Just some first thoughts after running through the site. Maybe others might chime in but a lot of ground was covered previously.
1. Interface. The logic behind the redesign is solid. While the premise is fantastic, this version of the final product feels clunky. Based on the premise that Airbnb is actively chasing the "unique travel experience market" - without mentioning any specific sociodemographics - this boils down to travelers that have a some cash and follow the holy grail of everything being tailored to a local experience. That market and every other one as well now wants quick and easy. Personally, this feels at certain interaction points a rehash of the best ideas of the web combined with too many options. It is actually somewhat confusing. This feedback coming from someone very comfortable using tools to organise and manage large amounts of data/projects/people. Give me a reddit type of interface or something in between. Not more and more. The old adage that less really is more comes to mind.
2. Involvement. I see what you did there. So no more community managers but instead levels of participation. So following this scenario to its end point means drop off of the most experienced contributors whilst trying to motivate people via their own initiative and appealing to the inner ego. Maybe it is better to change the wording of levels in light of contribution? Seems a bit Y2K or IBM 3rd party support site.
3. Host Features. Honestly speaking, I am still struggling to find out why meetups and the potential to schedule them were not included as part of the core release. It just forces everyone to Facebook. What a wasted opportunity to prevent drift out of the Airbnb Groups and solidify Airbnbs "community" focus point. Reminds me of a certain advertising campaign that was dead panned by SF a couple of weeks ago. As others have mentioned as well, ease of use to contact members directly and update. Logically it makes sense, but practical is never as direct as logical.
4. Purpose of the test group. I feel somewhat like a lost sheep jumping around the different areas testing things out as part of this group. Would it not make sense to ask for specifics in terms of the goals related to the redesign? Obviously Airbnb is trying to accomplish something here and Chip Conley or one of the others will be at the Paris Airbnb open touting the successful relaunch to lots of hand clapping. With that event only a couple of weeks away - what are the most important areas to be looked at to ensure the launch success? This goes beyond features, but more specifically to the point of making sure key executives can trust their end product. Let me know what to test and how to report it. But probably to late for now.
Thats my quick feedback. Also - where is my city in the mix? I didn't see any Oslo love in the city listing overview 🙂
Best Regards and hope this has some value.
John Richard