Building Better Game Interfaces
Together Since 2022
We started Keln Ustral because we noticed a gap between what design courses teach and what mobile game studios actually need.
Most online platforms focus on theory or static mockups. We wanted something different—a place where people could practice designing real game UI elements, get immediate feedback on their choices, and see how different approaches affect player engagement. Our quizzes and assignments simulate actual design decisions: button placement for one-handed play, inventory systems that work on small screens, reward animations that feel satisfying without slowing down gameplay.
The platform grew from conversations with designers working in Bloemfontein's small but active game development community. They told us they needed to test their knowledge quickly, identify weak spots in their understanding, and learn through doing rather than reading. We built the first version with 12 interactive challenges and refined it based on what worked. Now we have over 80 exercises covering everything from icon design to complete HUD systems.
What makes this approach effective is the instant feedback loop. When you choose a layout option in one of our exercises, you immediately see why it works or doesn't—backed by examples from successful mobile games. You learn by making mistakes in a safe environment, not by memorizing guidelines that might not apply to your specific project.
How We Think About Learning
01
Practice Over Theory
Our exercises put you in realistic scenarios where you make actual design decisions, not just answer multiple-choice questions about what might work.
02
Honest Feedback
We explain why certain UI patterns succeed or fail in mobile games, using examples from real titles rather than abstract principles.
03
Continuous Updates
Mobile game design changes quickly. We update our content every month based on new releases and participant suggestions.
04
Local Context
We consider South African internet speeds and device constraints when teaching optimization techniques for mobile interfaces.
05
Community Input
Our most useful exercises came from suggestions by people using the platform. We listen and adjust based on what actually helps.
06
Realistic Scope
We focus on skills you can develop through deliberate practice, not vague promises about transforming your career overnight.
Who Builds This Platform
Small team, clear focus
Thandi Mofokeng
Content Designer
Thandi writes the exercises and feedback explanations. She spent six years designing UI for casual mobile games before joining us.
Pieter van Rensburg
Platform Developer
Pieter handles the technical side—making sure quizzes load quickly and work smoothly on different devices and connection speeds.
Current Focus
Building an offline mode so participants can practice exercises without constant internet access.
Lindiwe Khumalo
Community Coordinator
Lindiwe reads every piece of feedback we receive and helps us understand which exercises work well and which need improvement.
Where We're Focusing Our Effort
Interactive Exercise Library
88%
Mobile Device Optimization
72%
Community Features
65%
Questions About What We Do?
If you want to know more about how our platform works or have specific questions about mobile game UI design learning, reach out. We respond to every message.
Get In Touch