Why should there be only one reason? It has been obvious for years that design is a huge factor in Airbnb's success, and that it's a lot more than "bright pretty pictures". That shit is hard and they nailed it. I'm sure they did some other things too.
I feel like you're contradicting yourself here. Yes, there are probably more than one reasons for their success. That is why focusing on one (design in this case) is silly.
Slightly meta here - but I think everyone here (including myself) is just being pedantic about the article. If you want to know what makes successful businesses reading 1 or 2 articles about one on globally distributed publications is not going to give you the whole picture.
Its true, its not one thing that makes a good product. I think this article lines up with their recent release of their new branding, and this article is trying to turn that social snafoo into a positive. Which is a good move, and is what they should do. I agree nice pictures make a big difference. I was going to put a link to vrbo, but they went and copied airbnb's site. VRBO had average pictures and average functionality for years and the site and is much bigger than airbnb. I think it really all comes down to distribution in the end. Pretty pictures will get people to stay, but aren't end all be all.
Why should there be only one reason? It has been obvious for years that design is a huge factor in Airbnb's success, and that it's a lot more than "bright pretty pictures". That shit is hard and they nailed it. I'm sure they did some other things too.