From Umami to Hooked: A Colorful Journey Through the Minds of Designers
As a designer, reading books can be a gateway into bigger things. It can provide inspiration, practical guidance, and new perspectives on the design process.
In this article, I have compiled a list of books that I believe every designer should read. These books cover a range of topics, from creativity and innovation to typography and cross-cultural communication. Whether you are just starting out in your design career or looking to take your skills to the next level, these books can help you to develop your creativity, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and create meaningful and impactful designs.
1. Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley:
Creative Confidence is a book written by the founders of IDEO, a global design and innovation company. The book provides practical advice and exercises to help designers develop their creativity and overcome creative blocks. It combines personal stories with case studies to illustrate the power of creative confidence. The book also offers insights on how to collaborate effectively with others to generate and execute innovative ideas. It encourages designers to embrace experimentation and iteration as a way to achieve breakthroughs in their work.
2. The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley:
The Art of Innovation explores the principles and practices that drive innovation at IDEO, a leading design and innovation firm. The book offers case studies and stories that illustrate how IDEO and other companies have successfully created innovative products and services. It provides practical tools and techniques for fostering a culture of innovation in organizations. The book emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding the needs of users in the design process. It encourages designers to adopt a human-centered approach to innovation.
3. Sprint by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, and Braden Kowitz:
Sprint presents a five-day process for solving problems and testing ideas quickly, based on the design sprint methodology used at Google Ventures. The book provides step-by-step guidance and practical tips for running a successful design sprint. It includes case studies and real-world examples of how companies have used design sprints to create innovative products and services. The book also offers advice on how to manage the challenges and risks of the design sprint process. It encourages designers to focus on the most critical aspects of a problem and to generate and test multiple solutions quickly.
4. Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton:
Thinking with Type provides an introduction to typography and how it can be used effectively in graphic design. The book covers topics such as type anatomy, hierarchy, spacing, and legibility. It includes practical exercises and examples of typography in use. The book offers guidance on how to choose and combine typefaces for different design contexts. It encourages designers to experiment with typography and to consider the cultural and historical context of typefaces.
5. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon:
Steal Like an Artist advocates for the idea that all artists (including designers) are influenced by the work of others, and that this is a natural and valuable part of the creative process. The book offers advice on how to find inspiration and generate new ideas by studying and emulating the work of other artists. It provides practical tips and exercises for cultivating creativity and developing a personal style. The book encourages designers to share their work and collaborate with others to foster creativity and innovation. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and growth as a designer.
6. The Culture Map by Erin Meyer:
The Culture Map provides insights into how cultural differences can affect communication, collaboration, and decision-making in global business contexts. The book offers practical advice and tools for navigating cross-cultural interactions and understanding the values and norms of different cultures. It covers topics such as communication styles, feedback, hierarchy, and trust. The book includes case studies and real-world examples of cultural misunderstandings and how they can be resolved. It encourages designers to consider the cultural context of their work and to develop cross-cultural competence as a key
7. The Umami Strategy by Kevin Allen:
The Umami Strategy presents a framework for developing a distinctive brand strategy based on the Japanese concept of umami, which refers to a savory taste sensation. The book provides practical guidance on how to create a unique brand identity and communicate it effectively to customers. It includes case studies of successful brands and offers insights into the psychology of branding. The book encourages designers to think beyond aesthetics and consider the emotional and sensory aspects of branding.
8. Designer’s Dictionary of Color by Sean Adams:
The Designer’s Dictionary of Color provides an in-depth exploration of the use of color in design. The book covers topics such as color theory, color systems, and the psychology of color. It includes practical advice and examples of how to use color effectively in various design contexts. The book encourages designers to experiment with color and to consider the cultural and emotional associations of different colors.
9. Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher:
Small is Beautiful argues that economic growth should not be the sole focus of society, and that small-scale, sustainable approaches to business and technology are preferable. The book advocates for a holistic approach to economics that takes into account social and environmental factors. It provides examples of successful small-scale enterprises and models of alternative economic systems. The book encourages designers to consider the social and environmental impact of their work and to explore alternative models of business and technology.
10. Hooked by Nir Eyal:
Hooked provides a framework for creating habit-forming products, based on insights from psychology and behavioral economics. The book offers practical guidance and tools for designing products that users will engage with repeatedly. It covers topics such as triggers, actions, rewards, and investments in the design of habit-forming products. The book includes case studies and examples of habit-forming products from a range of industries. It encourages designers to consider the ethical implications of designing habit-forming products and to prioritize user well-being in their work.
The books listed above are just a few of the many great books out there for designers. By reading these books, you can gain valuable insights into branding, innovation, design thinking, typography, color theory, sustainability, habit-forming product design, and cross-cultural communication. So, pick up a book today and start expanding your horizons as a designer. Happy reading!
