20 best books on ux – 2023 reading list & recommendations

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The Design of Everyday Things

by Don Norman

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman is a fascinating book on user experience (UX) that delves into the intricate relationship between design and human psychology. If you’re intrigued by the way things are created and interacted with, this thought-provoking book about UX is a must-read.

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Don’t Make Me Think

by Steve Krug

Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug is a captivating book about user experience (UX).

With its witty and straightforward approach, this book on UX is a must-read for anyone interested in creating intuitive and user-friendly websites.

Steve Krug breaks down complex concepts into simple, practical advice that can be easily applied to any design project. He emphasizes the importance of designing websites that allow users to navigate effortlessly, without having to think too much.

Throughout the book, Krug uses real-life examples and relatable anecdotes to illustrate his points. He highlights common usability issues and provides practical solutions, making it an engaging read for both beginners and experienced UX designers.

Whether you’re a web designer, developer, or product manager, this UX book will equip you with valuable insights and techniques to create websites that are intuitive and user-centric. So, if you’re looking for an informative and entertaining read on UX, Don’t Make Me Think is the book for you.

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Lean UX

by Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of user experience design? Look no further than the groundbreaking book on UX, “Lean UX” by Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden. This dynamic duo takes you on a journey through the principles and practices of designing user-centered products and services.

“Lean UX” is not your typical book about UX. It’s a game-changer that introduces a new way of thinking and working. The authors emphasize the importance of collaboration and iteration, encouraging teams to embrace a lean and agile approach. They believe that the best way to create exceptional user experiences is to continuously learn and adapt.

This UX book is all about breaking down traditional silos and bringing together designers, developers, and stakeholders to foster a truly collaborative environment. It’s about creating a shared understanding of the problem at hand and working together to find the best solutions.

The authors also emphasize the importance of validating ideas through experimentation and user feedback. They advocate for a shift from heavy documentation and upfront planning to a more flexible and adaptive process. This approach allows teams to quickly iterate and make informed decisions based on real user insights.

So, if you’re looking for an engaging and thought-provoking book on UX, “Lean UX” is a must-read. Get ready to challenge the status quo, embrace collaboration, and deliver exceptional user experiences. It’s time to embark on a lean and agile journey that will transform your approach to UX design.

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Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products

by Nir Eyal

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal is a captivating book on UX that delves into the psychology behind creating addictive and engaging user experiences. Eyal’s work provides valuable insights and strategies for product designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to create products that keep users coming back for more.

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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 game-changing book that takes you on an immersive journey into the world of problem-solving and idea testing. This book on UX provides a step-by-step guide to conducting effective sprints, helping you tackle complex challenges head-on and come up with innovative solutions in a short period of time.

With Sprint, you’ll learn how to gather a diverse team of experts, map out the problem at hand, generate a plethora of ideas, and quickly prototype and test them with real users. This book about UX emphasizes the importance of collaboration and rapid iteration, allowing you to fail fast and learn even faster.

By implementing the principles and techniques outlined in this UX book, you’ll be able to supercharge your problem-solving abilities, eliminate guesswork, and make data-driven decisions. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to solve big problems, Sprint will equip you with the tools and mindset to tackle challenges with confidence and creativity.

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Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond

by Louis Rosenfeld, Peter Morville, and Jorge Arango

Looking for a captivating and insightful book on UX? Look no further than “Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond” by Louis Rosenfeld, Peter Morville, and Jorge Arango. This gem of a book dives deep into the world of user experience, providing a comprehensive guide to creating effective information architectures.

Whether you’re a seasoned UX professional or just starting out, this book about UX will expand your knowledge and give you a fresh perspective on designing digital experiences. With a focus on organizing and structuring information, the authors take you on a journey through the principles and techniques of information architecture.

But don’t worry, this isn’t your typical dry textbook. The authors have a knack for making complex concepts easily understandable and enjoyable to read. They weave in real-world examples, practical advice, and thought-provoking insights to keep you engaged from start to finish.

As the title suggests, “Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond” goes beyond just web design. It explores how information architecture can be applied to a wide range of digital products and services, including mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, and even physical spaces.

So if you’re looking for a captivating and informative UX book that will broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of information architecture, look no further. “Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond” is the ultimate guide to creating intuitive and user-friendly experiences in the digital world and beyond.

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The Elements of User Experience

by Jesse James Garrett

The Elements of User Experience by Jesse James Garrett is a captivating book on the intricacies of crafting exceptional user experiences. With its insightful and comprehensive approach, this book about UX provides invaluable knowledge for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.

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Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and Devices

by Dan Saffer

Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and Devices by Dan Saffer is an exceptional book on UX (user experience) design. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of creating intuitive and engaging experiences for users.

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About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design

by Alan Cooper, Robert Reimann, and David Cronin

About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design is a groundbreaking book on the fascinating world of user experience (UX) design. Authored by Alan Cooper, Robert Reimann, and David Cronin, this UX book is a must-read for anyone looking to delve into the captivating field of interaction design.

Unlike your typical run-of-the-mill book about UX, About Face takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the fundamental principles and techniques of designing user-friendly digital products and interfaces. It’s an immersive experience that will leave you craving for more knowledge and understanding of this ever-evolving discipline.

With its engaging writing style and insightful examples, this UX bible will make you see the world of design in a whole new light. Whether you’re a seasoned UX professional or just starting out on your UX journey, this book has something for everyone.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an adventure into the realm of interaction design, grab a copy of About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design and prepare to have your mind blown. This UX book is a game-changer, and it’ll equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to create remarkable digital experiences that users will love.

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UX Strategy: How to Devise Innovative Digital Products that People Want

by Jaime Levy

‘UX Strategy: How to Devise Innovative Digital Products that People Want’ by Jaime Levy is an extraordinary book on UX. It is a comprehensive guide that dives deep into the world of User Experience design, providing invaluable insights and strategies for creating digital products that people truly desire.

This captivating book about UX takes readers on a journey that combines both theory and real-world examples, allowing them to understand the fundamental principles of UX design and how to apply them effectively. Levy’s expertise shines through as she shares her own experiences and provides practical advice for crafting innovative digital experiences.

‘UX Strategy’ is an essential read for anyone involved in product development, whether they are designers, entrepreneurs, or product managers. It emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and aligning business goals with user-centric design. By following Levy’s step-by-step process, readers will learn how to conduct thorough user research, identify pain points, and develop compelling solutions that truly resonate with their target audience.

What sets this UX book apart is its emphasis on the strategic aspect of user experience design. Levy guides readers through the process of creating a UX strategy that aligns with the overall business objectives, ensuring that the digital product not only meets user needs but also drives business success. From defining the product vision to conducting usability tests, this book covers every aspect of UX strategy in a clear and engaging manner.

Overall, ‘UX Strategy: How to Devise Innovative Digital Products that People Want’ is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to create exceptional digital experiences. With its practical insights, actionable strategies, and captivating storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about UX and digital product development.

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The User Experience Team of One: A Research and Design Survival Guide

by Leah Buley

If you’re searching for a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of user experience design, look no further than Leah Buley’s insightful and practical book on UX. This book delves into the fascinating field of user experience design, providing a wealth of knowledge and tools for those working as a team of one.

Buley, a seasoned UX professional, shares her expertise and experiences to help readers build their skills and create effective user experiences, even when working solo. With a clear and accessible writing style, she covers a wide range of topics, including user research, interaction design, prototyping, and usability testing.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals working independently in the UX field. Buley recognizes that not everyone has the luxury of a large team or extensive resources, and therefore provides invaluable advice on how to make the most of limited time and budgets.

Throughout the book, Buley offers practical techniques, real-world examples, and step-by-step guides that can be immediately applied to projects. From conducting user interviews to creating wireframes, she provides clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure success.

Whether you’re a seasoned UX professional looking to enhance your skills or a newcomer to the field seeking a comprehensive introduction, this book about UX is a must-read. Buley’s passion for the subject shines through, making it an engaging and inspiring resource for anyone involved in creating exceptional user experiences.

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Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design

by Jenifer Tidwell

Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design by Jenifer Tidwell is a captivating book on UX that delves into the art of creating seamless and user-friendly interfaces. With an extensive collection of patterns and principles, this book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of interaction design.

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The Mobile Frontier: A Guide for Designing Mobile Experiences

by Rachel Hinman

The Mobile Frontier: A Guide for Designing Mobile Experiences by Rachel Hinman is a captivating book on UX that takes you on a journey to explore the uncharted territory of mobile design. With its engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, this book about UX will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the ever-evolving mobile landscape.

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UX for Lean Startups: Faster, Smarter User Experience Research and Design

by Laura Klein

Are you a startup founder or product manager looking to create a user-friendly and successful product? Look no further! “UX for Lean Startups: Faster, Smarter User Experience Research and Design” by Laura Klein is the ultimate guide for building a user-centric product.

This book dives deep into the world of user experience (UX) and provides actionable insights and practical advice for creating delightful user experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this book is packed with valuable information that will help you improve your product’s UX.

With a focus on lean methodologies, Laura Klein teaches you how to conduct effective user research and design experiments to validate your assumptions. By following the lean startup approach, you can save time and resources by quickly iterating and improving your product based on user feedback.

Throughout the book, Klein shares real-world examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts and techniques. She covers a wide range of topics, including user research methods, creating user personas, designing usable interfaces, and optimizing user flows. You’ll also learn how to effectively communicate and collaborate with your team to ensure a seamless user experience.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on speed and efficiency. Klein provides practical tips and frameworks that enable you to conduct user research and design experiments rapidly, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. This agile approach is crucial for startups looking to validate their product ideas and achieve product-market fit.

So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and practical guide on UX for startups, “UX for Lean Startups” is the perfect book for you. It’s time to elevate your product’s user experience and create a product that users love.

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Designing Web Interfaces: Principles and Patterns for Rich Interactions

by Bill Scott and Theresa Neil

Designing Web Interfaces: Principles and Patterns for Rich Interactions is an extraordinary book on UX that delves into the world of user experience design with finesse and expertise. Authored by the brilliant minds of Bill Scott and Theresa Neil, this ux book is a treasure trove of insightful principles and innovative design patterns.

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The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience

by Rex Hartson and Pardha Pyla

The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience is a comprehensive and insightful guide for anyone looking to delve into the fascinating world of user experience design. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this book is packed with valuable information and practical advice on how to create meaningful and engaging user experiences.

Written by Rex Hartson and Pardha Pyla, two experts in the field, this book on UX covers all the essential concepts, processes, and techniques that are crucial for creating user-centered designs. From understanding user needs and conducting user research to prototyping and usability testing, the authors provide a step-by-step framework that will help you navigate the complex world of UX design with ease.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the iterative nature of the UX design process. The authors stress the importance of constantly seeking user feedback and iterating on your designs based on that feedback. By adopting this user-centered approach, you’ll be able to create designs that not only meet users’ needs but also delight and engage them.

In addition to the practical guidance, the book also dives into the theoretical foundations of UX design, exploring topics such as cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction, and information architecture. By understanding the underlying principles of UX design, you’ll be better equipped to make informed design decisions and create experiences that truly resonate with users.

Overall, The UX Book is a must-read for anyone interested in UX design. It’s not just another book about UX; it’s a comprehensive guide that will empower you to create user experiences that are not only functional but also enjoyable and meaningful. So, grab a copy and embark on a journey to become a master of UX design!

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Designing for the Digital Age: How to Create Human-Centered Products and Services

by Kim Goodwin

Designing for the Digital Age is a must-read book for anyone interested in creating exceptional user experiences. This book, written by the renowned UX expert Kim Goodwin, provides valuable insights and practical guidance on how to design human-centered products and services.

Goodwin’s expertise in user experience design shines through every page of this book. She emphasizes the importance of understanding users’ needs, motivations, and behaviors in order to create designs that truly resonate with them. Her approach is grounded in empathy, as she encourages designers to put themselves in the users’ shoes and consider their perspectives throughout the design process.

One of the key takeaways from this book is the emphasis on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork. Goodwin stresses the importance of involving stakeholders from various disciplines, such as business, technology, and design, in order to create holistic and successful solutions. She provides practical advice on how to conduct effective workshops, facilitate productive discussions, and build consensus among team members.

Another valuable aspect of this book is the focus on iterative design and continuous improvement. Goodwin advocates for a user-centered design process that involves constant feedback and iteration. She provides frameworks and tools to conduct user research, create personas, develop user flows, and test prototypes, ensuring that designers have the necessary tools to create compelling and effective experiences.

In summary, Designing for the Digital Age is a comprehensive and practical guide for designers, product managers, and anyone involved in creating digital products and services. It is a valuable resource that will help you understand the principles of human-centered design and apply them to your own projects. Whether you are a seasoned UX professional or just starting out, this book will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create exceptional user experiences.

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UX Research: Practical Techniques for Designing Better Products

by Brad Nunnally and David Farkas

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of user experience? Then look no further than “UX Research: Practical Techniques for Designing Better Products” by Brad Nunnally and David Farkas. This captivating book on UX will take you on a journey through the essential techniques and strategies needed to create exceptional user experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned UX professional or just starting out, this book about UX is a valuable resource that will help you unlock the secrets to designing products that users will love. With its practical approach, it provides actionable insights and real-world examples that you can apply to your own projects.

From conducting user interviews and usability testing to analyzing data and creating personas, “UX Research” covers all the key aspects of user research. The authors guide you through each step of the process, offering tips and tricks to ensure your research is effective and impactful.

What sets this UX book apart is its emphasis on practicality. Nunnally and Farkas understand that UX research is not just about theory, but about making a tangible impact on the user experience. By providing practical techniques and actionable advice, they empower you to create products that truly meet the needs and desires of your users.

So, if you’re ready to take your UX skills to the next level, “UX Research: Practical Techniques for Designing Better Products” is the perfect book for you. Get ready to unleash your creativity, improve your research techniques, and design better products that will delight users.

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The User’s Journey: Storymapping Products That People Love

by Donna Lichaw

The User’s Journey: Storymapping Products That People Love by Donna Lichaw is a must-read for anyone interested in user experience (UX) design. This captivating book dives deep into the world of UX, providing valuable insights and practical tips on how to create products that truly resonate with users.

With a storytelling approach, Lichaw takes readers on a journey through the various stages of the user’s experience, from initial discovery to long-term engagement. By using the concept of story mapping, she demonstrates how to craft compelling narratives that guide users through their interactions with a product.

What sets this book apart is its ability to bridge the gap between the technical aspects of UX design and the emotional connection users have with a product. Lichaw emphasizes the importance of understanding users’ motivations, desires, and frustrations, and shows how to use this knowledge to create meaningful experiences.

Throughout the book, Lichaw provides real-world examples and case studies, illustrating how story mapping can be applied to a wide range of products and industries. Whether you’re designing a mobile app, a website, or even a physical product, the principles and techniques outlined in this book can be easily adapted to suit your specific needs.

By the end of The User’s Journey: Storymapping Products That People Love, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to create user-centric experiences that not only meet their needs but also leave a lasting impact. This engaging and informative book is a valuable resource for anyone involved in UX design, product management, or digital strategy.

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Designing with the Mind in Mind: Simple Guide to Understanding User Interface Design Guidelines

by Jeff Johnson

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of user experience design? Then look no further than “Designing with the Mind in Mind: Simple Guide to Understanding User Interface Design Guidelines” by Jeff Johnson. This remarkable book on UX is a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for anyone interested in creating user-friendly interfaces.

Johnson takes a refreshingly accessible approach to the complex field of user experience design. He understands that not everyone is a seasoned expert in the intricacies of user interfaces, so he breaks down the concepts into easy-to-understand terms. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a curious novice, this book about UX will guide you through the fundamentals of user interface design.

What sets this UX book apart is its focus on the human mind. Johnson delves into the psychology behind user behavior, explaining why certain design choices work and why others fail. By understanding the cognitive processes that users go through, you’ll be able to create interfaces that are intuitive and highly effective.

Throughout the book, Johnson provides a wealth of practical examples and real-world case studies that illustrate his principles in action. You’ll discover the importance of clear navigation, effective feedback systems, and the power of visual hierarchy. With each chapter, you’ll gain valuable insights that can be applied to your own design projects.

Whether you’re designing a mobile app, a website, or any other digital interface, “Designing with the Mind in Mind” is an invaluable resource. So grab a copy, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of user experience design, and unlock the secrets to creating interfaces that users will truly love.