Notes from the studio.
Writing on engineering, cloud infrastructure, product strategy, and design — mostly things we wish someone had told a client earlier.
A Practical Guide to API-First Architecture
Building the API before the interface isn't just an engineering preference. It's what makes everything you build afterwards easier.
04 Aug 2026 · 1 min read DesignDesigning for Trust: UX Lessons from Public-Sector Software
When people have no choice but to use your software, "delightful" is the wrong design goal. Here's what to aim for instead.
30 Jul 2026 · 1 min read Cloud5 Signs Your Legacy System Is Ready for a Cloud Migration
Migrations are expensive and disruptive if you get the timing wrong. Here's how we help clients decide when it's actually time.
23 Jul 2026 · 2 min read StrategyProduct vs. Custom: Choosing the Right Build Strategy for Your Next System
Off-the-shelf, customised, or built from scratch — the right choice depends on one question most teams skip.
16 Jul 2026 · 2 min read EngineeringWhy Civic-Scale Software Needs to Be Boring (In a Good Way)
The most important feature of software that thousands of people depend on daily is that nothing interesting ever happens to it.
09 Jul 2026 · 2 min read