Favourite Product: Case Study

Everyone needs inspiration in life, right? Well, at least I do. When I need inspiration, I look around me. I try to make myself realize how lucky I am, how many privileges I have that millions of people only dream about. But does this mean I should become arrogant? No, neither should I stop improving myself. That's the ideology behind this topic, which is my favourite product, what features it have and how it can be further improved.

To get an idea of this question (Favourite Product) is that you should feel three P’s when you think about that product.

1.      Passion: You should be able to speak truth about it because you must have used it or studies about this product.

2.      Perspective: You should have a personalized arguable story about the product.

3.      Personality: It’s you talking about your favourite product. People should like to learn about it from you.

What is your favourite product? Mine is Airbnb. From A guest Point of View’s.

But, Why?

My favourite product is Airbnb. It helps me to choose my ideal accommodation while traveling, allowing me to stay within budget thanks to its clear pricing structure. Plus, I can make informed decisions based on the latest, authentic photos of the properties and a variety of reviews.

What is my story?

Few months back I used Airbnb for the first time when I was planing a trip to Goa. Previously, I relied for booking apps like OYO, MakeMyTrip, and Goibibo. However, with those apps, I have often encountered issues like outdated or inaccurate property photos, uninformed cancellation, hidden charges and biased reviews.

Due to my previous negative experiences with other booking platforms, I was hesitant to use Airbnb, fearing a similar outcome. However, my first impression after checking into my homestay in Goa was overwhelmingly positive. After checking in homestay, I found my room was ready, the air conditioning on, and all basic amenities like water, cleanliness was in perfect order. And property was matching with the photos uploaded in the airbnb.

Explain The Product.

It's an online marketplace that connects travelers with unique accommodations around the world. What truly sets Airbnb apart from other competitors is because other platforms are market place for traditional hotel accommodation sources like hotels.

Airbnb not only bypassed the traditional accommodation idea of a traveler i.e. hotels, motels etc. but they focused on the fundamental truths of First Principal of Thinking. They created a platform where individuals can rent out their spare rooms, entire homes, or unique properties. They didn't played by the hotel industry's playbook, they reinvented the game, by sparking a revolution in travel accommodation.

User Persona:

What does Airbnb offer for guests?

·       Unique Stays

• Personalized suggestions align travel preferences, interests, and past booking history.

• Variety of the options i.e. Dome, Home Stay, Villas, Guest Houses, Hotels etc.

·       UX via UI

• Easy to search properties, get detailed information of the property.

• High-Quality and authentic photos.

·       Booking Process

• Enter destination, choose in-out dates, explorer options and reserve it.

• save potential stays for later consideration in Wishlist.

·       Building Trust and Security

• Trustworthy verification systems to shorten the reception formalities.

• Secure and different payment system A.T. Global and country specific availability.

• Encourage users to share feedback after it is over.

• Built-in communication Tools and hidden virtual assistance via emails and SMS.

• Get to know other hosts, share your hosting experiences and exchange ideas.

Before Airbnb the user problems are:

• Difficulty in finding the perfect place: Dependency on traditional options, difficult filtering, unclear descriptions, misleading and wrong photos, misleading pricing (Change in price at reception)

• Booking and communication: unresponsive hosts, unclear cancellation policies (OYO’s partner randomly cancelling the guest booking without informing.)

• Unexpected issues: Due to false described amenities, wrong photos

How Airbnb handled the problems

• Verify the properties using Airbnb app by clicking images, recording videos, documentation, Attestation etc during listing.

• Clearer pricing so that guest and host don’t argue for price at receptions.

• Communication with customer care and guests is very easy.

• Well-designed cancellation polices for both host and guest.

• Let guest and host post accommodation post the reviews and responses.

What else you want Improve in the Product?

• Enhance property location accuracy: Guest adds incorrect geo-location for their accommodation in case their properties are not in prime location.

• Neighborhood Safety Information: Integration with local safety data or user reviews on neighborhood safety

Conclusion

Airbnb applied strong First Principal of Thinking to enhance the user experience and changed the game by providing verity of the options to choose for guests perfect stay based on their needs, likes and budget etc.

Thank you for giving your valueable time for reading, I will appricate if you take 2 minutes to write a feedback in comments or suggestions.