. . . But I just can't figure it out. Aurora looks absolutely outstanding. The detail is unreal. . . I just can't seem to figure it out. The thing that bugs me the most is ship design. It's just intimidating, having all these options. I don't really know how exactly I should build my ship. Other than that, well. . . I just don't know where to go, what to do. It's all so confusing. Dwarf Fortress was easier than this.
I've read the tutorial. Several times in fact, and I'm still stumped. I really wish I could get the hang of this.
The tutorials, the wiki, the fiction posted (with ship designs), Steve's game in the db all should help you get an idea of ship design. You can also ask direct questions here and get answers.
At its base, a ship needs engines, fuel, crew, and some maintenance. You then start adding components based on the ship's intended purpose. Missile ship? Add magazines, launchers, missile fire control and a sensor. Survey ship? Add lots more fuel and geo or grav scanners.
The first step is really deciding what purpose the ship has. Then from there deciding how you want to accomplish that with the given tech you have.