The best 15 Product Design books

Escaping the Build Trap (2018) highlights how companies often become fixated on delivering features instead of addressing real customer problems, resulting in wasted resources and missed opportunities. It advocates for a shift toward a product-led approach, where the focus is on creating value and driving meaningful business outcomes. Through the strategies and frameworks presented, organizations can better align product development with customer needs and long-term company goals, fostering sustainable growth and innovation.

Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug is a practical guide to web usability. With a focus on user experience, the book provides valuable insights and tips for creating intuitive and easy-to-navigate websites. Krug's witty writing style and real-world examples make this a must-read for anyone involved in web design and development.

Microinteractions by Dan Saffer is a comprehensive guide to understanding and designing the small moments that shape our digital experiences. From the subtle animations on a website to the satisfying “ding” of a notification, Saffer explores how these microinteractions can make or break a product. Packed with real-world examples and practical advice, this book is essential reading for anyone involved in creating user-friendly technology.

How to Render by Scott Robertson is a comprehensive guide that teaches the techniques and principles of rendering in both traditional and digital media. From understanding light and shadow to creating realistic textures and materials, this book provides practical advice and step-by-step demonstrations to help artists improve their rendering skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this book is a valuable resource for mastering the art of rendering.

The Art of the Fold by Hedi Kyle is a comprehensive guide to the world of folded paper art and bookbinding. Through clear instructions and beautiful illustrations, Kyle introduces various folding techniques and structures, inspiring readers to create their own unique folded designs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paper artist, this book will expand your creativity and appreciation for the art of folding.

Become a Professional Inventor by Stephen Key is a comprehensive guide that teaches aspiring inventors how to turn their ideas into successful products. Key shares his own experiences and provides practical advice on topics such as patenting, licensing, and bringing inventions to market. With real-life examples and actionable tips, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to make a career out of their creativity.

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden is a motivational and practical guide that challenges the traditional notions of success. Through insightful anecdotes and bold statements, the book encourages readers to embrace their ambitions, take risks, and think outside the box in order to achieve their goals. It offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to excel in their personal or professional life.

Design as Art by Bruno Munari explores the idea that design is not just about functionality, but also about creativity and expression. Munari delves into various aspects of design, from everyday objects to architecture, and challenges the notion that art and design are separate entities. Through thought-provoking examples and illustrations, he demonstrates how design can elevate the aesthetic and emotional experience of our lives.

DIY Lithium Batteries by Micah Toll provides a comprehensive guide to building your own lithium battery packs. From understanding the basics of lithium-ion technology to step-by-step instructions for assembly, this book equips you with the knowledge and skills to create custom power solutions for your projects. With safety considerations and practical tips, it empowers makers and enthusiasts to harness the potential of lithium batteries.

Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals by Rob Thompson is a comprehensive guide that delves into the various techniques and materials used in the manufacturing industry. It provides valuable insights for designers, architects, and engineers, offering a deep understanding of how products are made and the possibilities that different processes present. With detailed explanations and beautiful illustrations, this book is a must-have for anyone involved in the world of design and production.

Prototyping and Modelmaking for Product Design by Bjarki Hallgrimsson provides a comprehensive guide to the prototyping process in product design. It covers various prototyping methods and materials, as well as their applications in different stages of product development. The book also delves into the importance of prototyping in validating and refining design concepts, ultimately leading to successful product designs.

Creative Selection offers a behind-the-scenes look at the development of some of Apple's most iconic products. Written by Ken Kocienda, a software engineer who worked at the company for 15 years, the book explores the creative process and the unique culture at Apple. Kocienda shares insights and anecdotes that reveal the meticulous attention to detail and the relentless pursuit of excellence that goes into designing revolutionary technologies.

Designing for Growth by Jeanne Liedtka is a practical guide that introduces the concept of design thinking and demonstrates how it can be applied to drive innovation and growth in business. The book provides a step-by-step framework for using design thinking to tackle complex challenges, create new products and services, and ultimately, transform the way companies operate.

The Steampunk Tarot by Barbara Moore is a captivating blend of Victorian era aesthetics and futuristic technology. This beautifully illustrated book delves into the world of tarot through a steampunk lens, offering unique interpretations of the cards and insightful guidance for both beginners and experienced readers. Whether you're a fan of steampunk or simply curious about tarot, this book is sure to spark your imagination.

Ultimate Lego Star Wars by Andrew Becraft is a comprehensive guide that explores the world of Lego Star Wars. From the iconic characters to the intricate sets, this book delves into the history and evolution of the Lego Star Wars franchise. Filled with stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes insights, it is a must-have for any fan of both Lego and Star Wars.