Top 10 Must-Read books to Read for Design

Don’t Make Me Think

Don't Make Me Think is a book written by Steve Krug that provides an insightful look into the world of web design. It focuses on the importance of making websites that are easy to use and understand. Krug emphasizes the need for web designers to think from the perspective of the user, and to create a website that is intuitive and user-friendly. He also provides practical advice on how to create a website that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate. Krug's book is a must-read for anyone interested in web design, as it provides valuable insight into the principles of good web design.

Why you should buy

• This book provides insight into how to create a user-friendly website that is easy to navigate and understand.

• It offers tips on how to create a website that is visually appealing and encourages users to stay on the page.

• It provides guidance on how to create a website that is intuitive and allows users to quickly find the information they need.

• Not focused on SaaS business models

• No advice on pricing strategies

• No guidance on customer acquisition

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Grid Systems in Graphic Design

Grid Systems in Graphic Design is a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing grid systems in graphic design. Written by Kimberly Elam, the book provides an in-depth look at the history and evolution of grid systems, as well as practical advice on how to use them in modern design. It covers topics such as the basics of grid systems, typography, page layout, and more. The book also includes a variety of examples and exercises to help readers understand and apply the concepts. With its clear explanations and helpful illustrations, Grid Systems in Graphic Design is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in graphic design.

Why you should buy

• Understand the fundamentals of grid systems and how to apply them to design for a better user experience.

• Learn how to create a grid system that is tailored to the needs of the product and the target audience.

• Discover how to use grids to create a consistent and unified look across all platforms.

• Not focused on SaaS: book is about grid systems in graphic design, not SaaS.

• Not comprehensive: limited to topics of grid systems.

• Not up-to-date: published in 1984, may not reflect current trends.

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Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students

Thinking with Type is an essential guide for anyone involved in the world of design. Written by Ellen Lupton, this book provides an in-depth look at the history, principles, and practical applications of typography. It covers topics such as type anatomy, letter spacing, and type classifications, as well as the use of type in digital media. It also includes a comprehensive glossary of typographic terms and a detailed index. Thinking with Type is an invaluable resource for designers, writers, editors, and students alike, offering a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of typography. It is an essential guide for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the power of type.

Why you should buy

• Understand the fundamentals of typography and how to use it to create effective designs.

• Learn how to choose the right typeface for a project and how to combine typefaces for maximum impact.

• Develop an understanding of the history of typography and how it has evolved over time.

• Not applicable to SaaS founders.

• Focuses on typography, not software development.

• Too basic for experienced SaaS founders.

Buy on Google Books ->

Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities

Logo Design Love is a comprehensive guide to creating iconic brand identities. Written by graphic designer and author, David Airey, this book provides a wealth of information on logo design, from the basics of design theory to the more advanced techniques of logo development. It covers topics such as typography, color theory, and composition, as well as the psychology of logo design. It also includes case studies of successful logos, and provides practical advice on how to create a logo that will stand out from the competition. Logo Design Love is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to create a memorable and effective logo.

Why you should buy

• Understand the fundamentals of logo design and how to create an iconic brand identity.

• Learn how to create a logo that is timeless and memorable.

• Gain insight into the logo design process and how to effectively communicate your brand’s message.

• Not focused on SaaS businesses

• No advice on pricing models

• No technical implementation guidance

Buy on Google Books ->

The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman

The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman is a must-read for anyone interested in design. It explores the psychology behind why some products are successful and others fail. Norman explains how good design should be intuitive and how bad design can lead to frustration and confusion. He also provides practical advice on how to create products that are easy to use and understand. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the user’s needs and how to create a product that meets those needs. The book is filled with examples of good and bad design, and Norman’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly.

Why you should buy

• Understand how to design products that are intuitive and easy to use.

• Learn how to create products that are aesthetically pleasing and emotionally engaging.

• Discover how to create products that are reliable and efficient.

• Not focused on SaaS products

• No advice on pricing strategies

• No guidance on customer acquisition

Buy on Google Books ->

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: Nir Eyal

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal is a must-read for entrepreneurs and product designers. It provides a step-by-step guide to creating products that people will use and love. Eyal explains the psychology behind habit-forming products and how to use it to your advantage. He outlines the four-step Hook Model, which consists of trigger, action, reward, and investment. He also provides practical advice on how to use the model to create products that people will use over and over again. With this book, you'll learn how to create products that people will use without even thinking about it. Hooked is an essential guide for anyone looking to create habit-forming products.

Why you should buy

• Understand the psychology behind why people form habits and how to use this to create a successful product.

• Learn how to design products that create triggers and rewards to keep users coming back.

• Discover how to create an environment that encourages user engagement and loyalty.

• Not focused on SaaS products

• No technical advice

• No marketing strategies

Buy on Google Books ->

Sprint

Sprint is a book that provides readers with a step-by-step guide to creating and launching successful products. Written by Jake Knapp, a design partner at Google Ventures, the book outlines a five-day process for rapidly testing ideas and getting feedback from customers. The process involves creating a map of the problem, sketching solutions, deciding on the best solution, building a realistic prototype, and testing it with customers. Throughout the book, Knapp provides practical advice and real-world examples to help readers understand the process and apply it to their own projects. Sprint is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs, product designers, and anyone looking to create successful products quickly and efficiently.

Why you should buy

• The book provides a step-by-step guide to creating a successful SaaS business, including advice on how to develop a product, acquire customers, and scale the business.

• It offers insights into the common mistakes made by SaaS founders and how to avoid them.

• It provides strategies for pricing, marketing, and customer retention that can help SaaS founders maximize their success.

• Not focused on SaaS

• No practical advice

• No case studies

Buy on Google Books ->

Atomic Design

Atomic Design is a book by Brad Frost that provides a methodology for creating effective user interfaces. It is based on the idea of breaking down complex user interfaces into smaller, more manageable parts. The book explains how to use atomic design principles to create a consistent, cohesive user experience. It covers topics such as how to create a design system, how to use atomic design principles to create a unified user experience, and how to use atomic design to create a responsive design. Atomic Design is an essential resource for anyone looking to create effective user interfaces. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of atomic design and how to apply them to create a successful user experience.

Why you should buy

• Atomic Design provides a framework for creating consistent, well-structured user interfaces.

• It helps SaaS founders to create a unified design system that can be used across multiple products.

• It provides a set of principles and best practices for creating user interfaces that are easy to use and understand.

• Not focused on SaaS development

• No practical advice on scaling

• No insights into customer acquisition

Buy on Google Books ->

The Best Interface Is No Interface by Golden Krishna

The Best Interface Is No Interface by Golden Krishna is a book that explores the idea of eliminating the need for user interfaces in technology. It argues that the current trend of designing user interfaces for every product and service is not only unnecessary, but also counter-productive. The book provides examples of how technology can be designed to be more intuitive and natural, without the need for user interfaces. It also discusses the implications of this approach on the future of technology, and how it can be used to create a more human-centered experience. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of technology and how it can be used to improve the lives of people.

Why you should buy

• Provides insight into how to create a user experience that is more efficient and intuitive.

• Explains how to create a product that is more focused on the user's needs and less on the technology.

• Demonstrates how to create a product that is more enjoyable and less intrusive.

• Not applicable to all SaaS businesses

• Focuses on physical products

• No practical advice for SaaS founders

Buy on Google Books ->

Seductive Interaction Design: Creating Playful, Fun, and Effective User Experiences by Stephen P. Anderson

Seductive Interaction Design by Stephen P. Anderson is a comprehensive guide to creating engaging user experiences. It provides practical advice on how to design interactive products that are both fun and effective. The book covers topics such as creating a seductive user experience, understanding user motivation, and designing for emotion. It also includes case studies and examples of successful seductive designs. Anderson's approach is based on the idea that users should be able to interact with products in a playful and enjoyable way. He emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs and motivations, and creating an experience that is both enjoyable and effective. With its practical advice and examples, Seductive Interaction Design is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to create engaging user experiences.

Why you should buy

• Provides insight into how to create user experiences that are both engaging and effective.

• Explains how to design interactions that are both playful and intuitive.

• Shows how to create a user experience that is both enjoyable and successful.

• Not focused on SaaS

• No technical advice

• No business strategies

Buy on Google Books ->