My reading list for UX folks
Whether you're just starting out in the UX field or are an experienced professional, I don't want you to make the same mistake I did by underestimating the power of a good book. That's why I've collected some of my reads.
The Design of Everyday Things (by Don Norman)
This classic book by Don Norman is a must-read for anyone interested in design. Norman takes a deep dive into the design of everyday objects and explains why some designs work while others fail. The book is full of real-life examples and insights into how designers can create products that are easy and intuitive to use. The Design of Everyday Things is a timeless classic that every designer should read. It will help you develop a deeper understanding of design principles and give you the tools to create products that are user-friendly and intuitive.
Don’t Make Me Think (by Steve Krug)
In this book, Steve Krug provides a simple and practical guide to web usability. He explains how to create websites that are easy to use and navigate, with plenty of real-life examples and anecdotes to illustrate his points. The book is written in a friendly, conversational style that makes it easy to read and understand. Don’t Make Me Think is an essential guide for anyone involved in web design. It will help you create websites that are easy to use and navigate, which in turn will improve the user experience and make your site more successful.
Thinking, Fast and Slow (by Daniel Kahneman)
In this groundbreaking book, Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems of thinking that drive our decisions and behaviors. He explains how our fast, intuitive thinking can sometimes lead us astray, and how we can use our slower, more deliberate thinking to make better choices. Thinking, Fast and Slow is a fascinating exploration of the human mind and the way we think. It will help you understand the cognitive biases that can affect our decisions, and give you tools to make better choices in your personal and professional life.
Lean UX (by Jeff Gothelf)
In Lean UX, Jeff Gothelf presents a new approach to UX design that focuses on collaboration, experimentation, and continuous iteration. This approach is based on the principles of Lean Startup, which emphasize the importance of rapid prototyping, customer feedback, and data-driven decision-making.
Rocket Surgery Made Easy (by Steve Krug)
Rocket Surgery Made Easy is a practical guide to usability testing. Steve Krug, a well-known usability consultant, provides a step-by-step process for conducting effective tests.with real users. The book is filled with practical tips and tricks that can help designers and developers create more usable products.
Sprint (by Jake Knapp)
Sprint is a practical guide to answering critical business questions. It outlines a process for solving problems through focused brainstorming, prototyping, and testing. The book provides a step-by-step framework that can be applied to any challenge, from designing a new product to improving an existing process. If you’re looking for a practical guide to problem-solving, Sprint is an excellent resource. The book provides a clear and actionable framework that can be applied to a wide range of challenges.
Rework (by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson)
Rework is a collection of essays on business and entrepreneurship. It challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to rethink their approach to work. The book offers practical advice on topics like productivity, marketing, and hiring, and emphasizes the importance of simplicity and focus. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on business, Rework is a must-read. The book is full of practical advice and inspiring stories that will help you rethink your approach to work.
Creative Confidence (by Tom Kelley and David Kelley)
Creative Confidence is a guide to unlocking your creativity. It emphasizes the importance of taking risks and overcoming fear, and provides practical tools for generating ideas and turning them into reality. The book also explores the link between creativity and innovation, and argues that anyone can be creative if they are willing to take a chance. If you’re looking to tap into your creative potential, Creative Confidence is an excellent resource. The book provides practical advice and inspiring stories that will help you overcome fear and take risks.
Build Better Products (by Laura Klein)
Build Better Products is a comprehensive guide to product development that emphasizes the importance of a user-centered approach. Laura Klein, a well-known product consultant, provides practical advice on every aspect of product development, from conducting user research to designing user interfaces and testing product ideas.
The War of Art (by Steven Pressfield)
This book emphasizes on breaking through the obstacles that prevent creative people from succeeding, including the internal resistance that keeps us from sitting down and doing the work we need to do. The author urges us to identify and overcome the forces that stop us from achieving our goals.
Universal Principles of Design (By William Lidwell, Jill Butler, and Kritina Holden)
This easy-to-read reference book is packed with useful tips on how to design products and interact with clients. Each design concept includes a description and illustrated example of how it can be applied.
Hooked (By Nir Eyal)
In the Book, Eyal outlines the four-step process—trigger (action, variable reward, and investment) behind products that keep users coming back again and again. Pick this one up for tips on boosting user engagement and building the next habit-forming technology. But please keep the ethics in mind.
So much for mostly classics
I also had some interesting reads especially for the topic of design systems.
Laying the Foundations (by Andrew Couldwell)
This is real talk about creating design systems and digital brand guidelines. No jargon, no glossing over the hard realities, and no company hat. Just good advice, experience, and practical tips.
A Pattern Language (by Christopher Alexander)
The book creates a new language, what the authors call a pattern language derived from timeless entities called patterns. Patterns describe a problem and then offer a solution.
Frontend Architecture for Design Systems (by Micah Godbolt)
Using real-world examples, case studies, and practical tips and tricks throughout, author Micah Godbolt introduces you to the four pillars of frontend architecture.
Design Systems (by Alla Kholmatova)
What are the key qualities of a well-functioning, enduring design system? Throughout the book, Alla will share an approach that will help you every day with your work.
Design Systems Handbook (by InVision)
Learn how you can create your design system and help your team improve product quality while reducing design debt.
Thinking in Systems (by Donella H. Meadows)
Thinking in Systems, is a concise and crucial book offering insight for problem solving on scales ranging from the personal to the global.
Creating a Design System - The 100-Point Process Checklist (by Marcin Treder)
Know how to build a design system step-by-step. Create a UI inventory, get buy-in, and more.
Atomic Design (by Brad Frost)
Atomic Design details all that goes into creating and maintaining robust design systems, allowing you to roll out higher quality, more consistent UIs faster than ever before.
