A Digital Strategy Podcast

Figma went public in July and rebranded itself as an AI company. Now, by one founder's count, roughly 80% of its biggest conference is AI talks. So is Config still worth going to? In this episode, Marcello and Symon preview Figma Config 2025 on the flight out, before they've seen a single talk. They get into what changes when a design conference belongs to a publicly traded company, why "AI, AI, AI" is starting to feel exhausting, and what they're actually hoping to see: real workflow use cases, not the same demos. They also run an experiment, rating the conference now based on expectations, then again in a follow-up once they're back. A two-part Config preview and follow-up. This is part one.

In this conversation, Marcello and Symon discuss the importance of agency audits and vendor evaluations. They explore how organizations can effectively assess their vendor relationships through ongoing scorecards and audits, identifying key triggers for evaluation, and establishing criteria for success. The discussion emphasizes the significance of communication, documentation, and the need to differentiate between one-off issues and systemic problems in vendor performance.

In this episode, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver delve into the concept of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), challenging the common misconceptions surrounding them. They argue that MVPs should not be viewed merely as a means to ship products quickly, but rather as a framework for learning and validating ideas efficiently. The conversation highlights the historical context of MVPs, tracing their origins to lean startup methodologies, and discusses how the term has evolved over time, often leading to misunderstandings about what constitutes a true MVP. The hosts emphasize the importance of validating ideas through real user engagement rather than speculative assumptions, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of MVPs as tools for iterative learning and product development. The discussion also touches on practical strategies for implementing MVPs effectively, including identifying risky assumptions, defining success metrics, and understanding the balance between polish and functionality. Marcello and Symon share real-world examples, such as Dropbox and Airbnb, to illustrate their points, while also addressing the challenges of managing client expectations and budgets in the context of MVP development. Ultimately, they conclude that a successful MVP strategy is about creating a product that is not only functional but also capable of generating valuable user feedback, thereby guiding future iterations and improvements.

In this conversation, Marcello Gortana and Symon Oliver from Tennis (a B2B website and product design and development agency) explore the multifaceted nature of design, emphasizing its importance in digital transformation projects. They discuss the various interpretations of design, the significance of planning and execution, and the balance between aesthetics and functionality. The conversation delves into the four pillars of design—research, problem identification, planning, and execution—and highlights the need for accuracy and agility in the design process. They conclude by stressing that design encompasses much more than just visual appeal, urging listeners to consider the underlying processes that contribute to effective design.

AEC leaders are navigating an unprecedented moment: major sectors stalling at once, tightening pipelines, and a fast-moving wave of digital disruption. In this episode, Marcello (Tennis) sits down with Johanna Hoffman of Oomph Group—former global marketing director in AEC—to unpack what she’s seeing on the ground and why “batten down the hatches” won’t work this time. We cover the shifts reshaping the industry (office, condo, education), how construction tech and automation are changing delivery, and what firms can do now to stay competitive: clarify positioning, align marketing with business development, build a plan and budget, and modernize the website into a true sales asset (case studies, team visibility, accessibility, and more). Johanna also shares one hard truth and one encouragement: the reset is real—but the firms that understand it and act strategically can leap ahead.

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.