Experience with airbnb
Airbnb is known for providing people around the world with alternative housing options. Now people can host events on their site. These events range from small and intimate to a group nature exploration. This self initiated project was set out to expand Airbnb’s current icon set and work with their “Experiences” service.
In January 2018, Airbnb announced an expansion of their Airbnb Experiences service.
”In 2018, we are excited to share that we’ll be investing $5 million in the U.S. in our efforts to develop, support, and promote entrepreneurs through Airbnb Experiences, and expand to 200 cities across the country.” - Airbnb (Bringing Airbnb Experiences to 200 US cities in 2018)
With their goal to expand, this self initiated project was positioned to explore ways Airbnb Experiences can grow.
Icon Set
Airbnb takes a minimalist and lightweight approach when it comes to their icons. It synergizes well with their brand positioning as a welcoming and open service. Since it works well, the Experience icon set was designed to join this icon family.
Icon set designed by Jesus.
Current icon set used by Airbnb.
The experience icons were given more detail in order to show personality to hosts' events. The usage of the icons also allow for more detail since they will not be scaled as small as the existing icons.
The icons will fill when active.
Some exploration for advertisement style. The Experience icon can be paired with the Airbnb logo to sign off on billboards, videos, etc.
Symbol for Experience
One of the challenges for this project was creating a symbol for ‘Experience’. The initial concept was an icon of a camera, but it was too similar to an existing icon Airbnb already uses for something else.
After some sketches of abstracted ‘E’, ‘Ex’, shooting stars, and camera forms turned into something that mildly resembles a smiley face. In order to condition users to associate this symbol with ‘Experience’ it can be used within a camera icon and should be used in advertisements.
