Product Design Books: A Curated List

Are you looking to dive deeper into the world of product design? Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s always more to learn. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the 20 best books about product design that are sure to inspire and educate. From timeless classics to modern must-reads, these books cover everything from design thinking to user experience and everything in between. So, if you’re ready to expand your knowledge and take your skills to the next level, grab a book on product design from our list and get ready to be inspired!

20 Best Product Design Books

The Design of Everyday Things

by Don Norman

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman is a renowned book on product design that explores the principles of usability and user-centered design. Norman delves into the psychology behind how people interact with everyday objects, and how design can either enhance or hinder these interactions. With a focus on the importance of intuitive and user-friendly design, the book offers practical insights for designers, engineers, and anyone interested in improving the usability of products. Through real-world examples and case studies, Norman illustrates the impact of thoughtful design on user experience, and provides valuable guidelines for creating products that are both functional and enjoyable to use. This product design book is a must-read for anyone involved in the creation of everyday objects, as it challenges readers to rethink their approach to design and consider the needs and behaviors of the end user.

Creative Confidence

by Tom Kelley and David Kelley

Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley is a game-changing book on product design that challenges the conventional notion that creativity is a talent only a few possess. The Kelley brothers, both renowned design thinkers, argue that creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and developed by anyone. Through engaging anecdotes and practical exercises, they share powerful techniques for unlocking innovation and unleashing the creative potential within all of us.

This book about product design is not just for designers or artists, but for anyone looking to bring fresh ideas to the table. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a teacher, a manager, or simply someone yearning to tap into your creative side, Creative Confidence offers a wealth of insights and strategies for overcoming fears, embracing failure, and fostering a culture of innovation.

If you’re seeking to broaden your creative horizons and transform the way you approach problem-solving, this insightful and inspiring product design book is a must-read for anyone looking to unleash their creative potential.

Don’t Make Me Think

by Steve Krug

Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug is a must-read for anyone interested in the field of user experience and web design. This insightful book on product design emphasizes the importance of creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that allow for effortless navigation. Krug’s no-nonsense approach and witty writing style make the book both informative and entertaining, making it a valuable resource for designers, developers, and anyone involved in creating digital products.

Through real-life examples and practical advice, Krug highlights the importance of understanding users’ behavior and designing with their needs in mind. He emphasizes the concept of “don’t make me think,” which encourages designers to create interfaces that are self-explanatory and require minimal cognitive effort from the user.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, this book about product design is a valuable addition to your library. It’s a quick and enjoyable read that will leave you with a fresh perspective on creating user-friendly interfaces and digital experiences.

The Lean Startup

by Eric Ries

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is a revolutionary book on product design that challenges traditional business practices. Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, which emphasizes the importance of quickly testing ideas and iterating based on customer feedback. He advocates for a lean approach to product development, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. Ries also discusses the importance of creating a minimum viable product (MVP) to gather data and make informed decisions, rather than relying on assumptions.

This product design book is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, product managers, and anyone looking to create successful products. Ries’s insights and strategies have had a profound impact on the startup community, and his book has become essential reading for anyone interested in building innovative and sustainable businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Lean Startup offers valuable lessons and actionable techniques for creating successful products in today’s fast-paced and competitive market.

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products

by Nir Eyal

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal is a compelling book about product design that delves into the psychology behind creating products that form user habits. Eyal provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the hook model, which consists of triggers, actions, rewards, and investments, and demonstrates how companies can use this model to build products that keep users coming back for more.

The book offers practical insights and real-world examples, making it a valuable resource for designers, entrepreneurs, and product managers looking to create engaging and habit-forming products. Eyal explores the ethical considerations of building habit-forming products and provides guidance on how to use these techniques responsibly.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field of product design, this book about product design will give you a deeper understanding of human behavior and how to leverage it to create successful products. With its thought-provoking content and actionable advice, Hooked is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating world of habit-forming products.

The Innovator’s Dilemma

by Clayton M. Christensen

The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen is a groundbreaking book on product design that explores the challenges faced by successful companies when trying to innovate. Christensen introduces the concept of disruptive innovation, where new products or services emerge and eventually disrupt the existing market. He argues that established companies often fail to embrace disruptive technologies because they are focused on satisfying the needs of their most profitable customers, leaving them vulnerable to new, innovative competitors. The book provides numerous examples from various industries to illustrate this phenomenon and offers insights on how companies can navigate the dilemma of sustaining success while also fostering innovation. Christensen’s work has had a profound impact on how businesses approach product development and has become a seminal text for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of innovation and market disruption.

Emotional Design

by Don Norman

Emotional Design by Don Norman is a captivating exploration of the crucial role of emotions in the design of products and experiences. This influential book on product design delves into the way our emotions impact our interactions with the world around us, and how design can be optimized to elicit positive emotional responses. Norman presents a compelling argument for the crucial role of emotions in the design process, drawing on numerous case studies and examples to illustrate his points.

He introduces the concept of three levels of design: visceral, behavioral, and reflective, and explains how each level plays a role in shaping our emotional responses to products and experiences. With his engaging writing style and wealth of knowledge, Norman offers valuable insights for designers, marketers, and anyone interested in understanding the powerful impact of product design on our emotions. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking book about product design that will challenge your perceptions and inspire new ideas, Emotional Design is a must-read.

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 groundbreaking book on product design that presents a unique and innovative approach to problem-solving and idea testing. The book introduces the concept of a ‘sprint’ – a five-day process for answering crucial business questions and testing new ideas. With real-world examples and practical tips, the author takes readers through the entire sprint process, from setting a clear goal to prototyping and testing solutions. This book about product design is a valuable resource for anyone looking to streamline their innovation process and make faster progress on their projects. Whether you’re a startup founder, product manager, or team leader, Sprint offers a proven framework for tackling big challenges and bringing new ideas to life in just five days. With its engaging narrative and actionable insights, this product design book is a must-read for anyone looking to revolutionize the way they approach problem-solving and innovation.

The Design of Business

by Roger L. Martin

The Design of Business by Roger L. Martin is a thought-provoking book on product design that challenges traditional business thinking. Martin argues that successful companies are those that integrate design thinking into their business strategy, rather than treating it as a separate function. He outlines a framework for incorporating design into every aspect of a business, from strategy and operations to customer experience and employee engagement. Through real-life case studies and practical examples, Martin demonstrates how companies can achieve sustainable success by embracing a design-centric approach. This book about product design is a must-read for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the power of design in driving innovation and growth. With its engaging writing style and actionable insights, The Design of Business offers a fresh perspective on how design can be a strategic advantage in today’s competitive business landscape.

Designing for Interaction

by Dan Saffer

Designing for Interaction by Dan Saffer is a comprehensive book about product design that provides a deep dive into the world of interaction design. Saffer explores the principles and techniques behind creating compelling user experiences, focusing on how people interact with products, services, and systems. The book covers a wide range of topics, including user research, prototyping, and designing for different platforms and devices.

Saffer’s writing style is clear and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand for both beginners and seasoned professionals. He provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate his points, giving readers practical insights into the book on product design process. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or product manager, Designing for Interaction offers valuable knowledge and guidance for creating user-centered experiences that resonate with audiences.

Overall, this product design book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of interaction design and create impactful user experiences.

The Art of Innovation

by Tom Kelley

The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley is a captivating book on product design that delves into the world of creativity and brainstorming. Kelley, a renowned expert in the field, explores the process of innovation and how to foster a culture of creativity within organizations. Through engaging anecdotes and practical advice, he shares insights on how to generate fresh ideas, prototype and test them, and ultimately bring them to market. This book about product design is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, designers, and anyone looking to cultivate a more innovative mindset. With an emphasis on human-centered design and the importance of empathy in the creative process, The Art of Innovation offers a refreshing perspective on product development. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a novice in the field, this product design book will inspire you to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

The Design of Future Things

by Don Norman

The Design of Future Things by Don Norman is a groundbreaking book on product design that delves into the fascinating intersection of human psychology, technology, and the future of design. In this insightful book about product design, Norman, a renowned expert in the field, explores how the design of everyday objects can shape our behavior and influence our experiences.

With a keen focus on user-centered design, Norman discusses the importance of creating products that are intuitive, user-friendly, and enjoyable to use. He also delves into the concept of “affordances,” or the perceived and actual properties of a product that determine how it can be used.

Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, The Design of Future Things offers valuable insights for designers, engineers, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of product design. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious enthusiast, this product design book provides a thought-provoking look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the world of design.

Change by Design

by Tim Brown

Change by Design, written by Tim Brown, is a captivating book about product design that delves into the power of design thinking to bring about positive change in the world. Brown, the CEO of IDEO, a renowned design and innovation company, introduces readers to the concept of human-centered design and its potential to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions.

Through compelling case studies and real-life examples, Brown illustrates how design thinking can be applied to various industries, from technology to healthcare, to improve the way products and services are created and consumed. The book offers practical insights and methodologies for incorporating design thinking into business strategies, emphasizing the importance of empathy, collaboration, and experimentation in the design process.

Change by Design is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the transformative power of design and its ability to drive meaningful change in the world. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the impact of design on society, this product design book will inspire and enlighten you.

The Design Thinking Playbook

by Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer

The Design Thinking Playbook by Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link, and Larry Leifer is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the process of innovation and problem-solving. This book on product design takes readers through the principles of design thinking and provides practical tools and methods for applying them in various contexts. The authors emphasize the importance of empathy, creativity, and iterative prototyping in the product design process, making it an essential read for entrepreneurs, designers, and anyone looking to develop innovative solutions.

Designing Interactions

by Bill Moggridge

Designing Interactions by Bill Moggridge is a captivating exploration of the world of interactive design. This influential book on product design delves into the process of creating meaningful and engaging interactions between users and products. Through a combination of insightful interviews, case studies, and personal anecdotes, Moggridge provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of interaction design, from the early days of the computer mouse to the latest advancements in mobile technology.

Readers will gain a deep understanding of the principles and practices that drive successful interactions, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with designing for an ever-changing digital landscape. With its emphasis on user-centered design and human-computer interaction, this book about product design is a valuable resource for designers, engineers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and human behavior. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, Designing Interactions offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for creating impactful and user-friendly products.

The Design of Design

by Frederick P. Brooks Jr.

The Design of Design by Frederick P. Brooks Jr. is a thought-provoking book on product design that delves into the complex and often overlooked aspects of the design process. Brooks, a renowned computer scientist and author of The Mythical Man-Month, draws upon his extensive experience to offer valuable insights into the art and science of creating successful designs. Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, he explores the challenges and dilemmas faced by designers, and provides practical guidance on how to navigate them.

With a focus on the human element of design, Brooks emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs and desires of the end users, as well as the role of creativity and intuition in the design process. He also addresses the impact of technology and the evolving nature of design in the modern world. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a newcomer to the field, this product design book offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to elevate your design practice.

Designing Brand Identity

by Alina Wheeler

Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler is a comprehensive and visually stunning book on product design that delves into the intricate world of branding. This essential resource offers a deep dive into the process of creating and managing a successful brand identity, covering everything from brand strategy and positioning to visual elements such as logos and packaging. Wheeler’s expertise in the field shines through as she guides readers through real-world case studies, practical tips, and insightful interviews with industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned branding expert or just starting out in the field, this product design book is a valuable resource that will inspire and educate you on the power of branding. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to understand the intricate process of building a brand that resonates with consumers and stands out in a crowded marketplace.

The Elements of User Experience

by Jesse James Garrett

The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett is a quintessential book about product design that provides a comprehensive overview of the various aspects involved in creating successful user experiences. Garrett introduces a five-plane model to illustrate the different layers of user experience design, from strategy to surface. This framework allows readers to understand the interconnectedness of the different elements and how they contribute to the overall user experience. The book delves into the importance of understanding user needs, creating intuitive interfaces, and designing for usability and accessibility. Garrett also emphasizes the significance of aligning business goals with user needs to create a successful product. With its clear and insightful explanations, The Elements of User Experience is a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the complexities of creating user-centered products, making it an indispensable resource for anyone working in the field of product design.

Designing for Growth

by Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie

Designing for Growth is a comprehensive book on product design that offers practical strategies for creating innovative solutions. Co-authored by Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie, this book provides a step-by-step guide to using design thinking to address complex business challenges. Through real-life examples and case studies, the authors illustrate how organizations can leverage design thinking to foster creativity, collaboration, and customer-centric innovation.

The book explores the principles of product design from a holistic perspective, emphasizing the importance of empathy, experimentation, and iteration in the design process. Liedtka and Ogilvie offer valuable insights on how to identify customer needs, generate and test ideas, and bring successful products to market. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, Designing for Growth provides a wealth of practical tools and techniques for driving product design innovation within your organization.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is a captivating exploration of the two systems that drive the way we think. With a keen focus on cognitive psychology, this book delves into the different modes of thought – the fast, intuitive, and emotional system, and the slow, deliberate, and logical system. Kahneman, a Nobel Prize-winning psychologist, takes readers on a journey through the mind, revealing the various biases and errors that influence our decision-making processes.

Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking experiments, Kahneman unpacks the complexities of human reasoning, offering valuable insights into how our minds work. Whether you’re a book expert, a psychology enthusiast, or simply curious about the inner workings of the human brain, this book is a must-read. It provides a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to various fields, including psychology, economics, and even book on product design. Thinking, Fast and Slow is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that will leave you with a newfound understanding of the intricacies of human thought processes.

Final Thoughts on Best Product Design Books

Product Design is a crucial aspect of creating successful and innovative products. The 20 best books about product design listed in this article provide valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration for designers and product developers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the field, these books offer a wealth of knowledge to help you excel in product design. From design thinking to user experience and everything in between, these books cover a wide range of topics essential for mastering the art of product design.

Which book about Product Design is best?

The best book on Product Design can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

  1. The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman,
  2. Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley,
  3. Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug.

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:

  1. The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman,
  2. Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley,
  3. Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug,
  4. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries,
  5. Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal,
  6. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen,
  7. Emotional Design by Don Norman,
  8. Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp,
  9. The Design of Business by Roger L. Martin,
  10. Designing for Interaction by Dan Saffer

These books offer a range of perspectives on Product Design, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books about Product Design?

The best books about Product Design are:

  • The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman,
  • Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley,
  • The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley,
  • The Design of Future Things by Don Norman,
  • Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp,
  • The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen.

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books about 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 five titles that are often celebrated include

  • The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman,
  • Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley,
  • Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal,
  • Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp,
  • and The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley.
  • Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Product Design and continues to be influential today.