Top 15 design thinking books

The Design of Everyday Things
What is The Design of Everyday Things about?
“The Design of Everyday Things” is a thought-provoking book that delves into the often-overlooked world of design. Authored by renowned cognitive scientist Don Norman, the book explores how the design of everyday objects profoundly impacts our interactions, experiences, and even our frustrations.

The Creative Habit
What is The Creative Habit about?
Twyla Tharp, a world-renowned choreographer, shares her secrets for developing and nurturing creativity. With anecdotes from various art forms, such as music, dance, and literature, this book showcases the universal nature of creativity. Whether you're an artist, a leader, or anyone wanting to enhance their creative potential, Tharp's insights snd exercises provide an invaluable roadmap.

An Audience of One
What is An Audience of One about?
“An Audience of One” by Srinivas Rao is a reflective exploration of the intrinsic value of creativity. The book advocates for creating art for personal satisfaction, drawing on insights from various creatives and experts. Rao’s work encourages embracing the creative process as a source of fulfillment, independent of pursuing fame or financial success.

How to Think More Effectively
What is How to Think More Effectively about?
Explore how to harness your mind's potential and nurture effective thinking with the book "How to Think More Effectively." You'll learn how to work productively, obtain fresh perspectives on problems, and think empathetically and skeptically at the same time.

The Artist's Way
What is The Artist's Way about?
“The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron teaches how to find your creative side through everyday activities. It delves into the topic of self-perception, helping you overcome limiting beliefs about creativity. If you want to bring your creative self back, this book is definitely for you.

Steal Like an Artist
What is Steal Like an Artist about?
“Steal Like an Artist” is a book about improving creativity by mixing imitation with original ideas. It covers topics like overcoming fear, sharing your work online, and having varied interests. The book also stresses the importance of good habits and a great environment for ongoing artistic success.

Creative Confidence
What is Creative Confidence about?
“Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All” by Tom and David Kelley is a great guide for tapping into your creative potential. Tom and David believe that creativity is not a talent exclusive to a few but a skill that can be developed. With inspiring stories and practical advice, the book will assist you in breaking free from self-doubt and unlocking creative abilities.

The Design of Business
What is The Design of Business about?
Read "The Design of Business" by Roger L. Martin and find out why analytical thinking is not always the answer to all questions. While it only refines existing knowledge, design thinking also drives transformative change. Design thinking helps businesses realize groundbreaking innovations and achieve competitive advantages.

Sprint
What is Sprint about?
“Sprint: How To Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days” (2016) is a unique way of approaching challenges and new ideas in the spheres of business, innovation, and project management. This book explains how to organize teamwork to effectively overcome crises and test new products in just five days.

The Art of Innovation
What is The Art of Innovation about?
In his book "The Art of Innovation," Tom Kelley explores what makes the renowned design firm IDEO so iconic. This company stands behind the designs of such products as Polaroid's I-Zone instant camera and the Apple mouse. The IDEO problem-solving method includes observing the target audience's behavior, intense brainstorming sessions, and failing your way to success.

Designing Your Life
What is Designing Your Life about?
“Designing Your Life” is a book about taking control of your career and personal satisfaction by designing your life. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your values and needs, as well as the four key areas of life: health, work, leisure, and love. The book provides actionable advice to help you achieve your goals and find fulfillment.

Gamestorming
What is Gamestorming about?
How can a businessperson foster an environment that stimulates creative thinking? The answer is gamestorming. Read Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, and James Macanufo's book and try over 80 games offered in it to generate new ideas and insights. The book also will teach you to enhance understanding in the team, optimize meetings, and find a path to every problem's solution.

Hooked
What is Hooked about?
Why do some products capture our attention and never let go while others fail? Find out the answer to this and other question in the book "Hooked" by Nir Eyal. The author introduces the four-step Hook Model that makes some products so appealing. If you're a product manager, a designer, a marketer or if this topic is intriguing for you, this is a must-read full of compelling examples from Twitter, Pinterest, and other successful companies.

Change by Design
What is Change by Design about?
“Change by Design” by Tim Brown explores the transformative power of design thinking in today's rapidly evolving world. Through engaging examples and insightful analysis, Brown delves into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and creative problem-solving in fostering innovation. “Change by Design” is a comprehensive guide for individuals and organizations seeking to harness design thinking principles to spark meaningful change.

Why Design Matters
What is Why Design Matters about?
Designers shape our reality by giving form to the objects in our world. They possess the power to sway social opinion and influence desires and actions. Creativity is a language anyone can master and employ to communicate their truth. If you have a message to convey to the masses, design is waiting for you.


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