If you’re looking to dive into the world of design thinking, there’s no better way to do it than by picking up a book on design thinking. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, these 20 best design thinking books will provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and practical techniques to take your creativity and problem-solving skills to the next level. From exploring the principles of human-centered design to learning how to apply design thinking in various industries, these books cover it all. Let’s take a look at the top picks that will ignite your passion for innovation and change the way you approach challenges.
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman is a classic book on design thinking that explores the principles of good design and how they can be applied to everyday objects. Norman delves into the psychology behind human interactions with products, discussing how well-designed objects can enhance usability and user experience. He emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and designing with empathy, while also addressing the impact of technology on design. With its practical insights and real-world examples, this influential book about design thinking is a must-read for anyone interested in creating better, more user-friendly products.
Change by Design by Tim Brown is a groundbreaking book on design thinking that explores how innovative ideas can transform businesses and society. Brown, the CEO of IDEO, a global design and innovation firm, introduces the concept of design thinking as a powerful tool for solving complex problems and driving positive change. Through real-world examples and case studies, the book demonstrates how design thinking can be applied to a wide range of challenges, from product development to organizational change. With its engaging and accessible style, Change by Design is a must-read for anyone interested in unlocking their creative potential and reimagining the world around them. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this book about design thinking will inspire you to approach problems with a fresh perspective and embrace the power of human-centered design.
Design Thinking: Integrating Innovation, Customer Experience, and Brand Value
by Thomas Lockwood
Design Thinking: Integrating Innovation, Customer Experience, and Brand Value by Thomas Lockwood is a comprehensive book on design thinking that explores the intersection of creativity, business strategy, and customer-centric design. Lockwood offers a deep understanding of the principles and practices of design thinking, emphasizing the importance of empathy, experimentation, and collaboration in problem-solving and innovation. The book provides valuable insights into how organizations can harness the power of design thinking to create meaningful customer experiences, drive brand value, and stay ahead in today’s competitive marketplace. With real-world case studies and practical tools, this design thinking book is a must-read for anyone looking to integrate design into their business strategy and foster a culture of innovation.
Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley is a transformative book on design thinking that empowers readers to unleash their creative potential. The authors, both innovators and leaders at the renowned design firm IDEO, share practical strategies and inspiring stories to help individuals and organizations cultivate creativity and tackle complex challenges with confidence. Through a combination of personal anecdotes and insightful lessons, the book offers a refreshing perspective on the creative process, encouraging readers to embrace experimentation, take risks, and overcome self-doubt. With its engaging narrative and actionable advice, Creative Confidence is a must-read for anyone seeking to harness the power of creativity and innovation in their personal and professional endeavors. This design thinking book is a game-changer for those looking to unlock their creative potential and make a meaningful impact in the world.
The Design Thinking Playbook: Mindful Digital Transformation of Teams, Products, Services, Businesses and Ecosystems
by Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer
The Design Thinking Playbook is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to implement innovative strategies in their organization. This insightful book on design thinking provides a step-by-step approach to transforming teams, products, services, businesses, and ecosystems through the principles of design thinking. Authors Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer offer practical tools and techniques to foster a culture of creativity, empathy, and collaboration within an organization. The book emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in digital transformation and provides real-world examples to illustrate its concepts. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply interested in fostering innovation, this design thinking book is a valuable resource for understanding and implementing design-centric strategies.
Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work
by Nigel Cross
Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work by Nigel Cross is an insightful book about design thinking that delves into the mindset and processes of designers. This book on design thinking explores the creative and problem-solving approach that designers use to tackle complex challenges and create innovative solutions. Nigel Cross provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, methods, and strategies of design thinking, offering a deep understanding of the designer’s thought process and their unique way of approaching problems. With practical examples and case studies, this design thinking book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and apply the principles of design thinking in their own work, whether they are designers, business professionals, or individuals seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills.
The Design Thinking Toolbox: A Guide to Mastering the Most Popular and Valuable Innovation Methods
by Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer
The Design Thinking Toolbox is a comprehensive guide to mastering the most popular and valuable innovation methods. This book on design thinking provides readers with practical tools and techniques to implement design thinking in their organizations. Authors Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer share their expertise and insights on how to foster a culture of innovation and creativity. Through real-world examples and case studies, the book about design thinking demonstrates how design thinking can be applied to solve complex problems and drive business success. Whether you’re a seasoned innovator or new to the concept, this design thinking book offers a wealth of resources to help you master the art of innovation and create meaningful solutions for your customers and clients.
Design Thinking: A Guide to Creative Problem Solving for Everyone
by Andrew Pressman
Design Thinking: A Guide to Creative Problem Solving for Everyone by Andrew Pressman is a comprehensive book on design thinking that demystifies the concept and makes it accessible to all. Pressman offers a practical and engaging approach to problem-solving, using real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the power of design thinking in various contexts. The book provides a step-by-step guide to the design thinking process, from understanding the problem to generating innovative solutions. Pressman emphasizes the importance of empathy, collaboration, and experimentation in the design thinking approach, making it a valuable resource for professionals and non-professionals alike. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or someone looking to enhance your problem-solving skills, this design thinking book will inspire you to think creatively and tackle challenges with confidence.
Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: Putting the Power of Design to Work
by Beverly Rudkin Ingle
Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: Putting the Power of Design to Work by Beverly Rudkin Ingle is a practical and insightful book on design thinking. Ingle provides a comprehensive overview of the design thinking process and offers valuable guidance on how entrepreneurs and small businesses can harness the power of design to drive innovation and growth. The book is filled with real-world examples, case studies, and actionable strategies that illustrate how design thinking can be applied to solve complex business challenges and create compelling products and services. Ingle’s engaging writing style and clear explanations make this book a must-read for anyone looking to incorporate design thinking into their entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether you’re a startup founder or a small business owner, this book about design thinking will inspire you to embrace a more creative and human-centered approach to problem-solving.
Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and Devices
by Dan Saffer
Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and Devices by Dan Saffer is a insightful book on design thinking, exploring the principles and practices of creating user-centered experiences. Saffer delves into the process of designing products and services that not only meet users’ needs, but also engage and delight them. The book provides practical guidance on how to approach interaction design, from understanding user behaviors and needs to prototyping and testing solutions. With real-world examples and case studies, Saffer demonstrates how design thinking can be applied to a wide range of products and services, making this a valuable resource for designers, developers, and anyone interested in creating innovative and meaningful experiences for users. Whether you’re new to interaction design or a seasoned professional, this book about design thinking offers valuable insights and inspiration for creating impactful and user-centered solutions.
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students
by Ellen Lupton
Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton is a comprehensive and critical guide for anyone involved in the world of design. This book delves into the intricate relationship between typography and design, offering valuable insights for designers, writers, editors, and students. Lupton explores the principles of typography, from its historical roots to its modern applications, and provides practical advice on how to use type effectively in various design projects. With its engaging and accessible approach, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of typography and its role in visual communication. Whether you’re a seasoned design professional or a novice in the field, Thinking with Type offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to elevate your design thinking skills.
Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days
by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, Braden Kowitz
Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days is a game-changing book on design thinking. Written by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, and Braden Kowitz, this book provides a step-by-step guide to the innovative concept of a sprint, a five-day process for solving big problems and testing new ideas. The authors draw on their experiences at Google Ventures to present a practical framework for tackling challenges and sparking innovation in a short amount of time. Packed with real-world examples and actionable strategies, this book about design thinking is a must-read for anyone seeking to streamline their problem-solving process and bring new ideas to life. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or creative thinker, Sprint offers invaluable insights into the power of rapid prototyping and testing.
Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things
by Don Norman
Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things by Don Norman is a captivating book on design thinking that delves into the emotional impact of everyday objects. Norman explores how design can provoke emotions, and how these emotions can influence our perception and interaction with products. Through engaging examples and insightful analysis, he illustrates how aesthetics, usability, and emotional appeal all play crucial roles in the design of everyday objects. This thought-provoking book about design thinking sheds light on the powerful connection between human emotions and design, making it a must-read for designers, marketers, and anyone interested in understanding the impact of design on our daily lives.
Universal Principles of Design is a comprehensive book on design thinking, offering a wealth of knowledge and insights into the fundamental principles of effective design. Written by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler, this book provides a valuable resource for designers, artists, and anyone interested in understanding the principles that underpin successful design. With over 125 principles explored, the book covers a wide range of topics, including usability, perception, and creativity. Each principle is accompanied by clear explanations and real-world examples, making it an engaging and practical guide for enhancing design thinking. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, Universal Principles of Design is an invaluable resource for mastering the essential concepts of design thinking.
Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge is a pioneering book on design thinking that delves into the world of interaction design. Moggridge, a renowned designer and co-founder of IDEO, explores the intersection of technology, human behavior, and creativity through a series of insightful interviews with leading innovators in the field.
The book offers a captivating exploration of the evolution of digital technology and its impact on everyday life, providing readers with a deep understanding of the principles and processes that drive successful interactive design. With its rich storytelling and in-depth analysis, Designing Interactions is a must-read for anyone interested in the art and science of creating compelling user experiences. This book about design thinking is a treasure trove of wisdom for designers, technologists, and anyone passionate about the intersection of design and technology.
Design Thinking at Work: How Innovative Organizations are Embracing Design
by David Dunne
Design Thinking at Work: How Innovative Organizations are Embracing Design by David Dunne is a compelling book on design thinking that explores how organizations are applying this innovative approach to address complex challenges and drive growth. Dunne delves into real-world case studies, highlighting how companies like Apple, Google, and Airbnb have successfully integrated design thinking into their work culture to foster creativity, collaboration, and customer-centric solutions. Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, the book about design thinking provides a roadmap for leaders and professionals to adopt design thinking principles and methodologies to achieve business success. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this design thinking book offers valuable perspectives on how to harness the power of design thinking to drive innovation and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
The Art of Innovation: Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America’s Leading Design Firm
by Tom Kelley, Jonathan Littman
The Art of Innovation: Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America’s Leading Design Firm is a captivating book about design thinking, written by Tom Kelley and Jonathan Littman. The book offers an insightful look into the innovative processes and strategies employed by IDEO, a renowned design firm. Kelley and Littman draw from their experiences and observations to provide valuable lessons on fostering creativity and driving innovation within organizations. Through real-life examples and case studies, the authors demonstrate how embracing a design-centric approach can lead to groundbreaking ideas and solutions. The Art of Innovation is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the principles of design thinking and how to apply them in a practical context. This book is an essential resource for individuals and businesses looking to cultivate a culture of creativity and drive meaningful change.
Design Thinking for Strategic Innovation: What They Can’t Teach You at Business or Design School
by Idris Mootee
Design Thinking for Strategic Innovation: What They Can’t Teach You at Business or Design School by Idris Mootee is a compelling book on design thinking that offers a fresh perspective on the topic. Mootee, a renowned expert in the field, provides valuable insights into how design thinking can be used to drive strategic innovation in both business and design contexts. The book delves into the principles and processes of design thinking, offering practical guidance on how to apply these concepts to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. Through real-world examples and case studies, Mootee demonstrates the power of design thinking in driving business success and fostering creative thinking. Whether you’re a business professional or a design enthusiast, this book about design thinking will inspire you to embrace a new mindset and approach to problem-solving.
Design a Better Business: New Tools, Skills, and Mindset for Strategy and Innovation
by Patrick Van Der Pijl, Justin Lokitz, and Lisa Kay Solomon
Design a Better Business is a groundbreaking book on design thinking, co-authored by Patrick Van Der Pijl, Justin Lokitz, and Lisa Kay Solomon. This essential read introduces readers to new tools, skills, and mindset for strategy and innovation. The authors provide practical guidance and real-world examples to help readers navigate the complex landscape of business design. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, creativity, and user-centric solutions, making the book about design thinking a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. Whether you’re looking to develop a new product, improve customer experience, or drive organizational change, Design a Better Business offers actionable insights and frameworks to transform your approach to problem-solving and decision-making. This design thinking book will inspire you to think differently and design better businesses for the future.
Are you ready to dive into the world of innovative problem-solving and creativity? Look no further than the Design Thinking: Process and Methods Manual by Robert Curedale. This comprehensive book on design thinking provides a practical guide to the design thinking process, offering a wealth of methods and tools to help you tackle complex challenges with confidence.
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting out, this book about design thinking will equip you with the mindset and techniques needed to generate innovative solutions and create meaningful experiences for users. Through a combination of real-world case studies and actionable strategies, Curedale demystifies the design thinking process, making it accessible to anyone looking to unleash their creative potential. Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform the way you approach problem-solving with this essential design thinking book.
Conclusion
Design Thinking is a powerful approach that has revolutionized the way we solve problems and innovate. The 20 best books about design thinking mentioned in this article offer valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring case studies that can help individuals and organizations harness the power of design thinking. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned practitioner, these books provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to elevate your design thinking skills. Dive into these books and unlock the potential of design thinking to drive meaningful change and create impactful solutions.
Which Design Thinking book is best?
The best book on Design Thinking 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 Design Thinking?
For those looking to learn about Design Thinking, 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 Design Thinking 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 Design Thinking books of all time?
Choosing the best Design Thinking books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
