Host to Guest

Building trust between hosts and guests

Host-to-Guest-Cover-wide

The project

Creating Connections That Matter: From Concept to MVP

Transforming a simple idea into a tangible product, I worked closely with an Airbnb operator to develop a mobile app MVP that enhances the interaction and trust between hosts and guests. This project involved reframing the initial business concept, designing a user-friendly prototype, and preparing the product for market testing.

Client

An Airbnb operator seeking to develop the MVP for a business idea aimed at enhancing the interaction and trust between hosts and guests.

My role

Service design strategist and product designer, responsible for redefining the service value proposition, structuring the design sprint, and creating the mobile app prototype.

The challenge

Reframing the business idea to create a stronger value proposition.

Through stakeholder interviews, we discovered an unexpressed synergy between hosts and guests: guests sought a trustworthy relationship with their hosts, while hosts had unique resources that could be further leveraged. Moreover, the local territory had untapped potential to become an active participant in this relationship. Hosts, with their direct access to guests, could become ambassadors for local businesses and experiences, enhancing the overall guest experience and building stronger community ties.

The Design Sprint

Collaborative design sprint to refine the user experience.

Following user research, we aimed to identify a concrete starting point for the MVP. Interviews with a group of hosts revealed a common guest request: assistance with groceries and finding nearby supermarkets. This insight led to the development of the MVP’s first feature—a tool that helps guests easily locate grocery stores and supermarkets near their accommodation. This practical approach not only addressed an immediate need but also laid the groundwork for building trust and communication between hosts and guests.

The Design

Designing a Seamless Experience to Strengthen Host-Guest Relationships

The mobile app was designed with a user-friendly interface that facilitated easy navigation and interaction between hosts and guests. The design incorporated atomic design principles, ensuring that components were flexible, scalable, and easy to adapt for future features. Key features included a seamless grocery store locator and personalized recommendations from hosts, all designed to foster trust and enhance the guest experience. The design also allowed for future expansion to incorporate local territory involvement, such as promoting local activities and businesses.

Results

From MVP to Investor Readiness

The completed MVP was well-received by initial users, who appreciated the app’s practicality and the enhanced communication it facilitated between hosts and guests. With a functional prototype in hand, I helped the client prepare a compelling pitch deck, highlighting the app’s unique value proposition and its potential for scalability. This effort culminated in the successful presentation of the MVP to potential investors, setting the stage for the next phase of product development and market expansion.