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I recently completed my Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in UX Design at MICA, where I was able to hone my skills in design thinking and problem-solving as it relates to UX. I’m here to share with you the books I’ve acquired during this program and how they were helpful to me as someone new to the field.
Introduction: What is UX and How Can the Right Books Help?
UX design is an important part of creating successful products. It encompasses all aspects from branding, design, usability and functionality to ensure that the users get meaningful and relevant experiences. This methodical process ensures that the customers acquire and integrate the product in an effective manner.
The right books can help UX designers understand design fundamentals and how to apply them. We can learn about user research methods, user-centered design principles, wireframing techniques, prototyping tools, and more. With this knowledge in hand, we will be able to create better products that are tailored to our users’ needs.
Why these books?
For over 10 years, I’ve been in the software engineering and web development industry, while dabbling in UX. I recently completed my MPS in UX Design, and I’ve found that I’ve gained incredible insights from the books listed below.
Most of these books were either recommended by instructors from the program or were already on my bookshelf from previous suggestions. I’ve referred to each of these books thus far when completing projects, and I hope you find them to be just as valuable to your continued learning.
Note: Some of the following links are affiliate links to Amazon.com
1. About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design by Alan Cooper
About Face is one of the classics and for learning about design principles, patterns, and processes. It enables us to think critically about the designs of digital projects and how these designs can remain relevant as technology and user interaction evolves.
2. The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
This book by Don Norman is another classic in this list that you should add to your bookshelf if you haven’t already. The Design of Everyday Things offers a compelling look into what constitutes good design. The fault is not with the user, but with the designer to ensure that the designs implemented take into account the needs and cognitive psychology of the users.
3. Designing with the Mind in Mind: Simple Guide to Understanding User Interface Design Guidelines by Jeff Johnson
In this book, Johnson introduces enough background on perceptual and cognitive psychology for the reader to understand the how, when, and why of applying user interface (UI) guidelines.
4. Interviewing Users: How to Uncover Compelling Insights by Steve Portigal
This is one of my favorite books off this list as it teaches us that interviewing users isn’t as simple as asking questions. We want to ensure that our own biases aren’t seeping in and that we are exploring the interviewee’s worldview without inserting our own. Using the interviewing techniques in this book ensures that our research is more compelling with reduced bias.
5. Prototyping for Designers: Developing the Best Digital and Physical Products by Kathryn McElroy
Prototyping for Designers explores how to prototype for both physical and digital products. It encourages us to prototype based on goals and insights and to create and test prototypes early and often throughout the design process.
6. Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp
Sprint outlines a 5-day process we can use to solve problems. Starting with a small team, you can carve out a week to define the problem, rapidly prototype, and then test a solution to gain insight fast instead of investing a lot of time and money on a new product, feature, or service.
Read more about the Design Sprint at: https://www.thesprintbook.com/the-design-sprint
7. Universal Methods of Design by Bella Martin and Bruce Hanington
I have the pocket version of this book, and it is my #1 favorite book on this list. The full title is Universal Methods of Design: 100 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions and it is a reference book that allows you to quickly look up research and analysis methods to help you plan your project.
8. The User Experience Team of One: A Research and Design Survival Guide by Leah Buley
At times, UX professionals wind up on teams where it’s just them. This book offers techniques and approaches that utilize less time and fewer resources, should you ever find yourself in this situation, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional.
Conclusion
