Background Info:

Couchsurfing is a community platform that connects travelers with hosts who offer free accommodations. The company’s goal is to expand its presence in the US market, but unlike its success in Europe, American audiences tend to be reluctant to both host and be hosted for free.

This case study focuses on understanding the reasons behind this theme and explores how user experience can alleviate this problem.

Problem Statement:

How might we create a trustworthy environment for finding accommodations, ensuring that Couchsurfing users feel safe, supported, and connected to local experiences?