Inside the life of a designer at SoftServe — on the bookshelves
Our go-to books for user experience design (UX)
By Ilse Dominguez, Roman Iakymovych, Dominika Szaniawska, Skipper Chong Warson, and the SoftServe design center of excellence (COE)
- A Spanish version of this article is available here
- Want to explore another subject matter? See the whole bookshelf series here
With SoftServe’s design team dispersed across various locations globally, including the U.S., Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Romania, the U.K., Singapore, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, fostering effective collaboration while working remote (fully or partially) has become increasingly important. The rise of video calls, online workshops, and digital whiteboards has allowed us glimpses into our colleagues’ home and work environments, complete with human interactions, personal artifacts, plants, the occasional appearance of pets, and our bookshelves.
Inspired by this, we pondered the question: as designers, what books do we keep on our respective shelves? Whether physical or digital, displayed for aesthetic purposes, a quick reference, or some combination thereof, these hold significance and are crucial in our professional lives in understanding complex subjects.
With all of that in mind, we have a list of books compiled by the SoftServe design COE generally around experience design. What follows is a list of 13 titles.
TL;DR: Amidst the ever-growing number of books on UX design, many are good, and if you needed to pick just two, we’d grab the newest editions of “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug and “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman.
Let’s get into all of them — presented below alphabetically according to the primary author’s last name.
Communicating Design by Dan M. Brown (Buy from Amazon)
Dan Brown’s “Communicating Design” is about effectively communicating design ideas to clients and stakeholders, an essential subject as designers who can share their ideas clearly and, subsequently, persuasively are more likely to succeed in their work. This book covers a range of communication techniques — storytelling, sketching, wireframing, prototyping, and presenting — and offers practical advice on managing stakeholder feedback while providing tips on managing this interchange throughout the design process and incorporating stakeholder input and feedback. Some concepts may feel introductory or redundant for experienced practitioners who feel well-versed and practiced effectively disseminating their design ideas. Still, we believe that designers at any level can benefit from learning new or re-learning these techniques and strategies. With real-world examples, case studies, practical advice, and emphasis on collaboration, Brown emphasizes the importance of two-way communication in the design process and how it can lead to better outcomes and stronger client relationships. In short, “Communicating Design” is a foundational book for one of the most critical soft skills in UX design.
The User Experience Team of One: A Research and Design Survival Guide by Leah Buley (Bookshop • Amazon • Rosenfeld)
Leah Buley’s “User Experience Team of One” provides practical guidance for designers working alone or on small teams around various topics, from conducting user research and creating personas to designing and testing prototypes. The book draws on Buley’s years of experience as a design leader and consultant, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, communication, and advocacy in creating successful user experiences while providing practical advice on incorporating these elements into a construct of limited resources (read: tight timelines and budgets). Two critical notes: the book’s 2013 publication date and its narrow subject focus. While most of the content is still relevant today, some of the described tools and techniques may be less common in contemporary design practices. On the second point, its advice and strategies may not be as relevant for designers working in larger organizations with dedicated user experience teams. Nevertheless, “User Research Team of One” is chock full of real-world examples and a core resource for designers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals looking to create user experiences with limited resources while being more effective and efficient.
About Face by Alan Cooper (Amazon • Wiley)
The 4th edition of Alan Cooper’s “About Face” is a comprehensive guide detailing the process and creating intuitive, compelling, and user-friendly software interfaces. First published in 1995, it has become a classic reference for user experience designers, software developers, and anyone interested in creating intuitive and efficient software. Organized into three parts, an introduction to user experience design, the details of interaction design, and aesthetic aspects of interface design, Cooper emphasizes the importance of designing for users rather than for technology or business goals stressing the importance of user research and testing. And in the same way that a strength can also be a weakness, this focus on user-centered design and collaboration may be less relevant to designers who work in more hierarchical or bureaucratic organizations, where decision-making may be less open and more centralized. Remember that the fourth edition of the book was released in 2014 and includes more recent developments in design (mobile and responsive, for instance), yet some tools or technology mentioned in the book may be outdated. Nonetheless, this is relatively minor, and most readers will find “About Face” a core and valuable resource on user experience design.
Lean UX by Jeff Golthelf and Josh Seiden (Amazon • O’Reilly)
The second edition of Golthelf and Seiden’s book for product designers based on the principles of Lean Startup — rapid iteration and experimentation to develop successful products and services — is the ideal place to start learning how to execute this strategy swiftly. But do not mistake swiftly for simple; some topics are incredibly complex and require additional unpacking and research. In terms of swift, “Lean UX” provides designers with the tools and templates to launch a company-wide collaborative work culture or fully adopt the Lean philosophy starting with foundational design concepts and up to development hand-off. More than that, it dives deeper into how to foster a culture of experimentation and continuous learning within an organization, which can be challenging to implement at scale. For some readers, it may be too heavily weighted on Lean Startup and Agile methodologies leaving little room for a more exploratory, discovery-driven design process which could limit the creativity and innovation designers bring to their work, especially in the early stages of a project when exploration and experimentation are most valuable. On the other hand, suppose you need to understand how agile methodologies and user-centered design converge. In that case, this is one of the best references for it — with the caveat that each reader should approach its recommendations critically and adapt them to your project or organization’s specific needs and constraints. Especially good for designers at various levels working in or with technically focused organizations, “Lean UX” is a must-read.
Note: A third edition of the book goes into several other subjects, including lean UX canvases. (Bookshop • Amazon • O’Reilly)
A Web for Everyone by Sarah Horton and Whitney Quesenbery (Bookshop • Amazon • Rosenfeld)
The first of the two accessibility books on our list, “A Web for Everyone,” is a comprehensive approach to ensuring web content accessibility for users of all abilities and disabilities. The book is divided into three sections, starting with an introduction that emphasizes the importance of accessibility, then delves into specific design considerations and techniques for creating accessible web content, and finally explores the significance of testing and evaluation in the accessibility process. The authors, Horton and Quesenbery, effectively use real-world examples and case studies throughout the book to illustrate their points. Additionally, they offer valuable tips and checklists for designers and developers to assist them in creating accessible web content. However, since the book was published in 2014, some readers may find that the examples and case studies are less relevant to current design notions and paradigms. Furthermore, a few readers have expressed a desire for more detailed information on specific technical topics and advanced strategies for achieving accessible designs, as they feel the text is somewhat technical and lacks depth in these areas. Yet, “A Web for Everyone” is a valuable tool for anyone in web design or development. It offers a comprehensive and helpful manual for producing information usable by all users, regardless of their level, talents, or limitations.
Accessibility for Everyone by Laura Kalbag (Amazon • A Book Apart)
The second of two accessibility books on our list, “Accessibility for Everyone,” is a how-to manual for building digital products and websites usable by everyone, including various types of disabilities, to produce accessible content and utilize accessible technologies. The book begins with an overview of the importance of accessibility and inclusive design for creating better products and user experiences for everyone. Kalbag explains the principles of accessible design, including creating easily navigable content and using colors and typography that are easy to read. She also covers topics such as making forms accessible, providing alternative text for images, and creating accessible tables. In addition to design principles, “Accessibility for Everyone” also includes practical advice for developers and content creators, such as how to test for accessibility and make content accessible in different formats, such as PDFs and videos. One of the book’s strengths is that it is written in a clear and approachable style accessible to designers and non-designers alike. Kalbag provides numerous examples and case studies to illustrate her points, and the book includes many practical tips and checklists that readers can use to improve the accessibility of their products. Overall, “Accessibility for Everyone” is an essential resource for anyone who wants to create digital products that are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. It provides a comprehensive overview of accessibility principles and practical advice for creating accessible content, making it an invaluable resource for designers, developers, and content creators.
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited by Steve Krug (Bookshop • Amazon)
The most recent edition of Steve Krug’s “Don’t Make Me Think”, as with the previous versions, focuses on web usability; its primary tenet is that design should be intuitive and easy to use and that designers should strive to eliminate any unnecessary complexity or confusion in their work. This book is a must-read because Krug writes in a straightforward and easy-to-understand way, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise labeling, effective use of visual hierarchy, and, most importantly, the need for user testing and feedback in the design process. However, some recommendations may be outdated (even in the third edition published in 2013) or not apply to all interface paradigms. That being said, “Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited” is an essential and valuable resource for anyone designing or developing web interfaces. Krug’s emphasis on simplicity and usability remains highly relevant, and his practical advice and clear writing style make the book a must-read for designers at all levels of experience. Recommended.
UI is Communication by Everett N. McKay (Bookshop • Amazon)
Everett McKay’s “UI is Communication” starts with an interesting hypothesis — that user interfaces (or UIs) are a form of communication between users and the software they are interacting with and that the design of these UIs should prefer clarity and simplicity over aesthetics or technical features. McKay argues that successful UI design necessitates understanding users’ needs and expectations while providing a detailed exploration of the principles and techniques underpinning effective UI communication. He covers several key concepts in UI design, such as the importance of understanding user goals, consistency, predictability, language, and visual cues. Remember that this book was published in 2013, so some information and examples may be outdated. Some might find the book’s writing style too simplistic or formulaic and doesn’t cover more complex or nuanced topics in as much depth. We believe that designers of all levels — just starting, mid-, senior, team leaders, and directors alike, would benefit from the insights presented in “UI is Communication.” The book provides an excellent overview of UI design principles for designers new to the field. More experienced and leveled designers will appreciate the practical, actionable advice for setting design standards and overseeing large-scale design projects. Overall, this book is an excellent reference for creating clear, concise, and engaging user interfaces.
Badania jako Podstawa Projektowania User Experience by Iga Mościchowska (Amazon)
Iga Mościchowska’s “Badania jako Podstawa Projektowania User Experience” (translated as “Research as the Basis for User Experience Design”) is a guide to using research in user experience (UX) design written in Polish. It provides practical advice on conducting and analyzing various types of user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing. The author begins by discussing the importance of understanding user needs and behaviors in the design process, explaining that by conducting research, designers can gain valuable insights into user expectations, preferences, and pain points. The book then provides detailed instructions for planning and conducting research and tips for analyzing and presenting the results. One of its strengths is its focus on real-world examples and case studies. Mościchowska draws on her experiences as a UX researcher to provide practical advice and insights into the challenges and opportunities of conducting research, including numerous examples of successful research projects and common pitfalls to avoid. Several readers have expressed that the book primarily focuses on research methodologies, making it less appealing to individuals seeking a more conceptual or practical approach to UX design. Others have noted that the book is limited in its accessibility for readers outside of Poland, as it’s written in Polish, or for those who cannot read Polish. With that, “Badania jako Podstawa Projektowania User Experience” is a valuable resource for designers and researchers looking to improve their UX design skills in Polish-speaking areas. We hope additional translations will be available because the concepts and methods discussed can apply to UX designers and researchers worldwide.
The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition by Don Norman (Bookshop • Amazon)
Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things” is a seminal book focusing on the functionality and usability of everyday objects. Its central premise is that good design is intuitive and user-centered and that the best design is invisible, allowing users to accomplish their tasks without thinking about it. Norman provides numerous examples of good and bad design, from door handles to computer interfaces, to illustrate his points and provide practical insights into improving design in general. While the newer edition (released in 2013) updates and expands the original book (first published in 1988), some readers might find examples and case studies somewhat dated or limited in scope. But overall, “The Design of Everyday Things” and its three main sections — The Psychology of Everyday Actions, The Psychology of Everyday Objects, and Designing for People along with its new chapters on emotional design, the psychology of design, and the relationship between design and innovation — provide a solid theoretical foundation and a comprehensive and practical guide to designing effective and user-centered products. It is a valuable resource for designers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals, as well as anyone interested in the principles of good design and how design impacts our everyday lives. Recommended.
Designing Voice User Interfaces by Cathy Pearl (Bookshop • Amazon • O’Reilly)
Cathy Pearl’s “Designing Voice User Interfaces” intends to help designers create compelling and effective voice user interfaces (VUIs). The book covers the fundamental principles of VUI design, practical advice, and best practices for designing VUIs. These are becoming increasingly common as smart speakers, virtual assistants, and other voice-activated devices proliferate like so many Mogwai in a swimming pool. These topics include developing a persona for your VUI, writing effective dialogue, and designing for various user types and contexts. One of the book’s key strengths is its focus on real-world examples and case studies. The author provides numerous examples of VUIs in various fields, such as healthcare and finance, including successful and unsuccessful designs. Keep in mind that the book, initially published in 2016 and updated in 2020, can be very focused on the technical aspects of voice user interface design, which may make it less accessible or relevant for those who do not have a solid technical background. Nevertheless, “Designing Voice User Interfaces” is a valuable resource for UX and human-centered designers interested in creating effective and engaging VUIs. While some readers may find the book needs to be more technical or focused on specific industries, we find that it provides a comprehensive overview of VUI design principles and best practices, making it a valuable resource for designers at all levels of experience.
The Humane Interface: New Directions for Designing Interactive Systems by Jef Raskin (Amazon)
Jef Raskin, best known for his work at Apple, where he oversaw the creation of the Macintosh computer in the 1980s, makes the case in “The Humane Interface” that many modern user interfaces are created with little regard for the needs and mental models of users, which results in frustration and subpar performance. He suggests that interfaces should be designed around the needs and capabilities of humans rather than the other way around — forcing humans to adapt to the interface. In the book, he uses cognitive psychology and theory to explain some notions of UI design, such as affordances or mental models, emphasizing the importance of designing interfaces with clear and appropriate physical or perceptual properties for the user. Remember that the book was published in 2000, and Raskin passed away in 2002, so some of the information and examples may feel a bit dated. While it might be daunting for designers just starting out to comprehend some concepts fully, it can still provide valuable insights and knowledge. For higher levels, “The Humane Interface” brings up the importance of considering the ethical implications of design decisions and designing interfaces with the user’s needs in mind rather than simply focusing on the technology itself.
100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People by Susan Weinschenk (Bookshop • Amazon)
Susan Weinschenk’s “100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People” is a comprehensive guide to designing compelling user experiences providing practical tips and insights based on scientific research and theories from psychology, neuroscience, and other fields. The book, organized into 100 brief chapters, focuses on different psychological principles or concepts that designers can apply to their work — covering a wide range of topics, including perception, attention, memory, motivation, emotional design, and human social behavior. Three potential detractors of note — first, this book was published in 2011; therefore, some conclusions are based on potentially outdated research. Second, while the book covers a wide range of topics, each is covered briefly, so some readers may not get that full saturation and deep dive they could be looking for. Overall, the strength of this book is its basis on scientific research and providing evidence-based insights and recommendations while underscoring the need for designers to test their designs with real users to identify and address potential issues and improve the user experience.
And that’s our list of the top 13 books for UX design. Do you agree or disagree? Did we miss a book? Let us know in the comments.
