Jonny

I design systems that hold up under pressure: Frameworks and tools meant to last.

If something is going to be relied on, it should be designed to survive misuse.

My work lives at the intersection of structure, constraint, and long term thinking.

I’m most useful when complexity is unavoidable.

Design note

The opening avoids role labels intentionally. I’ve found that titles age faster than the systems they describe.

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How I Think

I'm drawn to systems where decisions matter, where structure guides behavior, and failure reveals design flaws instead of hiding them.

I tend to favor long lived projects over quick wins and I'm most comfortable working inside constraints: Legacy codebases, networked environments, and systems that need to remain stable over time.

My approach prioritizes clarity, intent, and prevention. Building foundations that reduce misuse rather than reacting to it later.

Design note

I prioritize clarity over cleverness. If a system requires explanation to be used safely, the system has already failed.

I don't chase features. I build foundations and then test them by letting other people rely on them.

What I Build

Systems & Architecture

  • Modular framework design
  • Object lifecycle control
  • Secure state and data ownership
  • Network-safe synchronization

Designed so other developers can extend it without breaking it.

Design note

Most of these systems were designed under partial information and changing requirements. The goal wasn't perfection, but resilience.

Simulation & Economies

  • Player driven market structures
  • Incentive and behavior design
  • Long term balance and stability

Good systems don't force behavior; They make the right choice obvious.

Design note

Wherever possible, I push failure states to the edges, preventing invalid actions instead of reacting to them.

Applied Work

  • FrameworkZ - Modular framework for Project Zomboid with a focus on lifecycle control, extensibility, and security
  • Persistent networked systems built under vanilla compatibility constraints

Built to be lived in, not just demonstrated.

Design note

I avoid abstraction layers that exist only to "future-proof." Most complexity arrives from reality, not missing features.

The Kind of Collaborator I Am

  • Systems-first thinker
  • Comfortable with complexity
  • Deliberate and measured
  • Focused on durability over novelty
Design note

I work best when expectations are explicit. Most friction comes from ambiguity, not disagreement.

Connection

If you want to talk systems, design, or long term project ideas, I'm always open to conversation.

For more formal requests (contract work, consulting, or collaboration) feel free to reach out with context and constraints.

Email: jonathan.droogh@gmail.com