What is on my Bookshelf?

As designers, we are always seeking new sources of inspiration and knowledge to improve our craft.In this article, I`ll share my favorite design books that have shaped my thinking about design, influenced my decision-making process, and inspired me to create meaningful and impactful designs.Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned designer, these books will give you valuable insight and help you improve your design skills.

Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler

“Universal Principles of Design” is a to-the-point, practical guide that introduces 150 essential tools in an easy-to-understand way. The authors explain a wide range of design principles, including a variety of examples, and provide hands-on exercises to deepen the concepts. This book comes in handy throughout a design project and is a valuable resource for designers of all levels.

Universal Methods of Design by Bruce Hanington and Bella Martin

“Pocket Universal Methods of Design” is packed with 100 principles of design knowledge to keep you sharp.This pocket-sized version of Universal Methods of Design provides a detailed and critical presentation of research methods, synthesis/analysis techniques, and research results for human-centered design.

Design is storytelling by Allen Lupton

Ellen Lupton’s book “Design is Storytelling” is a thought-provoking work on storytelling in design. Her book consists of three sections, each of which explores the power of visual storytelling, narrative structure, and the use of design to address social issues. Using examples from various design disciplines, Ellen offers practical advice for incorporating storytelling into your designs. Anyone interested in the intersection of design and storytelling should read this book.

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman has had a huge impact on the design world.In the book, he provides numerous examples of flawed product design, showing how poorly designed objects can frustrate and alienate users.From doors with cryptic handles to complex software interfaces, Norman shows how even seemingly small design decisions can have a significant impact on a user`s experience. This book is a must-have book for design folks.

Emotional Design by Don Norman

“Emotional Design” by Don Norman is a must-read for anyone interested in design and its impact on human emotions.This book examines how emotions play an important role in the design process and how they influence user interactions with products and services.One of the key takeaways from this book is that emotional design is not just about aesthetics, it`s about usability.Norman argues that good emotional design can improve product functionality and usability by creating a more enjoyable and engaging user experience.

The art of thinking clearly by Rolf Dobelli

‘‘The Art of Thinking Clearly’’ by Rolf Dobelli is a concise, actionable guide designed to help readers avoid common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that can negatively impact decision-making.‘The Art of Thinking Clearly’ focuses on providing actionable insights to help readers improve their critical thinking skills quickly.It also provides practical tips on how to spot and avoid common misconceptions such as confirmation bias, the sunk cost fallacy, and the Halo effect.Overall, I found ‘The Art of Thinking Clearly’ to be a decidedly refreshing and worthwhile read that offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their decision-making skills.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, decision-making, and human behavior. This book offers an interesting insight into his two thought systems that drive our thought processes. Understand the intuitive and fast unconscious system 1 and the analytical and slow conscious system 2. He also uses many real-life examples and experiments to illustrate his points, making the book both relevant and thought-provoking.

All in all, Thinking, Fast and Slow is a compelling and insightful read that has the potential to change the way we think about our own thought processes. This book is recommended for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior.

Books related to Typography and typefaces

Shady Characters by Keith Houston

Keith Houston’s Shady Characters is a fascinating and informative book that explores the history and evolution of various typographic characters.From the origins of punctuation marks such as commas and semicolons to the rise of typewriters and computers, Houston explores the role of these seemingly insignificant symbols in shaping language and communication.By the end of this book, readers will have a new appreciation for punctuation, the intricacies of typography, and the history of the written language.Overall, Shady Characters is an excellent read for anyone interested in language, history, or typography.

The elements of typographic style by Robert Bringhurst

‘‘The Elements of Typographic Style’’ by Robert Bringhurst is a must-read for anyone interested in typography, design, or communication.One of the most striking aspects of the book is that Bringhurst explains the expertise of typography in a way that both professionals and laymen can understand.This book is beautifully designed and is peppered with typographic examples that illustrate the principles and techniques that Bringhurst discusses.Overall, The Elements of Typographic Style is a must-have resource for anyone interested in typography and design.Whether you are a professional designer or a beginner, this book is sure to give you the knowledge and inspiration you need to create truly effective typography.

The Anatomy of Type: A Graphic Guide to 100 Typefaces by Stephen Coles

The Anatomy of Type by Stephen Coles is an essential guide for anyone interested in typography.This beautifully designed book takes an in-depth look at the anatomy of typefaces, examining the different parts of the letter and its historical development.The Anatomy of Type is a beautifully designed book that combines insightful analysis, practical advice, and stunning graphics to provide a comprehensive guide to typography.Whether you’re a professional graphic designer or just interested in typography, this book is sure to deepen your understanding of this fascinating field.

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Thank you for reading the article! 😊I’ll keep adding books to this article until I read the top books, which helps me to become a better designer. Do comment 💬 if you know of any book I need to add here.