UI/UX Designer Intern - Gamified Mobile Application

Ascend | Remote | Internship → Full-Time (with Equity)

About Ascend

Ascend is the world's first gamified Bible study app, commonly known as "Duolingo for the Bible." We're set on creating the best Christian software on the market by combining proven game mechanics, AI-powered personalisation and beautiful design to make Bible learning engaging, habit-forming and genuinely fun!

explore our app: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/ascend-bible-lessons/id6739925865

We practice agile development and iterate rapidly based on our users and data. We're a lean, mission-driven team where every voice matters and each decision impacts real spiritual growth.

we keep communication casual, just be yourself :)

Role Description

This is a remote internship for a UI/UX Designer with potential to convert to full-time with equity. You'll collaborate directly with Jediah (CTO) and Gideon (founder & CEO) to create engaging, user-friendly mobile gaming experiences that don't feel like traditional "Christian apps."

Daily responsibilities:

• Design high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes in Figma for new features and improvements
• Contribute to visual design efforts including iconography, illustrations and brand evolution
• Translate design concepts into functional prototypes ready for developer handoff
• Participate in brainstorming sessions, user research analysis and design reviews
• Iterate on designs based on user feedback, analytics data and A/B testing results
• Ensure optimal user experience and alignment with both spiritual mission and engagement goals

You'll spearhead:

• Visual identity evolution: refine our colour palette, typography and illustration style to create a cohesive brand that stands out in both gaming and faith spaces
• Game UI/UX design: design rewarding interfaces for gamification systems (streaks, badges, power-ups, challenges)
• Character & animation design: evolve Phoenix (user’s spiritual companion) and create delightful micro-interactions, celebrations and customisations
• User flow optimisation: improve onboarding, lesson experiences and navigation to reduce friction
• Design system maintenance: build and maintain component libraries for consistency and velocity

If brought on full-time, you'll receive equity and shape the visual future of Christian tech!

Qualifications

Required:

• Proficiency with Figma (mockups, prototyping, component libraries, design systems)
• Strong foundation in visual design and User Experience Design (UED) principles
• Portfolio demonstrating mobile app (both iOS and Android) and gaming UI work, with a focus on gamification, progression systems or interactive experiences
• Understanding of mobile gaming UI conventions and what makes game interfaces feel polished and fun
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills with ability to receive and integrate feedback
• Attention to detail with pixel-perfect execution and intentional design decisions
• Ability to design with motion and animation in mind

Preferred (bonus points):

• Experience with Flutter or understanding of Flutter's design implementation capabilities
• Ability to translate designs to code or understanding of technical scope/constraints
• Basic knowledge of frontend development (helps with realistic, developer-friendly designs)
• Experience designing for mobile games, casual games or gamified learning apps
• Illustration skills for character design, icons and visual storytelling
• Familiarity with analytics-driven design, A/B testing or user research methods
• Motion design capabilities (Lottie, Rive, After Effects)

What won't work here:

• Only B2B or enterprise design experience (we need consumer mobile game energy)
• Generic template-based design approach (we need originality and brand differentiation)
• Inability to work independently and iterate quickly (we're agile and ship fast)

Ascend Principles

#1 - We are here to build the best Christian software on the market, be willing to do anything and everything to achieve this goal.

#2 - We are a team, if there is an issue speak up, do not be afraid to ask questions or share new ideas. Never accept the current product, there is always something to be improved at any stage, whether there are 1 million users or 10 million.

#3 - Ascend must follow the rules of the Bible above all.

#4 - Never take no for an answer. There is always an angle, always a solution, always a work around. The only rules we abide by are those placed by God and physics.

What You'll Get

• Meaningful impact: your designs will help many deepen their faith
• Equity opportunity: full-time hires receive equity in a growing startup
• Creative ownership: shape the visual identity of an entire platform from the ground up
• Rapid growth: collaborate directly with stakeholders, ship fast, see your work live immediately
• Collaborative culture: we value every voice and foster open communication
• Purpose-driven work: build something that glorifies God and serves His people
• Remote flexibility: work from anywhere with async-friendly practices

How to Apply

Please send us:

1. Your portfolio (Figma links preferred, bonus points if you have a website showcasing your work): show us gamification, mobile apps or game UI work
2. A brief note - tell us why you're excited about joining Ascend, detail our potential alignment and what you'd redesign first
3. Your curriculum vitae and LinkedIn profile

Email: [email protected]

Multidisciplinary talent is deeply valued so if you've got other skills beyond design (coding, animation, illustration, et cetera), we'd love to know!

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we will reach out to promising candidates within 1-2 weeks. If you don't hear back from us within 2 weeks, it means we're looking for something different at this stage, but please don't be discouraged! Keep building and feel free to reach out again in the future.

We're looking forward to meeting you! Let's build :)