About Ryan Heath

This site is my very own semblance of web presence, where I'm able to post thoughts, ideas, and learn from others while easing my ever-increasing desire to write.

What's On Paper

I'm a West Virginia University graduate with a few engineering degrees: Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Master's in Software Engineering. While I'm not too sure that any of that really matters, I most enjoy the challenges in design and developing software, specifically for the web.

A Few Favorite Quotes

Don’t worry about people stealing your design work. Worry about the day they stop. — Jeffrey Zeldman

When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail. — Abraham Maslow

In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few. — Shunryu Suzuki

An inexperienced observer sees everything in a picture; the experienced one sees even the things that are missing. — Rastko Ciric

A designer knows when he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. — Antoine De Saint Exupry

I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. — Bill Cosby

It took me a few seconds to draw it, but it took me 34 years to learn how to draw it in a few seconds. — Paula Scher

People ignore design that ignores people. — Frank Chimero

Interests

Design — drawing consumed a reasonable portion of my life, and will therefore always be of interest to me. After drawing came print design. I spent years tinkering with Photoshop, which has only reinforced my skills today. I've since moved on to web design, where I've never found as much joy. I'm able to combine all of the above into one medium.

Programming — I believe it to be a form of art. I feel the most "artistic" when using Ruby on Rails. Ruby as a language is very clean, readable, and sophisticated. Rails as a framework is very organized, clever, and intuitive. Working in this environment is gratifying to say the least. And as of now, I hope to never sway from it.

Photography — I find a great deal of inspiration in photos and photography. I'm beginning to take photography much more serious these days, and I sometimes feel as though I could do it for a living. It's another challenge that I'm far from conquering, but that's part of what makes it so attractive.

Experience

In the early 2000's I began taking my print design skills to the web. Being an engineering major, I already had a stern programming background, along with the abilities to teach myself what I didn't already know. And so it began...

I've been getting paid to design and develop web applications professionally since mid 2003. Currently, I work for a small software company where I'm the lead engineer on the web design and development team. While I have years of experience with an array of web technologies, my preferred choice is Ruby on Rails. It's what I do personally and professionally, and have been since 2005.

Get In Touch

I do all client-related work under my business, Formed Function LLC. So if you're seeking some help in design or application development, feel free to tell me about your project.

Also, check out our flag-ship product, Golf Trac. It's a personal stat-tracking app for golfers of all levels.

Feel free to get in touch with me if you think I can help out with your awesome project.