Our mission
Make rigorous board game design knowledge practical, welcoming, and available to creators at different stages.
The studio behind the practice
We make design education feel as tangible as the games it supports.
KeenTrail Studio began as a small circle of designers comparing notes after playtests. We built our curriculum around the questions that actually move a prototype forward: What should players feel? What choice matters? What evidence would change the design?
Our standard
Every lesson should lead to an observable artifact, a sharper question, or a more useful table conversation.
Our compass
Player experience is the north star; mechanics, theme, and presentation form the lattice around it. Creators enter an orbit of iterative feedback that keeps every idea grounded.
Meet the teaching team
Mara Ellison · Creative Director
Mara guides system design and helps creators turn broad ideas into testable player promises.
Jon Bell · Playtest Lead
Jon teaches observation, facilitation, and feedback practices that respect both players and prototypes.
Priya Shah · Production Mentor
Priya translates promising designs into organized files, readable rules, and practical release plans.