Independent technologist and developer

BuiltByIrbs

Apps, civic tools, and games built independently.

BuiltByIrbs is Taylor Irby’s independent technology and development studio. This site brings together released apps, civic tools, games, and projects currently in development.

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Projects / 04

Apps, civic tools, and games.

01 · PUBLISHED

The Strategic Owl

A civic news and learning app with two main experiences. Owl Radar groups coverage of the same story so readers can compare sources without a recommendation algorithm. Civic Owl turns the Constitution, all 85 Federalist Papers, major Supreme Court decisions, elections, and U.S. history into an interactive knowledge challenge.

The core app is free. Owl Membership is $6.99 per month in the app, or included with the $5 per month paid tier on The Strategic Owl’s Substack.

NewsCivic educationiPhoneFree core appMembership available
App StoreVisit website
The Strategic Owl gold owl and American flag artwork in the BuiltByIrbs visual style
02 · PUBLISHED

Strategic Fretboard

A music-theory app for guitar and bass. It maps notes, scales, chords, intervals, and alternate tunings across the fretboard.

MusiciPhone + iPad + iPhone DuoAndroid availableOne-time purchase
App StoreAndroid & project site
Strategic Fretboard owl and guitar artwork in the BuiltByIrbs visual style
03 · PUBLISHED

Asterloop

An endless arcade game where you guide an orb through space, collect energy, avoid hazards, and compete for a high score.

ArcadeiPhone + iPad + iPhone DuoGame CenterOne-time purchase
App Store
Asterloop orbital artwork in the BuiltByIrbs visual style
04 · IN THE LAB
In development

Cosmic Serpent

Cosmic Serpent is an arcade game currently in development. Project details and release information will be added here when they are ready.

ArcadeiPhone + iPad + iPhone DuoIn development
Cosmic Serpent and eclipse artwork in the BuiltByIrbs visual style
Hi, I’m Taylor.

I’m an independent technologist and developer, and BuiltByIrbs is where I publish my apps, civic tools, and games. I take each project from the initial idea through design, development, testing, release, and support.

My current work includes The Strategic Owl, Strategic Fretboard, Asterloop, and Cosmic Serpent. I build primarily for Apple platforms, with Strategic Fretboard also available on Android.

  • Civic news & learning The Strategic Owl
  • Music tools Strategic Fretboard
  • Arcade games Asterloop + Cosmic Serpent
  • Direct support irbs@builtbyirbs.com

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Enjoy something I built?

BuiltByIrbs is independently funded. If one of my apps has been useful or fun, you can leave a tip of any amount to help support future updates and projects.

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Support & contact

Need help with an app?

Email me directly for app support, project questions, or collaboration inquiries.

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