{"id":2256,"date":"2016-03-25T13:48:19","date_gmt":"2016-03-25T13:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/03\/25\/10-brilliant-ux-features-from-the-airbnb-website\/"},"modified":"2019-10-15T07:19:24","modified_gmt":"2019-10-15T07:19:24","slug":"10-brilliant-ux-features-from-the-airbnb-website","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/searchenginewatch.com\/2016\/03\/25\/10-brilliant-ux-features-from-the-airbnb-website\/","title":{"rendered":"10 brilliant UX features from the Airbnb website"},"content":{"rendered":"

Airbnb has been very successful, to say the least. Of course, a disruptive business model has been a big factor, but a great user experience has played a big part.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While travel brands have. in general, been slow to adapt to the web, brands like airbnb (and booking.com) have shown the way in terms of UX<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, here’s a selection of UX delights from Airbnb…<\/p>\n

Easy search box<\/h3>\n

When you head to the airbnb homepage, user attention will tend to focus on the search box.<\/p>\n

It’s simple to get started too: enter destination, check in\/out dates and number of guest and you’re in.<\/p>\n

\"airbnb<\/a><\/p>\n

Compare this to the ibis homepage (both shots show what’s visible above the fold). The search box doesn’t stand out against all the other elements on the page.<\/p>\n

\"ibis<\/a><\/p>\n

Search results pages<\/h3>\n

The presentation of site search results<\/a> is very important. The ease of use, ability to tailor the selection to your needs and find key information can\u00a0drive more bookings.<\/p>\n

Here, the presentation is clear, and there are plenty of ways to sort and filter the selection of homes on offer.<\/p>\n

\"airbnb<\/a><\/p>\n

The ability to search by moving the map<\/h3>\n

I love this, as it suits the way I like to search. Let’s say you want somewhere near the centre of town (Seville in this case) or perhaps near a beach or other attraction – this feature allows you to search around that area without having to start again or amend your search radius.<\/p>\n

It also works well too, loading new results quickly and allowing a quick preview of the apartments helps.<\/p>\n

\"airbnb<\/a><\/p>\n

Mapping results is a key feature of most travel sites<\/a>, but airbnb does this as well as any.<\/p>\n

Urgency<\/h3>\n

Airbnb uses urgency well.<\/p>\n

This is\u00a0a useful tactic, as it pushes\u00a0the customer to come to a decision on whether or not to make a\u00a0booking.<\/p>\n

Here, when looking for a place to rent in New York next weekend, I’m warned that just 11% of homes are left. This means I need to make a decision quickly to secure a booking.<\/p>\n

\"airbnb<\/a><\/p>\n

Urgency<\/a> should be used\u00a0in moderation – use it too much and customers will learn to ignore the message.<\/p>\n

It should convey useful information, like this note telling me I’ve found an apartment which is usually booked up.<\/p>\n

\"airbnb<\/a><\/p>\n

Social proof<\/h3>\n

Social proof <\/a>helps to persuade potential customers through the wisdom of the crowds.<\/p>\n

So, in this case, if other people have booked here and enjoyed it, then that’s a big push for the potential customer.<\/p>\n

Here, it also acts as a quality control mechanism for airbnb, as bad reviews will help to weed out the poorer rentals, while the need to attract good reviews offers a powerful incentive for people to ensure their customers have a great experience.<\/p>\n

\"airbnb<\/a><\/p>\n

Images<\/h3>\n

Airbnb works around images. The homepage is image-heavy, but the most crucial use is in apartment listings.<\/p>\n

Many travel sites used to expect that a couple of small images would work, but people want to see detail. It’s a huge part of the decision on whether or not to book.<\/p>\n

It’s up to the homeowners to take and show a good range of images, but airbnb ensures they are presented well.<\/p>\n

There are a few key features here:<\/p>\n