Whether you’re a UX designer looking to hone your skills or seeking fresh inspiration for your projects, there’s nothing like learning from the books that design leaders swear by. From improving design thinking to understanding human behavior, these expert recommendations offer something for every designer—both professionally and personally.

Books are more than just resources; they’re a gateway to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of solving problems. Whether it’s mastering team dynamics, diving into cognitive science, or learning to empathize with users, the right book can unlock skills that set you apart in the ever-evolving world of UX design.

Here’s a curated list of transformative books recommended by top UX professionals.

1. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah

Harari explores challenges and opportunities in an evolving world shaped by technology, data, and global trends.

Why it’s helpful for designers: UX design doesn’t exist in a vacuum. This book prepares designers to think about the broader societal implications of their work and design for the future with awareness and responsibility.

Recommended by: Ben Shown, Head of Design @Blink UX

2. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems of human thinking—the fast, intuitive brain and the slow, deliberate brain.

Why it’s helpful for designers: UX designers can leverage these insights to understand how users make decisions, helping them design intuitive, seamless user experiences that align with natural behavior and cognitive biases.

Recommended by: Paul Boag, Founding Partner @Boagworks

3. Org Design for Design Orgs by Kristin Skinner & Peter Merholz

This book is a practical guide to building, scaling, and managing effective design teams.

Why it’s helpful for designers: For design leaders or those aspiring to management roles, this book is a must-read. It equips you with strategies to create high-performing design organizations and lead with clarity and confidence.

Recommended by: Zac Halbert, Head of Design @Cortex

4. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby Dick is the story of Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of a white whale—a tale of obsession, resilience, and ambition.

Why it’s helpful for designers: UX design often requires bold, creative leaps and the ability to persevere through challenges. Moby Dick reminds designers to embrace resilience and explore big ideas without fear.

Recommended by: Verne Lindner, VP of UX & Design @Roost

5. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky 

A powerful exploration of human behavior, empathy, and relationships through the lens of its protagonist, Prince Myshkin.

Why it’s helpful for designers: Understanding people is at the core of UX design. This novel provides profound insights into human nature, helping designers create user-centric, empathetic solutions that truly resonate with their audiences.

Recommended by: Stacey Seronick, Senior Design Program Manager, Design Education @IBM 

6. Seth Speaks by Jane Roberts

This metaphysical classic dives deep into unconventional ways of perceiving reality, creativity, and consciousness.

Why it’s helpful for designers: UX designers are problem solvers who often need to think outside the box. Seth Speaks challenges traditional ways of thinking and pushes you to explore new perspectives—a perfect foundation for innovative design thinking.

Recommended by: Matt Belge, Senior Product Designer @Imprivata

7. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway 

Hemingway’s novel tackles themes of love, loss, and sacrifice amidst the backdrop of war.

Why it’s helpful for designers: Creating impactful experiences requires an emotional connection. This novel can inspire designers to craft products and interfaces that resonate deeply with users on a human level.

Recommended by: Grayson West, Design Manager @Michigan Software Labs

8. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer 

This beautifully written book combines indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, emphasizing our relationship with nature.

Why it’s helpful for designers: Designers looking to adopt sustainable and thoughtful approaches will find inspiration here. It encourages mindfulness, creativity, and the importance of creating solutions that respect the world we share.

Recommended by: Ben Callahan, Founder @Sparkbox

9. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

A former FBI negotiator shares practical techniques to navigate high-stakes conversations and negotiations.

Why it’s helpful for designers: Communication is key in UX design—whether it’s advocating for users, collaborating with teams, or aligning with clients. This book equips designers with skills to negotiate effectively and foster productive discussions.

Recommended by: Adam Spaulding, Head of Product @Wicket

Bonus: Tune into the UX Banter Podcast

Looking for more design inspiration? Check out Season 4 of the UX Banter Podcast for engaging conversations on emerging trends, design challenges, and expert advice from leading voices in the field.

Ready to Grab Your Next Read?

Books are powerful tools for learning and growth. Which of these titles caught your attention? Or do you have a go-to design book that you’d recommend to others? Share your favorites in the comments!

Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to design better, think deeper, and create meaningful experiences.

To learn more about UI UX design and related aspects, check out more blogs on Galaxy UX Studio – Blogs. 

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