Top 5 Must-Read Books on UI Design for Every UI Designer: Timeless Classics with Lasting Principles
As a UI Designer, I often get asked by young people getting into the field which books they should read. Because UI trends change frequently, I steer them towards the classics with principles that can be applied no matter what type of interface they are building. UI design is an ever-evolving discipline, but there are timeless principles and concepts that every designer can benefit from. In this article, I'll share with you the top 5 must-read books on UI Design that I personally recommend. These books have not only helped me throughout my career, but they've also inspired countless designers in creating intuitive and impactful user interfaces.
Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability by Steve Krug
A true classic in the UI design world, Steve Krug's "Don't Make Me Think" has been a game-changer for me and many other designers. The book emphasizes the importance of creating self-explanatory, easy-to-use, and efficient interfaces through practical examples and real-world case studies. The "three-click rule" and Amazon's easy-to-navigate interface are just a couple of the timeless principles Krug shares in this essential read.
The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
This book by Don Norman has had a significant impact on how I approach UI design. While not exclusively about UI design, the principles discussed in "The Design of Everyday Things" can be applied to digital interfaces as well. Norman stresses the importance of understanding user psychology and behavior to create intuitive designs. Concepts like "affordances" introduced in this book have helped me create interfaces that are easier for users to understand and interact with.
Seductive Interaction Design: Creating Playful, Fun, and Effective User Experiences by Stephen Anderson
Stephen Anderson's "Seductive Interaction Design" offers a fresh perspective on UI design by focusing on the emotional and psychological aspects of user interaction. I've found this book to be incredibly valuable in creating playful, fun, and engaging experiences that keep users coming back for more. Techniques like "progressive disclosure" used in websites like LinkedIn are some of the memorable examples from the book that have inspired me in my own work.
100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People by Susan Weinschenk
Susan Weinschenk's "100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People" has been a go-to resource for me when it comes to understanding human behavior and psychology in design. Each of the 100 lessons in the book is accompanied by a real-world example that has helped me apply these principles to my work. Insights like considering the user's cognitive load when designing an interface have allowed me to create more user-friendly experiences, such as Google's minimalistic search page design.
About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design by Alan Cooper, Robert Reimann, David Cronin, and Christopher Noessel
"About Face" is a comprehensive guide to interaction design that has been invaluable throughout my career. Covering everything from the basics of UI design principles to advanced topics like designing for different platforms and devices, this book is filled with practical examples and case studies that make it an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced UI designers. The "persona" concept introduced in this book has helped me ensure that my interfaces meet the needs and preferences of my target audience.
These five must-read books on UI Design have greatly influenced my work as a UI designer and have stood the test of time, providing timeless principles and concepts that can be applied to any interface. If you're looking to improve your skills and create more engaging, user-friendly interfaces, I highly recommend giving these books a read