Are you looking for inspiration and insight into the world of product design? Look no further than these 20 best books about product design. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, these books offer valuable lessons, practical tips, and beautiful examples to ignite your creativity and expand your knowledge. From classic to contemporary, each book on product design has something unique to offer. Let’s dive into the world of product design books and discover the wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored.
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman is a renowned book on product design that delves into the principles of usability and user-centered design. In this insightful and engaging book about product design, Norman explores the psychology behind how people interact with everyday objects, and how design can make or break the user experience. He discusses the importance of intuitive and user-friendly design, and provides practical examples and case studies to illustrate his points. Whether you’re a designer, engineer, or simply interested in the world around you, this product design book offers valuable insights into the design process and the impact it has on our daily lives. Norman’s thought-provoking exploration of design will undoubtedly change the way you perceive the objects you use every day.
Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley is a transformative book on product design that challenges the notion that creativity is a rare gift. The authors, both experts in the field of design thinking, share insights and practical exercises to help readers tap into their own creative potential. Through real-life examples and engaging stories, they demonstrate how anyone can unlock their creative abilities and apply them to solve problems and innovate in various aspects of their lives. This book about product design is a valuable resource for individuals looking to develop their creative skills and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in fostering creativity, Creative Confidence offers practical strategies to cultivate and unleash your creative confidence.
Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of user experience and web design. This book about product design is a straightforward, practical guide to creating intuitive, user-friendly websites. Krug’s no-nonsense approach and witty writing style make it an enjoyable and informative read. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out in the field of product design, this book will provide you with valuable insights and actionable tips to improve the usability of your digital products. With its focus on user-centered design and common sense principles, Don’t Make Me Think is an essential resource for anyone looking to create effective and engaging digital experiences.
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a game-changing book on product design that revolutionizes the way startups are built and products are launched. Ries introduces the concept of the lean startup methodology, which emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation, rapid experimentation, and customer feedback in the product development process. Through real-world examples and practical advice, Ries demonstrates how entrepreneurs can build successful businesses by testing their assumptions, adapting to market changes, and creating sustainable growth. This product design book provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to launch a new product or business, offering a roadmap for navigating the uncertainties of the startup world. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, The Lean Startup offers a fresh perspective on how to build and grow a successful company in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing market.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal is a must-read for anyone interested in designing products that capture and retain users’ attention. Eyal provides a fascinating insight into the psychology behind habit-forming products, offering a practical guide for creating products that people can’t put down. The book explores the Hook Model, a four-step process for building habit-forming products, and provides real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts. Whether you’re a product designer, entrepreneur, or marketer, this book about product design will give you the tools and knowledge to create products that keep users coming back for more. With its engaging writing style and actionable advice, Hooked is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the principles of habit-forming product design.
The Innovator’s Dilemma, written by Clayton M. Christensen, is a groundbreaking book on product design that delves into the challenges faced by companies when it comes to innovation. Christensen introduces the concept of disruptive innovation, which explores how successful companies can fail by focusing too much on their existing products and overlooking the potential of new, disruptive technologies. Through compelling case studies and insightful analysis, the book illustrates how even the most well-managed and innovative companies can struggle to adapt to changing market dynamics. The Innovator’s Dilemma is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of product development and the risks associated with complacency in the face of disruptive change.
Emotional Design by Don Norman is a captivating book on product design that delves into the relationship between human emotions and the products we interact with. Norman, a renowned design expert, explores how our emotional responses to products can greatly impact our experiences and decisions. Through insightful examples and practical advice, he demonstrates how the aesthetics, usability, and emotional appeal of a product can shape our perceptions and ultimately drive our purchasing behavior.
This thought-provoking book about product design challenges conventional notions of design, urging designers to consider the emotional impact of their creations. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or simply interested in the psychology of consumer behavior, Emotional Design offers valuable insights into creating products that resonate with users on a deeper, emotional level. It’s a must-read for anyone involved in the world of product design.
Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days
by Jake Knapp
Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp is a game-changing book on product design that outlines a revolutionary process for tackling tough challenges and testing new concepts in a mere five days. The book presents the reader with a step-by-step guide to the sprint process, developed and refined by the author during his time at Google Ventures. By implementing the methods laid out in the book, teams can rapidly solve complex problems, build prototypes, and test ideas with real customers, all within a short timeframe. Sprint is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in product development, innovation, or problem-solving, offering a practical and efficient approach to tackling big challenges and bringing new ideas to life.
The Design of Business by Roger L. Martin is a thought-provoking book on product design that challenges traditional business thinking. Martin explores how organizations can use design thinking to innovate and create successful products and services. He argues that businesses should prioritize customer needs and desires in the product design process, rather than relying solely on data and analysis. Through insightful case studies and practical examples, Martin demonstrates how companies can integrate design into their overall business strategy to drive growth and profitability. This book about product design is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the critical role of design in shaping the success of modern businesses.
Designing for Interaction by Dan Saffer is a comprehensive book on product design that delves into the intricacies of creating compelling user experiences. Saffer provides a deep understanding of the principles and techniques essential for designing interactive products, services, and experiences. The book covers a wide range of topics including user research, information architecture, and prototyping, making it an essential resource for designers, developers, and anyone interested in creating user-centered design solutions. With its practical insights and real-world examples, Designing for Interaction offers valuable guidance for those looking to enhance their skills in the field of interaction design. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this product design book is a must-read for anyone passionate about creating meaningful and impactful user experiences.
The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley is a captivating book on product design that offers a fresh perspective on fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within organizations. With real-life examples and practical insights, Kelley explores the principles and practices that drive successful product development and design. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, experimentation, and collaboration in the product design book process, encouraging readers to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and risk-taking. Through engaging storytelling and actionable advice, Kelley demonstrates how companies can cultivate an environment where new ideas flourish and breakthrough innovations emerge. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding entrepreneur, this book about product design is a must-read for anyone looking to spark innovation and drive growth in their organization.
The Design of Future Things by Don Norman is a fascinating book on product design that delves into the concept of “affordances” and how they shape our interactions with everyday objects. Norman explores the challenges and opportunities of designing products for an increasingly complex and interconnected world, where technology and human behavior intersect. Through engaging examples and insightful analysis, he offers valuable insights for designers and innovators seeking to create user-friendly and intuitive products. This product design book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between human psychology and technological advancements, and how it shapes the future of design.
Change by Design, written by Tim Brown, is a groundbreaking book on product design that challenges traditional thinking and provides a fresh perspective on innovation. Tim Brown, the CEO of IDEO, a global design and innovation company, introduces the concept of ‘design thinking’ as a powerful tool for tackling complex problems and creating innovative solutions. Through real-life examples and case studies, Brown illustrates how design thinking can be applied to a wide range of challenges, from business strategies to social issues. The book about product design emphasizes the importance of empathy, collaboration, and experimentation in the design process, offering valuable insights for designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in fostering creativity and driving change. Change by Design is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the transformative potential of design in today’s rapidly changing world.
by Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer
The Design Thinking Playbook is a comprehensive guide to the world of design thinking, offering a step-by-step approach to problem-solving and innovation. This book on product design is written by Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer, who are experts in the field. It provides practical tools, methods, and case studies to help readers understand and apply the principles of design thinking in their own work. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this book about product design is a valuable resource for anyone interested in fostering creativity and driving meaningful change. With its engaging and accessible style, The Design Thinking Playbook is a must-read for anyone seeking to master the art of innovation and product design.
Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge is a captivating book on product design. Moggridge, a renowned designer and co-founder of IDEO, takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history of interaction design. Through insightful interviews with leading designers and innovators, he explores the evolution of product design and the impact of technology on human interaction. The book delves into the creative process behind some of the most iconic digital products and services, offering valuable lessons for designers and innovators. With its rich storytelling and compelling visuals, Designing Interactions is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of design, technology, and human behavior.
The Design of Design by Frederick P. Brooks Jr. is a captivating book on product design that delves deep into the principles and practices of creating innovative and effective designs. Brooks, a renowned computer scientist and author of The Mythical Man-Month, shares his insights and experiences in this thought-provoking exploration of the art and science of design. Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, he discusses the challenges and complexities of the design process, emphasizing the importance of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. This book about product design is a valuable resource for designers, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of creating successful designs. With its rich content and practical wisdom, The Design of Design is a must-read for anyone passionate about the fascinating world of product design.
Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler is a comprehensive and visually stunning book on product design. It provides a detailed guide to creating, building, and maintaining a strong brand identity. Wheeler’s book about product design covers everything from researching and defining a brand to designing and implementing visual elements such as logos and packaging. With insightful case studies and practical tips, this product design book is an invaluable resource for marketers, designers, and business professionals looking to elevate their brand. Whether you’re a seasoned branding expert or just starting out, Designing Brand Identity offers inspiration and practical guidance for creating a memorable and impactful brand identity.
The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett is a comprehensive book on product design that breaks down the complex process of creating user-friendly digital products into digestible elements. Garrett’s approach is both practical and theoretical, providing a framework for understanding the various layers of user experience design. From the surface level of visual design to the deeper structures of functionality and information architecture, this book about product design offers valuable insights for designers, developers, and anyone involved in creating digital products. With its clear explanations and real-world examples, The Elements of User Experience is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of decisions that go into creating successful digital products.
Designing for Growth is a compelling book on product design that offers a practical approach to innovation and problem-solving. Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie provide a comprehensive guide to the design thinking process, emphasizing the importance of empathy, experimentation, and collaboration. The authors present a range of case studies and real-world examples to illustrate how organizations can apply design thinking to drive meaningful change and create value for customers.
This insightful book about product design equips readers with the tools and techniques needed to tackle complex challenges and uncover new opportunities. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or designer, Designing for Growth offers valuable insights that can help you transform your approach to innovation and achieve sustainable growth. With its practical advice and engaging storytelling, this product design book is a must-read for anyone looking to drive innovation and create impactful solutions.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is a fascinating exploration of the two systems that drive the way we think: the fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and the slow, deliberate, and logical system. Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, delves into the cognitive biases and errors that affect our decision-making, offering valuable insights into human behavior and decision-making processes. This book is essential for anyone interested in understanding how our minds work and how we can make better decisions in all areas of life. Whether you’re a psychology enthusiast, a business professional, or simply curious about the inner workings of the mind, this book is sure to provide valuable and thought-provoking insights. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the field of cognitive psychology or behavioral economics.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of Product Design through books is a rewarding experience. The 20 best books about product design listed in this article provide valuable insights, inspiration, and practical knowledge for designers and enthusiasts alike. From understanding user-centered design to mastering the art of creating innovative products, these books offer a wealth of information. Whether you’re a professional designer or simply passionate about the subject, these books are essential additions to your reading list.
Which Product Design book is best?
The best book on Product Design can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Product Design?
For those looking to learn about Product Design, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Product Design are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Product Design books of all time?
Choosing the best Product Design books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
