Balance between form and function in websites

In May 2024, Sonos rolled out a major app redesign. It was intended to support the launch of new headphones, marking a bold move into a new market. But what followed was a textbook example of what happens when you deprioritise your existing users.Key features disappeared overnight. Alarms, sleep timers, playlist editing. All gone. Accessibility support was broken. For users relying on screen readers, the app became completely unusable. The backlash was immediate and widespread.Sonos’ core audience, many with expensive multi-speaker setups, suddenly found themselves locked out of systems they depended on. Sonos couldn’t roll back. What followed was six months of patching, lost trust, and internal damage control.This episode unpacks what happened and why. Not just as a case about Sonos, but as a reminder of what’s at stake when UX is treated as an afterthought. We look at the ripple effects across product, customer support, and brand reputation, and how quickly things fall apart when you stop listening to your users.focusstate.fm

What happens when startups prioritise polish over clarity, or clarity over charm? This episode is all about the tension between good looks and getting the job done. We explore how modern SaaS websites, especially in competitive VC-backed markets, use visuals to stand out, and where they sometimes miss the mark. From clean, content-led designs to fully animated showcases, we walk through real examples that highlight what works, what distracts, and what helps convert.We dig into the role of storytelling, content structure and user journeys. We question how much visuals really matter, depending on your audience and product, and when too much polish becomes a liability. We also touch on common traps like dropping full UI screenshots, and share thoughts on interactive demos, SEO and how design decisions impact long-term maintenance.If you’re building or refreshing a product website, this episode offers a clear, honest look at how to find the right balance between form and function.focusstate.fm

Is design in SaaS just a money pit? Yes, when it's treated like decoration. But when it’s done right, it can drive genuine product impact. In this episode, our CEO shares what it takes to make design actually matter, from supporting fast-moving teams to shaping strategy where it counts.We challenge a few assumptions, like the idea that design slows you down or that hiring a studio means handing over control. We discuss what strategic design really looks like in a SaaS context, why every product is designed, whether you plan for it or not, and how to avoid the chaos that comes from ignoring systems and guidelines.There’s a conversation on where SaaS teams typically struggle when going solo, how studios can add depth without just adding polish, and what happens when speed becomes the only priority.We end with a rapid-fire round: opinions on trends, UX pet peeves, what to prioritise when budget’s tight, and the one thing every founder should understand about design. If you think design is just vibes, this episode's for you.focusstate.fm

What will websites look like in 5, 10, or even 50 years? In this episode, our designers take a speculative leap into the future of the web and what it could mean for how we work, shop, and interact online.We talk about everything from voice interfaces and AI agents browsing on our behalf, to whether websites as we know them will even exist.What happens to branding and visuals when machines, not people, are the primary users? Will AI filter content for us, decide what’s worth our attention, and summarise our newsletters before we even open them?We explore how emerging technology could impact accessibility, daily routines, and even something as specific as restocking your fridge or shoe rack, before you realise you need it.And of course, we reflect on what all this means for us as designers. Will the future be less about building and more about understanding how things are built? Join us for a down-to-earth chat about where things might be heading and what that could mean for all of us.focusstate.fm

How can software companies approach branding without the fluff? In this episode, we dive into the concept of 'pragmatic branding'—a no-nonsense approach to building a brand that serves both the product and the business. We explore how to balance consistency with agility, keep branding costs in check, and create something that sticks as you scale. Let’s get practical! focusstate.fm

In this episode, we explore why first impressions are crucial for user retention and how to optimise onboarding for a smooth, engaging experience. Learn about the “Aha! moment” — when users discover your product’s true value — and how to reveal it quickly. We’ll explore personalising onboarding, encouraging social connections, and motivating users to complete the process. We'll also discuss key metrics for success, re-engagement strategies, and best practices for communicating updates without harming retention. Tune in for actionable tips to improve user experience and drive long-term loyalty. focusstate.fm

In this episode, we explore how design tokens can speed up development, ensure design consistency, and improve team collaboration. Learn how they streamline workflows, reduce code redundancy, and simplify tasks like theming and white-labeling.We’ll also share tips for getting team buy-in and why design tokens are a game-changer for building scalable design systems in large organisations. Tune in to discover the business value of design tokens.focusstate.fm

We’re diving into one of today’s hottest topics: AI! We discuss how AI can strategically enhance software design and product development workflows to elevate the user experience. We explore real-world examples of AI in SaaS products, such as Salesforce's Einstein, which smoothens both sales processes and customer interactions. Key topics include balancing AI automation with user control, avoiding common AI integration pitfalls, and how to measure AI’s impact on UX. Finally, we tackle the ethical considerations of AI in design and explore the role of designers in a world where generative AI is everywhere. focusstate.fm

In this episode, we break down the concept of technical debt and explore how startups can avoid it by starting with strong design principles. We’ll discuss the balance between speed and a solid design foundation, the importance of using UI kits, and how design-first approaches can prevent costly issues down the line. Learn how early design decisions can save your startup from expensive rewrites, longer time to market, and other hidden costs of technical debt. We’ll also share practical tips on integrating design into your development process to set your product up for success. ⁠focusstate.fm⁠

We dive into the often-overlooked link between great UX design and revenue growth. Despite common misconceptions, a well-crafted user experience isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a strategic investment that can significantly impact your bottom line. We discuss why UX design is frequently misunderstood, explore real-world examples of its direct influence on revenue, and highlight the most common UX mistakes that frustrate users and drive churn. Plus, we share practical tips on leveraging user feedback and optimising key areas of your product to boost user satisfaction and business performance. ⁠focusstate.fm⁠