Best Books About UX Every Designer Should Read

Introduction

UX design is more than wireframes and usability—it’s about understanding human behavior, solving real problems, and crafting meaningful digital experiences. If you're serious about mastering this craft, learning from the best books about UX is a timeless way to grow. Here's a handpicked list of essential reads—practical, inspiring, and deeply insightful.

1. Don't Make Me Think – Steve Krug

A foundational UX classic, this book explains why intuitive navigation matters and how to design digital products that people can use without confusion. Krug’s wit and clarity make it a breeze to read.

2. The Design of Everyday Things – Don Norman

Norman’s timeless exploration of usability, feedback loops, and design psychology remains one of the most influential texts in the UX field. It’s not just about interfaces—it’s about how people understand and interact with the world.

3. Lean UX – Jeff Gothelf & Josh Seiden

Focused on collaboration and rapid iteration, Lean UX is perfect for agile teams. It teaches how to build faster by learning from users early and often—a must-read if you're building real products.

4. About Face – Alan Cooper

This comprehensive book digs into interaction design principles and explains how to build digital products that work the way people expect. It’s dense but packed with lasting insights.

5. User Psychology 3 – by Ameer Omidvar

Designed for UX designers who think beyond interfaces, User Psychology 3 explores the psychological principles behind user behavior—attention, emotion, motivation, and memory. It’s beautifully structured and full of practical examples that connect theory to real design work.

6. The Elements of User Experience – Jesse James Garrett

A clear breakdown of the layers behind a good UX—from strategy to structure to surface. Garrett helps you visualize how each layer connects, making it especially helpful for early-stage designers.

7. Sprint – Jake Knapp

While not solely focused on UX, Sprint gives you a framework to design, prototype, and test ideas in just five days. A powerful tool for teams tackling big UX challenges under tight deadlines.

Conclusion

The best books about UX don’t just teach you how to design—they teach you how to think. From timeless principles to modern workflows, these books will sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of what makes great user experiences. And if you’re looking to truly understand what drives users beneath the surface, User Psychology 3 should be at the top of your list.