Bookshelf of Designer | 8 Must-Read Books for Design Specialists

🔖 Read First

• The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

  The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman explores how design affects user experience, emphasizing the importance of usability and intuitive design.

  

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

  Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman delves into human psychology and decision-making, providing valuable insights for designers looking to create more effective user experiences.

  

• A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander

  A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander presents a system of design patterns that can be applied to architecture and design, emphasizing human-centered design principles.

  

• Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley

  Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley explores how to unlock creativity in individuals and organizations, making it a great read for designers seeking to enhance their creative process.

  

📖 Read Later

• Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

  Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath examines the principles that make ideas memorable, offering valuable lessons for designers in communicating their concepts effectively.

  

• Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug

  Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug offers practical insights on web usability, highlighting the importance of simplicity and clarity in design.

  

• Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

  Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon encourages creativity by advocating for the idea that all artists borrow and remix ideas, offering inspiration for designers.

  

• The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett

  The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett breaks down the components of user experience design, providing a framework for understanding how to create effective interactions.

  

✅ Already read

❓ Designer Reading List FAQ

• Q: What are the best books for designers in 2025?

• A: The essential reading list for design professionals includes foundational books like:
  • "A Pattern Language" by Christopher Alexander for timeless design patterns
  • "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman for user-centered design psychology
  • "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug for web usability fundamentals
  • "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman for understanding decision-making psychology
  • "The Elements of User Experience" by Jesse James Garrett for UX strategy
  • "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon for creative inspiration
  • "Creative Confidence" by Tom and David Kelley for design thinking methodology
  • "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath for creating memorable design solutions.

  These 8 books cover the complete design skillset from architectural patterns to digital UX, making them essential for UX designers, UI designers, product designers, and creative professionals. 

• Q: Should I read these design books in a specific order?

• A: You can! Here's the optimal reading path based on your design specialization:

• Q: Are these design books still relevant with AI design tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT in 2025?

• A: Yes, even more relevant! AI tools amplify your design skills but cannot replace foundational design thinking. Here's why these books matter more than ever in the AI era:

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