Airbnb Redesigns Platform for Long-Term Stays Amid Pandemic
Airbnb rapidly overhauls its app and homepage to prioritize monthly stays, online experiences, and housing for frontline medical workers as the coronavirus halts short-term travel.
Airbnb completely redesigns its platform in response to the coronavirus pandemic as short-term travel comes to a halt. The company shifts its focus away from typical vacation rentals to highlight monthly stays, online experiences, and dedicated housing for frontline medical workers. A team of several hundred employees spans multiple departments to execute this massive pivot in under three weeks.
The design process requires careful coordination because Airbnb operates in 60 different languages and must adapt to rapidly changing user behavior. Instead of simply adding a banner to the existing website, the team collaborates directly with hosts, governments, and travel partners to understand exactly what kind of support is needed. This deep research ensures the new features actually meet the demands of both guests and hosts during the global crisis.
Despite the challenges of remote work and personal struggles during the pandemic, the design team harnesses immense energy from hosts who eagerly offer their properties to help. The company dedicates significant digital real estate on its homepage so frontline workers easily find free or subsidized housing. Airbnb sets an ambitious goal of providing 100,000 homes for these essential workers through the new platform features.