3 Experiences
digital | LinkedIn
LinkedIn is, basically, social networking for professionals. It is a platform that eases the process of connecting and developing your professional network through several functions, i.e. a built-in messaging function that allows users to directly contact others without the hassle of searching for their e-mail address. Potential employees are able to connect with working professionals, recruiters, and fellow colleagues, while keeping up-to-date with news and searching for job opportunities. Overall, it is an easy, more intuitive way to create and manage your professional connections.
digital/physical | Zipcar
Zipcar is a “do-it-yourself” car rental service that makes borrowing a car as easy as reserving a table for a restaurant. Everything prior to driving the car is done online or on the mobile app; users are able to choose where they would like to pick up the car, as well as which car from that location they want to drive, between what period of time. From there, all they need to do is go to the location, unlock the car, and drive. Like many modern services that are online, such as Netflix, Zipcar requires membership (which includes a fee) on top of the car rental/handling fee, but they are a lot cheaper and more accessible than a traditional rental service. However, like many modern services, the success of the service depends on how well customers care for the cars and follow the guidelines the company outlines—they put a lot of trust on the users to keep the system running efficiently.
longstanding | Lodging, Hotels
The hospitality industry, also known as holiday accommodations, hotels, lodging, etc., has been (officially) around since the late 1700s, while it was a practice since much earlier. Back then, hotels, or inns, were actual people’s homes that were open to travelers/backpackers, who just walked in when they needed a place to sleep. It wasn’t until around 1788 that specific facilities were built for the sole purpose of housing visitors, and a step-by-step system (reservation, check-in/check-out, maintenance services) that organized and maintained them. It was through the rise of the lodging industry that “travelling” and “exploration” gained a completely new meaning—one that is more accessible and exciting. It is also what influenced the food, tourist, and transportation industry to be what it is today, including the experience aspect of each. In fact, hotels might have been what connected all these services together.
