effectively.