Five Questions with Colleen Purdy

Colleen Purdy

Experience Designer, Airbnb

“Our purpose is creating a world where anybody can belong anywhere.”

Colleen is part of a movement that is revolutionizing travel. At Airbnb, her team designs and builds customer service applications with the end goal of helping anyone belong anywhere. This past spring, Colleen shared her thoughts on design and collaboration with WE at our Design Week Portland panel event. Prior to her time at Airbnb, Colleen created digital experiences at Instrument, servicing clients like Google, YouTube, Alternative Apparel,  Let's Move Active Schools and Nike.

WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?

Twitter. Netflix. I love watching stand-up comedians—they are incredibly inspiring storytellers.

WHAT VALUES ARE UNIQUE TO THE COMMUNITY AT AIRBNB?

We care a lot about our customers and about each other. At the heart of that is a desire to connect with one another, and to be empathetic and understanding towards each other.

WHEN IS PURPOSE MORE IMPORTANT THAN BUSINESS?

Ultimately, purpose is what drives our business and the things we invest in. The essence of the company is built around our purpose, which is creating a world where anybody can belong anywhere.

WHAT ROLE DOES DESIGN PLAY IN SOCIETY?

Design serves this role of connecting people—solving bigger problems and being able to understand the root cause of an issue. Design brings everybody along on the journey of solving problems.

WHO WOULD YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION BE WITH?

Beyoncé.

Follow Colleen on social media:

• Linked In
• Twitter
• Instagram