In the world of product design, where creativity and functionality merge to shape our experiences, learning is an unending adventure. The best way to stay ahead of the curve is to glean insights from the trailblazers—those who have fine-tuned the art of creating products that resonate with users on a deep level.
With numerous books on design cluttering the shelves, I know it can be overwhelming to find the right ones to guide you in your career. Fear not, for I have curated a list of must-reads that promise to strengthen your design foundation, challenge your process, and invigorate your imagination.
The Design of Everyday Things
By Don Norman
First up, a classic that every product designer should have on their radar. Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things” brings a compelling case for the importance of usability and cognitive psychology in design. Through lucid examples and engaging narrative, Norman shows why some objects delight and others frustrate.
One key takeaway is the concept of affordances—how the design of an object suggests or limits its use. This principle has the power to transform how you approach each product you work on, ensuring that every element encourages the right interactions intuitively.
Change by Design
By Tim Brown
Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO, takes us on a captivating exploration of design thinking in “Change by Design.” This book isn’t just about creating innovative products; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation within organizations. Brown stresses the need to step into the consumer’s shoes, empathize with their experience, and find innovative solutions to their problems.
With insightful case studies and practical methodologies, Brown creates a roadmap for tackling complex design challenges. “Change by Design” is more than a book; it’s a manifesto for any designer looking to make a tangible impact in the world.
Creative Confidence
By Tom Kelley and David Kelley
Written by two powerhouse brothers from IDEO, “Creative Confidence” is a spirited call to action for all those who believe they aren’t creative. The Kelleys share their experiences in the field, showing how anyone can harness the power of their innate creativity to solve problems.
The book emphasizes the importance of prototyping and iteration, dispelling the myth that great designs appear fully formed. By sharing stories of personal transformation and highlighting a human-centered approach to design, “Creative Confidence” is a motivational read that will resonate with designers and non-designers alike.
Emotional Design
By Don Norman
Returning to Don Norman, “Emotional Design” is a testament to the power of emotion in product design. Norman contends that successful designs don’t just function well—they elicit an emotional response. He breaks down the elements of design that can create these emotional bonds, from visceral and reflective design to behavioral design that fits into users’ lives seamlessly.
“Emotional Design” is a poignant reminder of the human aspect of design, encouraging us to craft products that not only work but also make us feel.
Designing for Interaction
By Dan Saffer
Dan Saffer’s “Designing for Interaction” is an indispensable resource for anyone involved with the creation of electronic or physical products. This book hones in on interaction design, guiding readers through the process of understanding, designing, and implementing both simple and complex interactions.
Saffer’s work is heavy on theory but balanced with practical examples that bring the concepts to life. “Designing for Interaction” will not only inform your approach to product design but also give you the tools to create more meaningful and engaging experiences for users.
Lean UX
By Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden
In “Lean UX,” Gothelf and Seiden challenge the traditional process of UX design, which often results in over-documentation and slow development cycles. They introduce principles from Lean and Agile methodologies to propose a faster, more collaborative approach to design.
The book advocates for cross-functional teams that work together to refine a product’s design as it’s being created. This ensures that the end result is not just usable, but also valuable and feasible. “Lean UX” is a paradigm-shifting manual for those ready to streamline their design process.
Hooked
By Nir Eyal
Product designers often wrestle with how to create products that not only draw users in but keep them coming back. Nir Eyal’s “Hooked” offers a practical guide to building habit-forming products. By understanding the psychology behind what makes products habit-forming, designers can craft experiences that users can’t resist.
With the Hook Model—a four-step process that can trigger users’ habits—Eyal gives designers a framework to create sticky products that become part of users’ daily routines.
Products That Last
By Glenn Adamson
Sustainability is a growing concern in the design world. Glenn Adamson’s “Products That Last” dives deep into the history and future of durable design. By examining long-lasting products, Adamson unpacks the principles that make designs timeless and the processes that lead to longevity.
This book is a critical reading for designers who want to move beyond the momentary and craft products that stand the test of time—both in quality and relevance.
The Laws of Simplicity
By John Maeda
“More is more” might be the antithesis of John Maeda’s “The Laws of Simplicity.” Maeda presents ten laws that provide strategies for simplifying and streamlining design. By adhering to these laws, designers can create products that are easier to understand and use, and more enjoyable.
Maeda’s insights are not just about minimalism in design; they are about clarity, which is why this book is a valuable resource in combating complexity in any product design challenge.
Sprint
By Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, and Braden Kowitz
The team behind Google Ventures’ design sprint process laid out their methods in “Sprint.” This book offers a practical, rapid approach to solving big problems and testing new ideas in just five days.
“Sprint” is not merely a read; it’s a workbook for teams looking to bypass endless debate and jump straight into creating a prototype to test with users. It’s an accelerator for the design process, ensuring that great ideas see the light of day—and potentially, the market—without getting bogged down in an extended development process.
These books are like mentors, imparting invaluable lessons distilled from years of experience and experimentation. They’re tools for your mental workshop that you can revisit as you take on new projects and challenges. Invest in your growth as a designer by adding these to your reading list, and see your approach to product design reach new heights.
