The Process
Problem Statement and Ideation
The Problem Statement my team and I were given was to take a humanistic approach to an interpretation of a data set. We chose to explore an Airbnb data set, InsideAirbnb.com, asking the question “How has the growth of Airbnb/VRBO listings affected the housing markets in different neighborhoods and cities?”
Focusing on Los Angeles County, our research sheds light on the unprecedented growth of Airbnb properties and its implications for housing economies. We began by researching property values, rental dynamics, wealth gaps, and Airbnb’s wide impact on the housing market, with an emphasis on its housing availability and gentrification. Research revealed that creation of Airbnbs in Los Angeles correlated with tourism, in turn creating rent gaps, driving gentrification and displacement in the city. Further, research revealing the impact of Airbnb on wealth gaps and state laws—rental properties in Los Angeles are able to be converted into Airbnb, and the lack of regulation has displaced tenants. The extensive amount of information on Airbnbs guided us through the creation of Airbnb Insights.
Ideation
The goal of our project, Airbnb Insights, was to study and map the proliferation of Airbnb and VRBO accommodations, and their influence on the housing market in Los Angeles, California. We also we aimed to address how Los Angeles should respond to this influx of short-term rental accommodations, which has resulted in higher rental costs and increased evictions, further widening the socio-economic gap.
Given the extensive nature of our dataset, we first identified the key pieces of information essential for our analysis. We then curated and cleaned the dataset to ensure that it aligned with our research objectives.
To effectively analyze and present our findings, I used Tableau to create data visualizations. These visualizations not only served as a means to bring our data to life and represent it in a human-centric view, but also led our in-depth analysis, enabling us to derive meaningful insights from our research."
Wireframing, Work Flows, and Prototyping
In developing our website, we began with the creation of a user flow chart using Figma. This strategic blueprint guided the organization of necessary pages and subcategories to effectively present our research and data. Moving from low-fidelity mock-ups to high-fidelity designs, we emphasized clean aesthetics and intuitive navigation, ensuring a seamless user experience. Leveraging the collaborative features of Figma, our team streamlined the iterative design process, developing a visually appealing and user-friendly platform hosted on HumSpace.
In our design, illustrations tailored to Los Angeles were incorporated to visually represent the areas and issues discussed. Our narrative delved into power dynamics between socioeconomic classes in Los Angeles, reflecting on the multifaceted nature of power as noted by Michel-Rolph Trouillot. Through streamlined visualizations and thoughtful design choices, our website aims to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving housing landscape in metropolitan areas, like Los Angeles.
Impact and Reflections
Impact
Airbnb Insights sheds light on pressing socio-economic issues affecting urban communities. Our findings prompt a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by the proliferation of short-term rental accommodations.
Moreover, through our data visualizations and presentations, we've succeeded in making this complex information more accessible and engaging to a wider audience. Our project has contributed to a greater awareness of the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by the growth of platforms like Airbnb, paving the way for more informed and impactful interventions in the future.
Reflections
This project was my first experience in the Project Manager role, and it provided valuable lessons in teamwork and communication. I learned how to effectively coordinate and support my team members throughout the project, realizing the importance of active participation and collaboration. This experience highlighted the significance of being fully engaged within the team, fostering a strong sense of unity and shared responsibility.
Additionally, diving into data visualization was a rewarding learning journey. Through practical exploration with tools like Tableau, I grasped the importance of presenting complex information visually. I understood how visualizing data not only aids understanding but also captivates stakeholders' interest. This experience emphasized the importance of thorough research and effective presentation skills in communicating project findings. Overall, this project expanded my skill set and underscored the value of teamwork in achieving project goals."