airfinity@ airbnb

We were briefed by airbnb to create a flexible identity toolkit for airbnb’s airfinity (employee resource) groups to utilize as their internal DEI efforts grow. A successful solution must be intersectional in nature to speak to the groups’ individual identities, while still having a base system that is simple and accessible enough for non-designers to execute against. In terms of usability, this toolkit must first work as a Google Slides template, as this is the most likely “design tool” that will be used by the airfinity groups. One main constraint drove the work: it needed to be simple enough for a non-designer to use, but complex enough to celebrate unique identities. Polymode interviewed 17 Airfinity groups (Airbnb’s employee resource groups) spanning 16 countries and 11 languages, with a total of ~7,274 members—all with varying levels of design and visual communication experience. This process of research created a meaningful design system that elevates voices within Airbnb’s vast internal global community.

Out of two concepts, this was the one selected by airbnb to move forward. This concept is based on the idea of (Re)Raveling.

To (Re)Ravel is to reconnect— with our communities, our heritage, and ourselves.
This design concept was born out of the idea of visualizing the connections between Airbnb communities. Inspired by the raveling form of the Airbnb Belo logo, we Re(ravel) the trademark loop into the form of an @ a symbol associated with Airfinity groups.

In order to (Re)Ravel in an intersectional manner, we must first unlearn unconscious biases to (Re)Ravel how we speak about and design for communities that celebrate our diverse identities.
 

View More

Microsoft: Illuminated Meaning

Microsoft Future of Work

Queer Design History

Pagoda Snacks

Way to Go

National Public Housing Museum

↑Back to Top