In my spare time, I love diving deeper into the world of design and creativity. There are so many amazing books that have helped me level up as a creative, and here are a few I recommend to everyone in the creative space!
This is my top recommended guide for anyone looking to dive into the world of gamification. The author, Yu-Kai Chou, does an incredible job of presenting a comprehensive framework for applying gamification to any project. My design philosophy is deeply rooted in the eight core drives he discusses in the book. Beyond providing a solid framework, the book shifts your mindset about what gamification truly is and how gamified techniques can be effectively applied.
If you’re looking for a quick read on the fundamentals of gamification, I highly recommend Gamify. Brian Burke does an excellent job of explaining how gamification inspires motivation. After all, as product designers, our goal is to help motivate people to achieve their goals!
Switch was one of the first books I read on creativity. It doesn’t focus on a single topic but rather on the creative process as a whole. Chip and Dan Heath do an incredible job of inspiring you to think outside the box and develop creative solutions to challenging problems. I often find myself re-reading or listening to this book whenever I need inspiration.
I’ve found countless useful examples in this book that have greatly influenced my product design thinking. It helped me understand how to connect with users on a level that goes beyond marketing campaigns. I’ve applied many of Donald Miller’s principles to my products, not only to simplify their messaging but also to build deeper connections and engagement with users.
While Articulating Design Decisions doesn’t delve into design principles, I found it invaluable for defending my design choices with stakeholders and other parties. I learned many useful techniques for clearly and concisely framing my design decisions. This book not only helped me prepare for stakeholder meetings but also allowed me to empathize with stakeholders and better understand their perspectives in the creative process.