5 Best design books for beginners

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Design touches everything we interact with, from apps to product packaging. For beginners, diving into the world of design can feel overwhelming. However, starting with the best design books can make the journey much easier. Books offer a deep knowledge of the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to excel in design.

In this blog, we’ll explore 5 best design books for beginners, giving you a variety of learning paths. These books not only explain essential concepts but also inspire creativity, helping you understand the mindset of great designers.

Whether you’re learning on your own or leveling up your formal education, these books on design will give you a strong start in the design world.

1. The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

If there’s one book that every beginner designer should read, it’s “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman. It’s widely regarded as one of the best design books ever written.

What makes this book so valuable is its focus on usability, which is often the most important aspect of any design project.

Norman delves deep into the psychology behind why people interact with objects the way they do.

He explains the principles of good design, using real-world examples to show how seemingly simple things like doors, switches, and gadgets can either work well or cause frustration.

The book highlights the importance of user-centered design, prioritizing the user’s experience and satisfaction.

Key takeaways for beginners:

a. Understanding the relationship between user behavior and design decisions

b. Learning how to create intuitive and functional products

c. Grasping fundamental UX design principles that apply to both digital and physical products

Whether you’re a product designer or just someone curious about how to improve usability, “The Design of Everyday Things” will teach you how to make designs that people actually want to use.

Its ideas are as relevant today as they were when it was first published, making it one of the most impactful UX design books you can start with.

2. A Designer’s Art by Paul Rand

Paul Rand is a towering figure in the design world, best known for his timeless logo designs for IBM, ABC, and UPS. His book “A Designer’s Art” is a classic, offering invaluable insights into the philosophy behind design.

For beginners, this is one of the best graphic design books that covers everything from the creative process to the practical aspects of making visually compelling work.

Rand doesn’t just focus on aesthetics; he discusses how good design communicates a message and solves problems.

This makes the book especially useful for anyone interested in branding, logo creation, and even book cover design.

“A Designer’s Art” walks readers through graphic design elements, explaining how to combine color, form, and type in meaningful ways.

Key takeaways for beginners:

a. Learning the basics of graphic design, from visual composition to branding

b. Understanding the relationship between design and communication

c. Exploring how simplicity and clarity in design can lead to greater impact

This book is an excellent starting point for anyone pursuing a career in graphic design or branding. Rand’s ideas about design being a form of art and problem-solving are just as relevant today as they were during his career.

3. Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug

If you want to create user-friendly websites or apps, “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug is a must-read. Krug takes a common-sense approach to web usability, making this book highly practical and accessible to beginners.

The book’s central message is that a good website or application should require minimal effort for users to understand and navigate.

Krug uses humorous examples and easy-to-follow explanations to show how simple design changes can dramatically improve user experience.

He encourages designers to put themselves in the user’s shoes, emphasizing the importance of intuitive design.

Key takeaways for beginners:

a. How to design websites and apps that are easy to use

b. Understanding the principles of web usability

c. Learning practical tips that can be applied right away without needing advanced technical skills

This book is especially valuable for self-taught designers or those working in UI UX design.

Its practical advice makes it one of the best UX design books for beginners, helping you avoid common mistakes and create more efficient, user-friendly interfaces.

4. Sprint by Jake Knapp

Design isn’t just about making things look good; it’s also about solving problems efficiently. That’s where “Sprint” by Jake Knapp comes in.

Originally developed by a team at Google Ventures, “Sprint” outlines a five-day process for solving design challenges and testing new ideas.

This book is a fantastic resource for designers who want to understand design’s collaborative and problem-solving aspects.

Whether you’re working on a new app, a product, or a business idea, “Sprint” teaches you how to go from idea to prototype in just five days.

The process helps designers and teams quickly validate their ideas before investing time and resources into full development.

Key takeaways for beginners:

a. Learning a structured design process that focuses on rapid iteration

b. Understanding how to test and validate ideas with minimal investment

c. Gaining practical insights into product design and team collaboration

“Sprint” is particularly useful for product designers, UX designers, and anyone involved in startups or tech companies.

It offers a hands-on approach that is easy to implement, making it one of the best product design books for those who want actionable advice.

5. Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton

Typography is often one of the most overlooked aspects of design, but it’s incredibly important. In “Thinking with Type,” Ellen Lupton offers a comprehensive guide to the principles of typography, making it a must-read for any aspiring designer.

From fonts to spacing, this book covers everything you need to know about how type can shape the way people experience your design.

Lupton explains how typography interacts with other design elements like images, grids, and color. She also includes exercises and examples that make the book highly practical.

Whether you’re working on a website, a poster, or a book cover design, “Thinking with Type” will help you create more effective and aesthetically pleasing layouts.

Key takeaways for beginners:

a. Understanding the fundamentals of typography and how to use it effectively

b. Learning how to combine type with images and other design elements

c. Gaining practical skills through exercises and visual examples

This is one of the best books on design for beginners because it teaches a fundamental skill that is often underappreciated.

Typography plays a crucial role in both graphic and product design, and mastering it will make you a more well-rounded designer.

Conclusion

If you’re just starting your design journey, these 5 books are some of the best resources to help you build a solid foundation.

Each book offers unique insights into different aspects of design, from usability and typography to product design and branding.

They’re not only educational but also inspiring, pushing you to think critically and creatively about the world around you.

By reading these books, you’ll be better equipped to tackle design challenges, whether you’re working on graphic design, UX design, product design, or even book cover design.

They cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that no matter what kind of designer you want to be, you’ll find valuable lessons within these pages.

Frequently asked questions

1. Are these books on design suitable for self-taught designers?

Yes, these books are perfect for self-taught designers. They are written in a way that’s easy to understand, providing practical advice without requiring prior design knowledge.

Whether you’re learning on your own or supplementing formal education, these books are excellent resources.

2. Do I need any prior design knowledge to understand these books?

No, you don’t need any prior design knowledge. These books are specifically chosen because they are accessible to beginners.

They explain fundamental design principles in layman’s terms, making them perfect for those new to the field.

3. Are these design books more theoretical or hands-on?

There’s a good mix of both. Books like “The Design of Everyday Things” and “A Designer’s Art” provide more theoretical insights, while “Don’t Make Me Think” and “Sprint” offer hands-on advice and practical frameworks.

The combination of theory and practice will give you a well-rounded understanding of design.

4. Are these books still relevant with the rise of modern design technologies?

Yes, these books are highly relevant, even with the rise of modern design tools.

The principles they cover, such as usability, typography, and user-centered design, are timeless and apply to any design project, whether you’re using cutting-edge software or traditional methods.