The artist divides his expressive research into two tracks. On the one hand, he makes installations in neon, creating visual effects by means of light. He does not use the medium in its original function, namely as a light source, but as a means to create spatial drawings. In these works, he focuses particularly on the design of the installations.

Heytens always seeks to create functional designs in which there are no superfluous components. The choice of materials is likewise of great importance to the artist. Each material has its own unique characteristics and feeling. By combining certain materials, the artist attempts to create a cohesive material narrative. As a result, his light installations often balance on the intersection of design. The major difference is that Heytens’ artworks have no function in the strict sense of the word; they only function within themselves.