A Digital Strategy Podcast

AEC is facing a perfect storm + digital disruption. Johanna Hoffman (Oomph Group) explains what’s happening, why it won’t revert, and how firms can reposition, align BD/marketing, and turn their website into a growth engine.Find Johanna Hoffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-hoffmann-b35b251/ Find Oomph Group: www.oomphgroup.com Find Marcello Gortana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellogortana/ Find Symon Oliver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/symonoliver/ Find Tennis: www.designtennis.com   LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysAssociations have unique digital needs due to their member-driven nature.Building in public can lead to valuable feedback.Monolithic systems are tightly coupled and may limit flexibility.Modular systems allow for more customization and scalability.Portals are essential for member engagement and retention.Requirements gathering is crucial for effective technology solutions.Mapping out existing systems can reveal inefficiencies.Testing software before commitment is vital for long-term success.Associations often struggle with outdated technology solutions.The right tech stack depends on the specific needs of the organization.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Building in Public05:23 Understanding Associations and Their Digital Needs07:10 Exploring the Tech Landscape for Associations11:20 Monolithic vs. Modular Systems17:50 The Importance of Portals in Member Engagement20:01 Requirements Gathering and Future Planning LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysBuyers often mistrust vendors due to past negative experiences.A comprehensive brief is essential for effective agency selection.Understanding your needs is crucial before searching for an agency.Evaluating an agency's process can de-risk your investment.Outdated portfolios can indicate a lack of current expertise.Cultural fit is important for a successful partnership.Asking for recent references can provide insight into agency performance.Support philosophy should be clear and value-driven.Measuring success should be a collaborative effort with clear metrics.Agencies that own the CMS they sell may not have your best interests in mind. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:37 Understanding Buyer Mistrust in the Industry05:30 Selecting the Right Design and Development Agency08:38 The Importance of a Good Brief11:32 Evaluating Agency Processes and Expertise14:33 Analyzing Portfolios and Case Studies17:23 The Balance of Specialization and Generalization21:51 The Importance of Transparency in Development24:13 Cultural Fit: Aligning Values with Vendors25:18 Support Philosophy: Planning for Post-Launch27:04 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring34:47 Evaluating Technology and Vendor Intent37:25 Recap: Navigating the Vendor Selection Process LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysThe more plugins you use, the higher the cybersecurity risk.WordPress remains a dominant CMS but has its challenges.Webflow is emerging as a leading web experience platform.Open source CMS can lead to maintenance overhead.Site builders are suitable for small businesses but may not scale well.Headless CMS is ideal for complex, multi-platform content delivery.Enterprise CMS offers governance and workflow benefits but at a high cost.The editor experience is critical for content management success.Chapters01:51 Understanding CMS Platforms and Categories05:57 What to Look for in a CMS11:42 Evaluating Traditional CMS Options16:26 The Rise of Webflow and Migration from Drupal20:01 Debating the Pros and Cons of Drupal21:32 Visual Development Platforms: Framer and Webflow26:58 Headless CMS: The Future of Content Management28:27 Enterprise CMS and Digital Experience Platforms (DXP) LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysExplore different types of CMS: traditional, headless, and enterprise.Understand the pros and cons of each CMS type.Learn what to look for and avoid in a CMS.Discover the scalability of different CMS platforms.Gain insights into CMS suitability for various business needs.Symon Oliver shares his expertise on CMS.Marcello Gortana discusses CMS categories.The importance of choosing the right CMS for your business.Common misunderstandings about CMSs.Why open source CMS might not always be the best choice.Title OptionsNavigating the CMS LandscapeUnderstanding CMS TypesChoosing the Right CMS for Your BusinessThe Pros and Cons of CMS PlatformsScalability in CMS: What You Need to KnowInsights from Symon Oliver and Marcello GortanaAvoiding Common CMS PitfallsThe Future of Content Management SystemsWhy Your CMS Choice MattersExploring Headless and Enterprise CMSChapters00:01:05 Introduction to CMS Types00:01:17 What to Look for in a CMS00:01:29 Categories of CMSs00:02:18 Headless and Enterprise CMSs00:03:00 Scalability and Suitability00:04:11 Specialty CMS Platforms00:05:27 Risks and Considerations00:08:46 Fun with Headless CMSs LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysClients often feel restricted by rigid website layouts.Content management can become a frustrating experience.A lack of flexibility in design can lead to client disengagement.Mental barriers can prevent clients from updating their sites.User experience is heavily influenced by website design.Clients may lock themselves into systems that don't meet their needs.The process of uploading content can be time-consuming and discouraging.Effective website design should prioritize user flexibility.Understanding client frustrations is key to improving design.Open communication can help alleviate client concerns. LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysComplexity arises from various factors including technology, people, and governance.The more people involved in a project, the more complex it can become due to internal politics.Discovery is crucial for understanding project scope and requirements.Budget and time constraints are key considerations in project feasibility.Clarity in project goals and deliverables is essential for success.Engaging stakeholders early can mitigate complexity and decision fatigue.A structured approach is necessary for managing complex projects effectively.Discovery should be treated as a standalone phase to ensure thorough planning.Understanding the audience and their needs is vital for project success.Communication is key to aligning expectations and understanding project complexity. Chapters00:00 Understanding Project Complexity06:56 The Impact of Complexity on Projects11:08 Navigating Complex Projects: Discovery and Strategy16:54 The Importance of Structure in Complex Projects LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysBad support is a primary reason for vendor switching.Good support should be proactive and value-driven.Traditional support models often prioritize agency profit over client needs.A shift in mindset is needed from support to partnership.Value-driven retainers focus on measurable improvements, not just maintenance.Knowledge transfer is essential for client self-sufficiency.Red flags include lack of documentation and predatory retainer models.Clients should conduct a cost-benefit analysis for support needs.Finding a good vendor is challenging and requires due diligence.Partnerships should align with client goals for success. Chapters00:00 The Importance of Vendor Support03:02 Defining Good vs. Bad Support05:52 The Pitfalls of Traditional Support Models08:46 Shifting Mindsets: From Support to Partnership11:45 Value-Driven Retainers and Their Benefits14:43 Red Flags in Vendor Relationships17:43 Navigating the Support Landscape20:38 Finding the Right Vendor Partner LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysUser experience (UX) design is often misunderstood and conflated with web design.Web design focuses on aesthetics and marketing, while UX design emphasizes functionality and user engagement.The evolution of design roles has led to a complex landscape where UX, UI, and web design intersect.Websites should be treated as products to ensure long-term engagement and optimization.Continuous improvement is essential for maintaining effective websites.Aesthetic design alone does not solve business problems; UX-driven design is necessary.The ideal designer possesses skills in UX, UI, and web aesthetics, often referred to as a 'unicorn.'Organizations need to understand the value of UX to avoid poor design decisions.The conversation highlights the importance of bridging marketing, business, and technology in design.Defining clear roles and expectations in design teams can lead to better outcomes. Chapters00:00 Understanding UX and Web Design12:47 Defining User Experience and Web Design23:52 The Role of UX Designers in Web Development29:34 Wrapping Up: UX vs Web Design LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysStart with problems, not solutions.Define the objectives and outcomes clearly.Setting a realistic budget early is crucial.Involve decision makers early in the process.A strong brief is the cheapest way to de-risk a project.Vague features can lead to project failure.Understand your commitment during project phases.Budget transparency helps everyone self-qualify.Frame the problems, not the solutions.Manage decision makers and involve them early.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Lunch Conversations02:18 Project Management and Vendor Sourcing05:27 Scoping and Briefing for Digital Projects08:12 The Importance of Clear Objectives11:11 Understanding Audience Priorities14:07 Budgeting for Digital Projects17:03 Defining Features and Requirements20:08 Stakeholder Involvement in Projects22:54 Recap and Key Takeaways LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

TakeawaysNvidia's deal with OpenAI signifies a major investment in AI technology.The race to AGI is leading companies to make risky bets without guaranteed returns.Different thinkers in AI include pioneers, pragmatists, and purists, each with unique perspectives.The design community is grappling with the implications of AI on their work.The 'Seven Deadly AI Sins' highlight critical issues in UX design.Speculative design encourages thinking about future possibilities and ethical implications.AI's impact on productivity is changing expectations within roles.Historical design practices can inform current approaches to technology and design.The conversation around AI is evolving, with a shift towards critical engagement.Reviving discussions on Xeno design can provide valuable insights into future design practices. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Updates on the Race00:05 AI Developments and Industry Insights04:43 Types of Thinkers in Design and AI09:47 The Seven Deadly AI Sins for UX Professionals11:39 Wasted Time in Production12:12 Lost Details and Fidelity Traps14:02 Isolated Ideation vs. Inclusion14:58 Naive Trust and Skepticism15:25 Bland Taste in AI Content16:18 Defensive Outlook on Experimentation17:02 Speculative Design and Future Thinking17:54 Zeno Design and Its Relevance21:45 Empathy in Design: Becoming a Self-Driving Car23:18 Critical Design and Work-Life Balance LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

Topics & Timestamps:(00:00) Post-vacation chaos & travel with kids(01:32) Toronto's ultra-walking trend and "suffer-fest" culture(04:02) Why 95% of enterprise AI projects fail (and why that stat is flawed)(05:02) OpenAI's Forward Deployed Engineer: new name, old consulting playbook(10:42) How design thinking lost its strategic seat — from systems to pixel pushing(14:10) Grassroots vs. enterprise AI: where real impact happens(21:18) Side quests: car UX, sensors, and Italian road drama Resources Mentioned:• MIT's enterprise AI failure stat (context & critique)• OpenAI's Forward Deployed Engineer job description• IDEO's legacy of design thinking• Toronto Reddit ultra-walking stories Key Quotes:"Design thinking didn't die — it got downgraded to pixel pushing.""If it's turnkey, it's repeatable. And if it's repeatable, AI can do it.""These FDE roles feel like consulting 2.0 — but still too engineering-led." LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

Topics & Timestamps:(00:00) Back from Italy: airports, toddlers, and the upside down world(02:27) Travel with kids vs solo travel: why lounges aren’t built for families(04:54) AI fatigue? Posting, conferences, and marketing workflows(07:30) CMA events, data science, and educating on automation/AI(09:35) RGD stat: AI may cut 30% of agency margins (and why positioning matters)(13:41) When AI builds websites: friend’s gym startup and UX blind spots(15:41) Generalists vs specialists: why flexibility wins in the AI era(18:50) WCAG 3.0: from A/AA/AAA to Bronze/Silver/Gold, expanding to apps, VR, AR, and AI(23:27) Accessibility meets emerging tech—and Apple’s thin iPhone speculation(27:14) Italian design hits: porcini mushrooms, gelato, and espresso culture(31:20) Olivetti: typewriters, modernist posters, and design-led workplaces(35:19) Apple, Braun, and the design lineage from Olivetti showrooms to Cupertino(36:36) Corporate culture pioneers: housing, libraries, daycare in 1908(37:02) Wrapping with design as strategy, not just decoration Resources Mentioned:WCAG 3.0 Draft Guidelines – expanding accessibility standardsCMA (Canadian Marketing Association) – councils & committeesRGD (Association of Registered Graphic Designers) – event on AI + agenciesOlivetti – typewriter manufacturer, design-led culture, MoMA collection Key Quotes:“Travel is a young man’s, no-children game.”“AI stands to remove about 30% margin from agency work.”“If it’s turnkey, it’s repeatable. And if it’s repeatable, AI can do it.”“Accessibility isn’t just websites anymore—it’s VR, AR, AI, and apps.”“Design was not decoration. It was the strategy. It was the culture.” LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

Topics & Timestamps:(00:00) Intro music review - Suno AI generated tennis yacht rock(01:10) AI music revolution: The million-dollar AI musician deal and why music is dead(03:23) Google Zero: Financial Times on the race to zero organic traffic(06:51) Ethereum's 2026 UX roadmap: 19 minutes → 15 seconds transaction time(09:34) MIT Study: 95% failure rate for enterprise AI (it's not what you think)(13:22) The Pentagon Pizza Index: Tracking global crises via pizza delivery data(17:23) Polymarket: $56M betting on Fed decisions, plus Bad Bunny vs. Taylor Swift(19:36) The MVP is dead: Why your "MVP" is actually a full product launchResources Mentioned:Suno AI - AI music generation platformFinancial Times article: "The Race to Google Zero"Ethereum L2 UX improvements announcementPentagon Pizza Index (real website tracking DC pizza orders)Polymarket - Crypto prediction market platformMIT report on Gen AI implementation failuresKey Quotes:"Music, popular music is done""95% of Gen AI investments produce zero returns""Domino's is a tech company, not a pizza company""Proof of concept is the new MVP, MVP is the new beta"Next Week: Marcello takes over intro music duties with Suno AI. Genre TBD.New Term Alert: "Vibe-casting" - Podcast format with no plan, just vibes. LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

In this episode, Symon and Marcello dive into the messy intersections of AI, algorithms, and work culture:The rise (and fatigue) of formulaic LinkedIn postsHow AI is shaping content, and why quality often gets buried under quantityAWS' take on why replacing junior devs with AI is "the dumbest idea"Anxiety around AI detectors, writing styles, and online discourseLayoffs, risk, and the snake-oil element of new SaaS toolsSecurity pitfalls, vibe-coded apps, and the Tea app breachWhy non-experts might build the most surprising (and dangerous) things with AISam Altman's "fast fashion era of SaaS" and what it means for tech's futureExpect a mix of critique, humour, and perspective. All grounded in the realities of design, development, and running a business today. LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

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 Links You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

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. LinksYou can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

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. Links You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

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! Links You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter

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. Links You can learn more about Tennis at our website. Be sure to follow us at LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter