Product design books help designers craft valuable products to attract their customers. Designers can achieve their goal of user satisfaction with the assistance of these knowledge treasures. Multiple industry experts put their long-standing expertise into pages for a better understanding of audience psychology.
In this era of the digital revolution, where books are just one click away from readers, it’s hard to pick the right one that’s relatable to the specified field. We make decisions easy for you by carefully curating a list of the 10 best product design books in 2023. Have a look!
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Here are the top 10 product design books that you should read in 2023:
In our comprehensive list of the 10 best product design books in 2023, Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things” takes first place with its thought-provoking exploration of human behavior and the principles underlying user-centered design. Don Norman is a usability engineer and a cognitive scientist, providing his vast services to many American institutions.
He is also a co-founder of a user interface organization called Nielson Norman Group with fellow Jakob Nielson. Don Norman first published his masterpiece in 1988 with the title “‘ The Psychology of Everyday Things. He has a keen eye on surrounding objects—not how they appear but how they act and benefit human needs—due to his belief in user-centric design.
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The book is a plethora of real-time examples and explanations on why one design works effectively, satisfying user needs, while the other fails. The author shows that a good design is possible through the ingenious use of constraints.
Quote: “Design is an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating.” Don Norman, “The Design of Everyday Things”.
We place Stephen Anderson’s “Seductive Interaction Design” in second place on the list of the 10 best product design books in 2023. Author and speaker Stephen P. Anderson compellingly wrote this book. He elaborates on the importance of colors, animation, and storytelling in user interface design.
The book is seductively beautiful and enjoyable to read, with three aesthetic chapters primarily focusing on human psychology. Stephen believes that designers should always focus on the interface of an app to make it emotionally appealing, which goes beyond usability. A design philosophy should center on creating engaging and memorable interactions that leave an impression on your users.
Quote: “Seductive design isn’t about tricking people into doing things they don’t want to do. It’s about subtly influencing people’s decisions and behaviors to make them want to do what you want them to do.” Stephen Anderson, “Seductive Interaction Design”
“Don’t Make Me Think” is the best-loved book in the world of web usability and user-centered design by user experience professional Steve Krug. The book was first published in 2000. More than 600,000 copies have been sold and have been translated into twenty languages.
Krug’s approach to web design is mainly focused on clear navigation and simple layouts. UX designers should concentrate on eliminating unnecessary complexity. The book is best for anyone who is starting to use user experience as their job tag, even for writers and editors who want to write in the field.
Quote: “People won’t use your website if they can’t find their way around it.” Steve Krug, “Don’t Make Me Think”
“Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products” is a timeless product design book by Israeli-born author Nir Eyal. The book is based on the author’s personal experiences and years-long research on human behaviors toward habit-forming products.
Eyal presents a four-step model called the hooked model. He included triggers, actions, variable rewards, investments for a product’s success, and how some products influence human behavior. Without relying on costly advertising or aggressive messaging, by implementing the hook cycle on products, companies can bring their customers back again and again and form a habit of buying their products.
Quote: “The technologies we use have turned into compulsions if not full-fledged addictions. It’s the impulse to check a message notification. It’s the pull to visit YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter for just a few minutes, only to find yourself still tapping and scrolling an hour later.” Nir Eyal, “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products,”
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IDEO founder and president Tim Brown revived the idea of design thinking through “Change by Design.”. In his book, Brown explores the design thinking process and its transformative potential. He defines design thinking as a human-centered approach to solving complex problems with creative solutions. He highlights the importance of empathy, collaboration, and iteration.
Amazing innovation comes from genius minds. Design thinking is also the product of intellectuals, which can change the future of organizations. Renowned businesses incorporate design thinking into product development, winning user trust and boosting their investments.
Quote: “Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that draws from the designer’s toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success.” Tim Brown, “Change by Design”
“Creative Confidence” is a fun read by IDEO founder David Kelley, who is also the creator of Sanford d.school with his IDEO partner brother Tom Kelley, the author of the Bestselling, ‘’The Art of Innovation’’. Both unleash the power of innate creativity and innovation.
Creativity is not merely the domain of ‘’ creative types’’. Anyone can be creative in his field and life by overcoming fears and self-doubts. With vast experiences in the design field, both authors assist others in their self-discovery toward building creative confidence in themselves.
.Quote: “Creative confidence is about believing in your ability to create change in the world around you. It is the belief that you can make a difference.” Tom Kelley and David Kelley, “Creative Confidence,”
Robin Patricia Williams is an American graphics designer, instructor, and author of computer-based books as well as Shakespearean philosophy. ‘ “The Non-Designer’s Design Book” is a convivial and practical guide to graphic design principles for beginners. Williams simplifies design concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language.
She has included four design principles related to typography, color scheme, and their alignment, along with proximity (CRAP). The book is best for newbies with no formal design training. She taught her reader how to think and act like an expert designer. In the fourth edition of her encyclopedia, Williams added more chapters on typography and more quizzes and exercises on how to design brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
Quote: “Remember, the goal of design is to clarify, to simplify, and to make it easier to understand. The goal of design is to get your message across.” Robin Williams, “The Non-Designer’s Design Book”
Edited by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler, “Universal Principles of Design,” is a comprehensive guide to essential design principles. The book is a valuable source of knowledge for anyone interested in the art and science of design, with 125 design concepts.
The book is highly illustrative and concisely presented. The editors have incorporated essential design principles that transcend specific concepts. Universal Principles of Design is the first cross-disciplinary book with a practical approach and updated references to more than 200 design laws.
Quote: “Good design is as little design as possible.” Dieter Rams, cited in “Universal Principles of Design,”.
Henry Dreyfuss Associates’ “Designing for People” is a timeless observation of human-centered design principles. How user-centered design can be applicable across various industries With user needs and comfort in mind, the book is heavily based on the philosophy of a customer-centered approach to designing products for real customers.
Henry Dreyfuss was an American industrial design icon who influenced the 20th-century design industry with some of the most iconic and widely used household inventions. The author emphasizes, through insightful case studies and practical advice, how design can improve a buyer’s life and have a long-term impact on customers’ minds.
Quote: “When the point of contact between the product and the people becomes a point of friction, then the [designer] has failed. On the other hand, if people are made safer, more comfortable, more eager to purchase, more efficient—or just plain happier—by contact with the product, then the designer has succeeded.” Henry Dreyfuss, “Designing for People”
We have completed our list of the 10 best product design books in 2023 with Lorraine Justice’s “The Future of Design”. The book has a thought-provoking approach toward emerging technologies. How designers can empower themselves with new design trends and inventions dominating the design sphere
Lorraine believes that changing global factors determine the design course and have a huge impact on product development. Word issues and cultural shifts influence emerging technologies. She has included interviews with inventors and designers around the world.
Quote: “The best designers in the future will not only solve problems, but they will frame the right problems to solve.” Lorraine Justice, “The Future of Design”
Literature plays an important role in improving product design skills, but this has been overlooked by many. Its impact extends beyond words on a page. Over the centuries, books have provided a plethora of advantages for designers.
Reading literature stimulates creativity by introducing new ideas and perspectives. Novels, essays, and poetry can broaden one’s imaginative horizons and inspire new design approaches.
Empathy is a key component of effective design. Literature fosters a deep understanding of human emotions and behavior, guiding designers in the creation of products that emotionally connect with users.
Analyzing literature improves observation skills. Designers develop the ability to discern intricate details, which leads to more thoughtful and intricate design decisions.
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The field of product design is continually evolving, influenced by technological advancements, user expectations, and changing design paradigms. A solid foundation of knowledge and inspiration is essential as designers strive to create innovative and user-centered products.
The ten best product design books in 2023, as outlined in this article, provide a diverse range of perspectives, strategies, and principles that can guide designers toward success in this dynamic and exciting field. Whether you are a new designer or a seasoned pro, these books will help you navigate the complexities of product design in the coming years.
The above-listed books contain a wealth of knowledge not just for leaders but for beginners as well. They cover a variety of topics, from user-centered design to creative confidence, and offer practical advice.
These books appeal to a wide range of readers, including aspiring product designers, seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in learning the principles of effective product design, user experience, and innovation.
Absolutely. While some of these books are older, their timeless principles and concepts are still relevant in the ever-changing landscape of product design.
You certainly can. While these books are written with designers in mind, their insights can be useful to people in a variety of fields.
Small businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve their branding, marketing efforts, and overall visibility. Effective design plays a key role in achieving these goals, and fortunately, there are plenty of design apps to help small businesses create professional-looking images, logos, social media content, and marketing materials.
Staying ahead of the curve is critical in the fast-paced world of mobile app development. Design trends in the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are constantly changing.
An engaging online presence is essential for businesses and individuals in the digital age. Whether you’re a small business owner, blogger, entrepreneur, or established company, your website is often the first point of contact with your audience.
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Design Peeps is a nimble product design company that specializes in human-centered design solutions tailored to clients’ needs. They operate as a lean, world-class team of passionate experts, without the rigidity of traditional agencies.
Design Peeps is a nimble product design company that specializes in human-centered design solutions tailored to clients’ needs. They operate as a lean, world-class team of passionate experts, without the rigidity of traditional agencies.
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