In this Designer Spotlight, we introduce Aurora Defiori, a Milan-based digital designer whose minimalist and immersive style has made her a sought-after talent in the world of branding and digital experiences. Aurora shares her insights into her design philosophy and walks us through some of her most impactful projects.
Meet Aurora Defiori, a designer dedicated to creating “quiet” yet powerful digital spaces. Her mission is to bring clarity and order to brand communications, crafting interfaces that communicate with elegance and restraint. Known for her refined, minimalist approach, Aurora’s work resonates with users through simplicity and intentionality. By blending clean lines, bold typography, and immersive elements, she strikes a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic harmony.
From this point, Aurora invites us into her journey, sharing a glimpse of her creative work and some of her standout projects.
Project Highlights
Richard Prescott Folio ©24
This is my latest award-winning project, designed in collaboration with Studio375 for Richard Prescott, a London-based photographer with over 20 years of experience in automotive photography. The project combines immersive motion with clean lines and bold typography. We kept the layout simple and clean, allowing the creative motion effects to highlight—rather than compete with—Richard’s photography projects.
Rue Studio
Rue Studio was an exploration of bold, brutalist design, where typography took center stage. Using high-contrast fonts, I sought to create a visual hierarchy that challenges traditional design. Balancing expressive typography with functionality was both a challenge and a rewarding experience, resulting in an interface that feels dynamic yet approachable.
Hipotesi
Hipotesi was an exciting opportunity to explore a bold design concept for a Parisian creative agency. The project challenged me to adapt my minimalist approach to a more avant-garde aesthetic, resulting in clean, structured layouts that reflect the studio’s unique character. I particularly enjoyed the creative freedom this project offered, blending brutalist elements with my sense of restraint to create a visually striking yet functional design.
Pirelli Hangar
The redesign of the Pirelli Hangar website was an opportunity to merge innovation with tradition. I aimed to create a digital experience that seamlessly connects art and technology, much like the museum itself. To achieve this, I used sans-serif fonts and generous white space.
Background
My journey into digital design has been one of exploration and self-discovery. As a self-taught designer, I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a desire to create beyond the familiar. Over time, I’ve developed a style that blends clean lines, bold elements, and subtle color contrasts, resulting in designs that feel grounded and evocative.
Today, I collaborate with award-winning agencies in Italy and abroad, while balancing the vibrant energy of Milan with the serene landscapes of Fuerteventura. My approach is rooted in intentional simplicity—a reflection of the inner peace I strive to nurture every day.
Design Philosophy
For me, impactful design is about leading by example. I believe that impactful design doesn’t need to shout to be heard; quiet elegance often speaks louder. My focus on well-being deeply shapes my work—I see inner peace as the foundation for true creativity. Balance and authenticity are at the core of every project I take on.
Tools and Techniques
My creative process always starts on paper, even though Figma is my go-to digital tool. Sketching is an essential step for me—a way to capture raw ideas, test compositions, and explore flow before transitioning into the digital space. This hands-on approach helps me keep my ideas fresh and ensures I establish a strong foundation before refining the digital experience.
Inspiration
I find inspiration in the contrasts around me—from the tranquil beaches of Fuerteventura to the structured energy of Milan. These two worlds add depth to my creative language, allowing me to blend simplicity with quiet boldness.
Goals
My goal as a designer is to keep growing. I strive to remain curious, open to change, and inspired by the “new.” This mindset fuels my work and keeps me grounded, while allowing me to achieve meaningful, long-term progress.
Final Thoughts
Design, for me, is the art of quiet impact. I aim to create experiences that offer moments of calm and clarity in an often overwhelming world. Design doesn’t need to shout to be heard—it can captivate through balance, clarity, and purpose.
My advice to other designers is to: “Find peace within yourself and let it guide your creativity. When your work reflects your inner calm, you create spaces where users feel truly at ease.”
