Australia’s first voice experience agency ‘Versa’ launches; headed by ex-Deepend’s Guy Munro

VERSA, the first enterprise-level Voice Experience (VX) agency in Australia, has launched and is set to lead the charge when it comes to the ‘Age of Ask’.

The new agency has been formed in partnership by digital frontrunners from both sides of the Pacific: RAIN – the US lead conversational specialist agency, and Deepend – Australia’s largest independent digital experience and design agency. VERSA is headed by ex-business director of Deepend, Guy Munro (left).

Says Andrew Howlett, founding partner and managing director of RAIN: “It’s a truly exciting time for brands as voice activation is about to revolutionise Australia. With the recent launch of Google Home and Amazon set for its Australian debut, it’s clear that Voice Experience (VX) will be key for connecting with customers over the next 5 years; it’s where consumers will shop, eat, travel and engage with your brand.”

Kath Blackham, managing director of Deepend Melbourne, says we have been planning for the rise of conversational user experience for the past 12 months.

Says Blackham: “You only have to look at global growth predictions for an indication of what’s to come, in less than two years, there will be 33 million voice-first devices in circulation.

“Working in partnership with RAIN over the last year has enabled the team to have access to a unique skill-set, one that truly understands the complexity of VX at the enterprise level. It’s not simply about the technology, but more about adding the human element – the true voice interface component. If you get that wrong, you are likely to lose your customer. As with any digital interface, screen, voice or VR, a human centred design approach is the key determining factor for success.”

By 2020, voice and image based searches are going to make up at least 50 percent of all searches globally, and it is predicated within five years, more than 50 percent of all interactions with brands in Australia will be conversational.

VERSA has a best-in-class, technology agnostic team comprising of creative technologists and speech coders, as well as voice scripting and experience experts, who will come together create bespoke solutions across devices including Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Right here, right now there’s a perfect opportunity for businesses in Australia, and VERSA is here to help them be a leader.

To find out more about VERSA, visit www.versa.agency.