About
Hello there. I’m Matt Joslen, a developer based in the beautiful state of Oregon. I build fast, accessible, converting digital products. I got into this work because I have always been fascinated by the thought processes that go into building and optimizing experiences for people. I started by not just reverse engineering the code of other websites, but also their interface designs and user journeys. I became equally interested in the why as much as the how. The reality is that successful products are defined by facets of human psychology just as much as the underlying code.
How I work
I think product-first. This means that I only build with intent. Every line of code must be backed by reasoning that follows an answer to the question, “What does this achieve within the overarching vision for this product?” Owning things end-to-end is how I work best, from the early conversations about the project goals, through design and architecture decisions, to shipped code that real people use.
Beyond the general experience of the product, I also aim to serve the edge cases in my work that allows users of all capabilities to do just that: use the product. I believe that accessibility is achieved within the building blocks of software, not with a widget slapped on as an afterthought. People with disabilities are already empowered by special tools that help them navigate everyday life on digital platforms. As devs, our only job is to optimize our products for those tools.
AI is now a core part of how I work. Claude is a daily practice that serves to automate my workflow, open up the bottlenecks, and fill in the gaps. The product thinking and decisions are mine; the AI partnership lets me ship at a scope that would otherwise require a team.
Background
I studied software development at Western Governors University and earned a B.S. in 2019. My early professional work was at Efficiency Services Group, where I first became exposed to the concept of product optimization and accessibility.
From there I built an independent practice, working directly with clients across e-commerce, financial services, health insurance, and consulting. That work ranged from Shopify storefronts to regulated verticals where trust and accessibility weren’t optional. I led the digital experience function at PSC Consulting as a contract engagement, owning their website rebuild and CMS migration end-to-end.
What I’m working on now
Right now, I’m exploring full-time and contract roles where I can bring product-first thinking and end-to-end ownership to a team that values both. I’m also running and growing Nightmarks by shipping features, building the community, and making the product sustainable. I plan to continue doing what I do best: building. I am currently exploring a market gap in the heavy equipment industry that would bring AI-powered search and product analysis to an efficient marketplace aggregator.
What else is going on
Beyond my career, I’m raising three children with my gorgeous wife Katie in our Oregon home. As you may have gathered, my design for this website was heavily inspired by the Pacific Northwest. I’m most at peace surrounded by forest under a clear night sky.
When I’m not at my computer, I can be found grilling on our deck, playing Scrabble with my wife, hiking a local trail, attending Sunday morning late service, or embarrassing my kids by using the newest lingo.