Keeping up with the most recent design trends and methodologies is essential for success as a UI/UX designer. Reading UX/UI Design Books authored by professionals in the field is among the best methods to do this.
We think there is still a need for books on UX design in the age of lengthy blog posts. Investing in a worthwhile book is the type of thing that will keep you inspired and dedicated.
Top UX/UI Design Books
1. Refactoring UI by Adam Wathan and Steve Schoger
It’s possible to read “Refactoring UI” in a single day, but not because it’s shallow. In complete contrast, Wathan and Schoger try to cram as much knowledge as they can on UI and UX design into this one of the famous UX/UI Design Books. They eschew repetitive and never-ending builds. Not even an introduction extols the writers’ qualifications and accomplishments.
From the very first page, “Refactoring UI” offers a wealth of useful, practical, and actionable knowledge. The book is organized appropriately. An outline of the main concepts and principles of design is given in the first part. Using the greatest examples found in any product design book ever, the writers then get down to the nitty-gritty of design. Every subject related to UI design with UX best practices is covered in the chapters.
Available on: refactoringui.com, steveschoger.com.
Price:
- The Essentials: $99.
- The Complete Package: $149.
2. Laws of UX: Design Principles for Persuasive and Ethical Products by Jon Yablonski
The book “Laws of UX” offers a thorough analysis of the connection between user experience design and psychology. Ten rules or principles are presented by Yablonski, drawn from his study on user behavior as well as his studies in behavioral economics. These laws, which include the Von Restorff Effect, Miller’s law, and the peak-end rule, are succinct explanations of enduring design principles.
Although they may seem highly sophisticated, I had no trouble understanding any of them. Yablonski examines the ethical issues we should take into account in addition to the ten laws while using these guidelines. Yablonski provides concise explanations and illustrations for every piece of legislation. He didn’t seem to be wasting my time by saying the same things over and over.
The length of the book indicates that it has very little filler. All things considered, “Laws of UX” is a well-studied book on psychological ideas in UX.
Available on: Amazon, AbeBooks.
Price:
- Audiobook: Free with Audible Premium.
- Paperback: $25.71.
3. 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about People by Susan M. Weinschenk
The promise made in this one of the Best UX/UI Design Book titles is fulfilled. Weinschenk offers a hundred facts on user behavior that are divided into concise chapters that address various aspects of human behavior. The usefulness of the counsel in this book distinguishes it from other publications of a similar genre.
Each part concludes with a box of takeaways that offers specific, useful advice for putting the concepts covered in that section into practice. Both the writing style and the concepts are easily understood. Weinschenk references much research and begins each chapter with a narrative that exemplifies the subject. This gave readers confidence that what they were reading was actual knowledge and not simply the thoughts of some random creator.
Available on: Amazon, Bookswagon.
Price:
- Kindle edition: $14.39.
- Paperback: $24.40.
- Spiral-bound: $53.95.
4. Design is a Job by Mike Monteiro
The majority of readers express regret for not having read this work sooner. We concur as well. In his brief book “Design Is a Job,” Monteiro offers guidance that other designers and educators are too shy to discuss. He speaks openly about managing customers, finances, and other topics. There are a lot of personal themes and belly-laugh-inducing moments in this book.
This is brief and simple to read, which adds to its appeal. The confidence that comes from experience is something that many older designers possess over novice ones. But this book is essentially a fraud. Your self-assurance in your skill and recognition of your worth as a designer will grow as a result of Monteiro’s advice.
Available on: Amazon, AbeBooks.
Price: $35.22 (Paperback).
5. Rocket Surgery Made Easy by Steve Krug
Even if you have expertise with usability testing, this one of the popular UX/UI Design Books serves as a useful review. This book will provide you with an overview of the fundamentals if you’re just getting started. Packed with useful advice and information, this 150-page book is among the simplest to read on the subject. And it’s easier to read because of Krug’s uncomplicated writing style.
This would be a useful handbook for best practices in usability testing. While some of the advice may seem obvious—make eye contact, ask the participant to tell the story, avoid giving away too much—it has helped readers become more aware of these topics while taking exams and conducting interviews.
Readers will also notice as they go through this book that many of the customary rituals and statements made during usability testing are also included. similar to the classic “we’re testing the product, not you” statement. Readers were left wondering, “Who is the source?”
Available on: Amazon, AbeBooks.
Price:
- Kindle edition: $17.27.
- Paperback: $32.64.
6. Continuous Discovery Habits by Theresa Torres
Products must always change to accommodate the shifting demands and preferences of users. This book offers a fantastic method for logically prioritizing your consumers. This book won’t be revolutionary to you if you work for a contemporary product firm.
As a result, it will help you concentrate and organize your efforts better. The central thesis of the book is to maintain a relationship with your client by developing a routine interviewing process. Torres provides reasonable suggestions on how to do this. After that, you get a comprehensive overview of how to analyze, process, apply, and assess this discovery method as well as others.
Available on: Amazon, AbeBooks.
Price:
- Audiobook: Free with Audible Premium.
- Kindle edition: $8.99.
- Paperback: $16.19.
7. Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love by Marty Cagan
Product managers are the target audience for Marty Cagan’s “Inspired,” but product designers may also benefit from it by learning about different product risks, discovery, and other strategies in this one of the Best UX/UI Design Books.
In terms of substance, “Inspired” provides a summary of the role of the product manager along with helpful guidance on how to excel in it. Regretfully, Cagan begins with the typical—and by now, quite dull—examples. Readers are curious about the difficulty of gathering narratives from smaller businesses and people to provide some variety to these publications.
Available on: Amazon, WorldCat.
Price:
- Audiobook: Free with Audible Premium.
- Kindle edition: $18.
- Hardcover: $20.60.
- Spiral-bound: $35.87.
8. Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky and Brad Kowitz
Every design business should have a copy of Jake Knapp’s book on design sprints on its bookshelves. even our own. Given that this book has been published for some time, I believe that most people are already aware of its contents.
Consequently, nobody will see it as groundbreaking now: Storyboarding and prototyping are two tools that may be used in Sprint, an intense five-day workshop process, to address product-related barriers and generate new ideas. Making choices and being productive are the main priorities.
Available on: Amazon, WorldCat.
Price:
- Audiobook: Free with Audible Premium.
- Kindle edition: $14.99.
- Hardcover: $16.59.
- Paperback: $21.33.
How Might UX Design Books Help You Progress In Your Career?
Adding enough material to the About page of a portfolio is a typical challenge for UX designers. This is when having a reading list will be helpful. Review three or four of your favorite UX/UI Design Books. Design leaders will see this as an indication that you put time and effort into your work.
- Author’s name.
- Title.
- Review.
- What drew you to this book?
- Was that advice given? Who suggested that, and with what reasoning?
- Have you read anything more about it? Why did you find it interesting?
- What kind of influence did this book have?
- Have you gained any new knowledge?
- How come? Has it broadened your outlook? How, exactly?
- Did it improve your abilities? Which abilities and how?
- How did you put what you knew to use?
- Has it altered the way you design things? How, exactly?
- Has it aided in any of your endeavors? How?
If you can answer three to four of these questions, your About page will have an interesting book section.
FAQ
Q: How many days does learning UI/UX take?
A: Depending on whether you choose to register for full-time or part-time courses, learning UX and UI design might take two to six months. Taking advantage of expert training may guarantee mastery of UX & UI design and expedite the learning process.
Q: What language is used to create UI/UX?
A: To improve your UI and UX design, you may utilize a variety of libraries and frameworks like Bootstrap, jQuery, React, Angular, and Vue that are built on these technologies. These solutions streamline and expedite your development process by offering pre-made parts, templates, and functionality.
Q: Is it possible for anyone to study UI/UX?
A: The path to becoming a UX designer doesn’t have to be lengthy. Even without a bachelor’s or master’s degree, becoming a UX designer often takes two to four years. After completing an introductory design course, you may further your education by enrolling in a UX/UI design certification program.
