Even with all the outstanding UX resources online I still find myself gravitating to my books. There's just something reassuring about having a well-stocked UX reference shelf that I can physically touch with my fingertips.
I started collecting in 2000 - mostly UX reference, but I do have some fun oddballs. In 2007 I had the pleasure of curating a vast UX reference collection for the e-commerce division of a former Fortune 500 retailer. Overall, my personal collection is fairly eclectic and utilitarian (I might write about it in more detail in another post).
At the moment I have 43 UX-related books in my Amazon shopping cart. Trouble is I only have time (and budget) for 4.
Here's my list of must-reads for early 2010:
Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People - Ken Watanabe
I was really inspired by the deductive reasoning G. Polya preached in How to Solve It (and I'm not a math guy). Here Watanabe presents an intriguing collection of practical problem-solving strategies. I like that the book was written for school kids in Japan but has been embraced by the business world.
Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity - Hugh McLeod
I've been a fan of McLeod's artwork (pithy observations and abstract cartoons scratched out on the backs of business cards) for years. I have a tattered copy of his smart and honest manifesto on creativity at my desk. Hoping this book expands on those declarations.
Confessions of a Public Speaker - Scott Berkun
I had the thrill of presenting at Agile2009 this year. The only way I got through my 45 grueling minutes at the podium was drawing on my experiences in a rock band (theatrical, to the point, mindful of the audience's perspective). Public speaking is a critical skill for UX professionals and almost always one of the most harrowing challenges. I read a few sample chapters of Scott Berkun's latest and was hooked. Bring on the horror stories!
Modular Web Design: Creating Reusable Components for User Experience Design and Documentation - Nathan A. Curtis
The Usability Professionals' Association conference in 2007 focused on the theme of patterns. The conference really got me thinking about the notion of modularity in physical architecture and web design. I'm hoping this book takes me further down this path.
Other contenders:
- Prototyping: A Practitioner's Guide - Todd Zaki Warfel
- Remote Research: Real Users, Real Time, Real Research - Nate Bolt and Tony Tulathimutte
- Innovation Games: Creating Breakthrough Products Through Collaborative Play - Luke Hohmann
Have any book recommendations of your own? What's on your UX reading list for 2010? Post a comment!
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