The Host Co.
That thing you forgot? We got you.
My role
UX Strategy
User Research
Prototyping
UX Copywriting
UI Kit
Visual Design
Interaction Design
Year
2022-2023
Platforms
Webb App
(Desktop & Mobile)
save your last-minute walmart run; we have something better in store
The Host Co was founded by former HGTV producers turned AirBnB hosts Annie Sloan & Mikel Hubbard. The app alows property owners/managers an easy way to add retail items, specialty services, or local vendor upsells to their short-term rentals (an AirBnB host pain point first documented in 2007).
I was hired by The Product Consult to partner with a Product Manager on The Host Co. During our time together, we mobilized a team of 3 software engineers to test, build, and launch over 20 unique features. Our work together gained critical user traction and product market fit for their consecutive round of seed funding. Below are examples of some the features I designed during my time on the project.
Onboarding flow: user retention, transparency, & wayfinding
When I first joined the team, I initiated a series of interviews with current AirBnB hosts who had created a HostCo account, but had not completed their onboarding experience. During these interviews, I inquired about their understanding of the product features, and what value they understood the features to provide.
This provided crucial insight into understanding and mitigating the series of hurdles facing each new user.
new onboarding flow
In order to increase user control and efficiency (for both hosts and guests), I enhanced the add-product feature set. When adding new features, it’s important to ensure the user’s experience is focused, guided, and simplified. Prior to feature launch, I also redesigned the flow for adding new products to chunk out the steps.
Digital stores: adding new products
new add product flow
One of the biggest opportunities for improvement in the Host Co experience was the host store management experience. We needed to provide cleaner, simpler workflows for managing inventory and storefront appearance.
