DesignRush Unveils Design Award Winners for May

Design has the power to shape how people move through digital products, experience physical objects, and connect with brand stories across platforms.

Each month, DesignRush recognizes standout creative work through its Design Awards, putting the spotlight on projects that combine strong execution with clear visual thinking.

The May winners span six categories: website, logo, print, app, packaging, and video.

Together, the projects show how designers are building experiences that feel more interactive and emotionally connected while strengthening brand identity across industries.

Best Website Design: Morten Stig Christensen

Designer Morten Stig Christensen reimagined his personal portfolio website as a living editorial space.

Instead of separating projects into static case studies, the platform presents years of creative output as one continuous narrative, combining motion, typography, video, and interaction.

The site’s structure relies heavily on a clean grid system that gives each project room to breathe while maintaining a strong sense of order.

Technical details and sharp typography create an organized presentation to reflect a premium publication.

"Completely dynamic and interactive site that takes mouse cursor following and real-time interaction to the next level to deliver the ultimate UX experience," DesignRush juror Andrea Owsinek-Brucker said.

Best Logo Design: INOVEO

Agency INOVEO developed the identity system for Stirbei Palace Toff Galleries, a luxury fashion destination located inside one of Bucharest’s historic neoclassical landmarks.

The branding translates the palace’s architectural heritage into a modern retail identity and manages to do so while preserving its historical character.

The logo simplifies the palace silhouette into a crest-like mark inspired by heraldic symbols.

Meanwhile, high-contrast serif typography paired with wide spacing gives the identity a slower, more deliberate rhythm associated with luxury environments.

Lastly, a palette built around obsidian black, antique gold, and warm ivory pushes a premium motif without feeling overly decorative.

"Simplicity and elegance personified," said Owsinek-Brucker.

Best Print Design: Fuman Design Studio

Fuman Design Studio created "Touchy Feely," a printed publication designed to showcase the textures and versatility of the Rives paper range for B&F Papers.

The publication makes paper itself the centerpiece of the experience.

Every production choice, from embossing to foil treatments, demonstrates how different techniques behave on the stock.

The charcoal cover uses multicolored slab serif typography with varying emboss depths and metallic finishes, immediately introducing the palpable direction of the project.

Inside, the layouts are interchanged between blind embossing, fluorescent inks, holographic foil, oversized typography, and gradient printing to show the paper’s flexibility across different visual styles.

To tie everything together, the soft-glued spine allows pages to detach as standalone prints, giving the publication a second life as both a collectible object and a working reference for printers and designers.

"Interesting and vibrant color choice compounded with creative typography," Owsinek-Brucker commented.

Best App Design: Goji Labs

Goji Labs developed Dreamwell, a sleep and wellness app designed to help users manage anxiety and insomnia through science-backed audio experiences.

The interface prioritizes calm and accessibility through a dark nocturnal palette built for low-light environments.

Near-black backgrounds reduce glare, while muted blues and soft gray typography maintain readability without becoming visually harsh.

"Visuals and micro interactions build the user experience," Owsinek-Brucker shared.

The experience is organized around specific sleep barriers, allowing users to quickly match their current condition with tailored sound therapy sessions.

Large action buttons, generous spacing, and consistent typography also help reduce cognitive load during nighttime use.

Notably, Goji Labs developed the platform using modular architecture, making it easier for the app to expand its growing audio library without disrupting the simplicity of the interface.

Best Packaging Design: Lavernia & Cienfuegos

Lavernia & Cienfuegos designed a luxury fragrance packaging system for Eight & Bob, inspired by the elegance of 1930s Europe.

The design combines Art Deco influences with refined materials and understated branding to create an experience centered on craftsmanship.

The ribbed glass bottle introduces texture and depth while allowing light to interact naturally with the fragrance.

Geometric forms paired with a cylindrical cap create balance between precision and softness.

Instead of oversized branding elements, minimal labeling and engraved details keep attention focused on materials and structure.

Lastly, the storytelling continues through secondary packaging inspired by hardcover books, angling the fragrance as a collectible object tied to heritage and discovery.

DesignRush juror Andrea Owsinek-Brucker described the work as "elegant and nostalgic," while fellow juror Kitty Lai noted that the brand story comes through clearly in the presentation.

Best Video Design: Fold7

Fold7 earned the top video category award for "Unquestionably Good Taste," a cinematic campaign for 1664 Blanc starring Robert Pattinson.

The commercial explores the subjective nature of taste through a series of stylized interactions inside a Parisian apartment, where Pattinson portrays multiple contrasting personas.

"Beautiful imagery, location, and filming to demonstrate the brand’s lifestyle," Owsinek-Brucker said.

Unlike standard beer ads, the campaign pushes 1664 Blanc within a more fashion-forward and cinematic environment.

Distinct art direction, sharp character interactions, and carefully composed visuals create tension between competing aesthetics before resolving around the shared appeal of the brand’s signature blue bottle.

Fold7’s collaboration with director Brady Corbet gives the campaign a polished visual identity that's equal parts sophistication and cultural commentary to drive 1664 Blanc’s premium positioning.

Design continues to influence how brands communicate, guide users, and shape emotional connections across both digital and physical spaces.

The May Design Award winners demonstrate how approaching design holistically can strengthen brand presence while making experiences feel more human and memorable.

DesignRush will continue recognizing creative work that pushes design forward across industries and platforms.