In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the complexities of selecting the right website design and development agency. They explore the prevalent mistrust among buyers in the industry, the importance of having a comprehensive brief, and the key factors to consider when evaluating potential agencies. The discussion emphasizes the significance of agency processes, technology expertise, portfolio analysis, cultural fit, and ongoing support. They also provide practical questions for clients to ask before hiring an agency, aiming to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their vendor selection process.

In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss various content management systems (CMS) and their implications for businesses. They explore the risks associated with third-party integrations, the evolution of CMS platforms, and the importance of evaluating options based on specific business needs. The discussion covers site builders, traditional CMS, headless CMS, and enterprise solutions, highlighting the pros and cons of each. They also touch on the role of open source in CMS choices and the emergence of digital experience platforms (DXP).

In this episode, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the world of Content Management Systems (CMS), exploring various types such as traditional, headless, and enterprise CMSs. They discuss the pros and cons of each, providing insights into what to look for and avoid when choosing a CMS. The conversation also touches on the scalability of different CMS platforms and their suitability for various business needs.

This week, we talk through the red flags that show up long before a CMS becomes a problem. Slow publishing, brittle layouts, broken plugins, tech-stack friction—if any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to rethink your platform. We cover the core criteria teams should use when evaluating their next CMS.

In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana delve into the intricacies of managing complex projects. They explore what defines project complexity, the impact of that complexity on project management, and the critical role of discovery in navigating these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the importance of clarity, structured approaches, and effective communication among stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.

In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the critical role of vendor support in website management. They explore the differences between good and bad support, the pitfalls of traditional support models, and the importance of shifting from a reactive support mindset to a partnership approach. The discussion emphasizes the need for value-driven retainers, the significance of knowledge transfer, and the red flags to watch for in vendor relationships. Ultimately, they highlight the challenges clients face in finding the right vendor partnership that aligns with their goals.

In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana explore the distinctions and overlaps between UX design and web design. They discuss the evolution of these fields, the importance of treating websites as products, and the role of user experience in achieving business goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the challenges of defining roles within the design industry.

In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the intricacies of project management and vendor sourcing in digital transformation projects. They emphasize the importance of clear scoping, defining objectives, and involving stakeholders early in the process. The discussion also covers budgeting strategies and the significance of framing problems rather than solutions when initiating projects. The conversation concludes with a recap of key takeaways for marketers to ensure successful project execution.

In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the evolving landscape of AI, focusing on significant developments such as Nvidia's massive investment in OpenAI. They explore different types of thinkers in the AI space, from pioneers to purists, and delve into the implications of AI on design and UX. The discussion also covers the 'Seven Deadly AI Sins' for UX professionals, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in the face of rapid technological advancement. Finally, they touch on speculative design as a means to envision a better future, drawing parallels to historical design practices.

Ultra-walking, AI flops, and the slow death (and rebirth) of design thinking. We unpack OpenAI's new Forward Deployed Engineer role, why 95% of enterprise AI projects stall, and how design lost its strategic seat. Plus: Toronto's suffer-fest walking trend, car UX done right (hello, 360° sensors), and a quick detour through travel chaos with kids. (Short alt:) Walking trends, failing AI rollouts, and why design must be more than pixels.

A catch-up from Florence to typewriters to tech. We swap travel war stories (kids, lounges, gelato), then dig into WCAG 3.0's shift to bronze/silver/gold and what broader accessibility means for apps, VR/AR, and AI. We compare notes on AI's impact on agency margins, why generalists may have the edge, and how productization invites copyable workflows. Plus a quick detour through Italian design history—Olivetti's design-led culture and its influence on Apple—and a peek at CMA councils, speaking gigs, and early podcast metrics. All roads lead back to systems, not just screens. Alt (short): Airports, AI, accessibility, and Olivetti—why the future of design is systems, not just screens.

Marcello and Symon vibe-cast through the collapse of several industries while remaining oddly optimistic. The duo opens by confronting the death of human music via Suno AI (RIP popular music), before diving into the Financial Times' report on "Google Zero" - the race to zero organic traffic as AI search cannibalizes the entire internet. Marcello shares Ethereum's shocking discovery of user experience (only took them until 2026), promising to cut transaction times from a leisurely 19-minute coffee break to 15 seconds. Simon counters with MIT data showing 95% of enterprise AI projects are failing spectacularly, though mostly because nobody knows how to measure "vibes improved by ChatGPT." The conversation peaks with the Pentagon Pizza Index - a real website tracking Domino's deliveries to predict global crises - which somehow connects to Polymarket, where $56 million is currently riding on Federal Reserve decisions and Bad Bunny vs. Taylor Swift supremacy. They close with a requiem for the term "MVP," which has apparently lost all meaning in the wild, suggesting we just accept that proof-of-concepts are the new MVPs and MVPs are now just... the entire product. Also discussed: AI scrapers destroying websites, why UX designers should just call themselves web designers, and Marcello's shocking exit from the Ethereum game.

A candid 30-minute conversation between Symon and Marcello about algorithms, AI in the workplace, and the "fast fashion" era of SaaS. From LinkedIn rage-bait to AWS' stance on junior developers, they unpack hype, anxiety, and what democratized AI means for small teams, security, and creativity.

Free Accessibility Audit Here!! https://www.designtennis.com/microsites/is-your-website-truly-accessible-find-out-now Don’t let accessibility issues put your business at risk. Discover how marketers can audit their websites, identify compliance gaps, and apply actionable fixes to meet AODA and ADA requirements. Learn more at: https://www.designtennis.com/microsites/is-your-website-truly-accessible-find-out-now Watch more videos at: / @tennis7631 Follow us on Instagram @tennis.digital Follow us on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/designtennis

What exactly is design? Design is a broad and multi-faceted field that spans various industries and disciplines. From graphic design to industrial design, from fashion design to web design, the concept of design is ever-present in our daily lives. But what exactly is design, and how does it impact our world? Co-founders Symon and Marcello of Tennis Inc, a user experience design firm, explore what they think design means from the context of web and user experience. They explore how they would define design, the different viewpoints of design from an aesthetic and planning perspective, how web design is a unique discipline, de-risking, and the importance of being agile in how you work as a designer.

We are back after a long hiatus with a new format discussing the role of digital and design in society, entrepreneurship, and businesses. In this episode, we dive deep into Brand Economics with Mark Radha a self-proclaimed "finance geek" and brand strategist who combines behavioral science and econometrics to formulate a data-backed strategy called Brand Economics which Mark has leveraged with tier 1 brands such as GE, Facebook, Cirque du Soleil, Canada Goose, SickKids, and Deloitte, to name just a few.

This week we wrap up our series with Nick Hobson, Ph.D. Chief Behavioral Scientist at The Behaviorist. In this episode, we talk with Nick about the origin of behavioural insights teams in government; and how the pandemic has pushed behavioural science back into the “lab of real-life.” This is our final episode in the series, and we are going to begin exploring some new themes moving forward. It has been an incredible experience, thanks for listening!

In this episode, we speak with Emma Quin, Executive Director of The Textile Museum of Canada about re-opening and how organizations like Museums will have to evolve and adapt as they reopen in waves.

We have 3 episodes left in our survive and thrive series before we end the series and archive it as a moment in time that we all experienced together. In this episode, we speak with Shane Saunderson co-founder of AI startup Babbly and currently researching human-robotic interactions during his PhD. We had a super interesting conversation about the evolution of robotics spurred by what we are currently experiencing through physical distancing.

In our most recent episode we speak with Tatiana Soldatova, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Syllable, an architecture and interior design company. We talked about how the interior design industry has been affected and how physical distancing may change how we think about designing workspaces.