Essential Reads for Mastering Industrial Design
Industrial design is a field where creativity meets functionality, transforming ideas into tangible products that shape our everyday lives. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just beginning your journey, understanding the fundamentals of industrial design is crucial. The right books can be a game-changer, offering insights from industry leaders and practical knowledge that you can apply in your work. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Books on Industrial Design that every designer should have on their bookshelf.
Author: Olivia Mitchell
Bio: Olivia Mitchell is a veteran industrial designer with over 15 years of experience in the field. She has worked with top tech companies, helping them develop products that are both innovative and user-friendly.
10. Monetizing Innovation: How Smart Companies Design the Product Around the Price
Author: Madhavan Ramanujam
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 465
Category: Industrial Design
Ramanujam’s book dives into the intersection of pricing and product design, emphasizing that successful products are those designed with pricing in mind from the very beginning. It’s a critical read for designers looking to understand the commercial aspects of product development.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book offers a unique perspective on how pricing strategies can influence design decisions, making it essential for those looking to create commercially viable products.
Fun Fact:
Madhavan Ramanujam has advised over 100 companies on pricing strategies, helping them successfully launch new products.
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9. The Design Thinking Playbook: Mindful Digital Transformation of Teams, Products, Services, Businesses and Ecosystems
Author: Michael Lewrick
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 871
Category: Industrial Design
This book is a comprehensive guide to applying design thinking principles across various industries. Lewrick offers practical tools and methods that can help transform products and services, making it a valuable resource for industrial designers.
Why You’ll Love It:
Lewrick’s approach to design thinking is both practical and innovative, making it a must-read for those looking to drive change through design.
Fun Fact:
Michael Lewrick has worked with several Fortune 500 companies, helping them implement design thinking into their business strategies.
Buy The Design Thinking Playbook on Amazon
8. Open Circuits: The Inner Beauty of Electronic Components
Author: Windell Oskay
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 957
Category: Industrial Design
This visually stunning book explores the hidden beauty of electronic components, making it a must-have for any industrial designer with a passion for electronics. Oskay’s detailed photographs and explanations reveal the intricate designs inside everyday devices.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book offers a unique blend of art and engineering, showcasing the elegance of electronic components in a way that’s both informative and inspiring.
Fun Fact:
Windell Oskay is also the co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, a company known for its creative and educational electronic kits.
7. Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model (Silicon Valley Product Group)
Author: Marty Cagan
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 188
Category: Industrial Design
Cagan’s book focuses on how companies can transform their product operations to better meet customer needs. It’s a strategic guide for designers and product managers who want to improve their processes and outcomes.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book is full of practical advice and real-world examples, making it a great resource for anyone involved in product design.
Fun Fact:
Marty Cagan is a partner at the Silicon Valley Product Group, where he advises companies on product strategy and development.
6. INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love (Silicon Valley Product Group)
Author: Marty Cagan
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.6/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 5,678
Category: Industrial Design
This book is a go-to guide for creating successful tech products. Cagan shares his extensive experience in the tech industry, offering insights on everything from product strategy to user experience.
Why You’ll Love It:
With its clear and actionable advice, this book is a must-read for anyone involved in tech product design and development.
Fun Fact:
INSPIRED has been translated into several languages and is used as a textbook in many product management courses.
5. Print Reading for Industry
Author: Walter C. Brown
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 77
Category: Industrial Design
This book is an essential resource for anyone involved in manufacturing or design. Brown provides a thorough introduction to print reading, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a comprehensive guide that makes complex topics accessible, making it ideal for both students and professionals.
Fun Fact:
Walter C. Brown has written several textbooks on manufacturing processes and is a recognized expert in the field.
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4. The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition
Author: Don Norman
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.6/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 7,533
Category: Industrial Design
Norman’s classic book on design psychology is a must-read for anyone interested in how products are designed with the user in mind. The revised edition includes updated content that’s even more relevant in today’s digital age.
Why You’ll Love It:
Norman’s insights into user-centered design are timeless, making this book an essential read for anyone in the field of industrial design.
Fun Fact:
Don Norman is often credited with coining the term “user experience,” a concept that has become central to product design.
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3. Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model
Author: Marty Cagan
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 188
Category: Industrial Design
This audiobook version of Cagan’s insightful guide to transforming product operations offers an engaging way to absorb its valuable lessons. Perfect for those who prefer learning on the go.
Why You’ll Love It:
The audiobook format makes it easy to absorb Cagan’s practical advice anytime, anywhere, making it ideal for busy professionals.
Fun Fact:
Marty Cagan has mentored many successful tech leaders, making his insights particularly valuable for those in the industry.
2. Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love (Silicon Valley Product Group)
Author: Marty Cagan
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.6/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 5,678
Category: Industrial Design
This second appearance of INSPIRED on our list highlights its importance in the world of tech product design. Cagan’s deep dive into product development strategies makes this book indispensable for designers and product managers.
Why You’ll Love It:
Cagan’s actionable insights will help you create products that not only meet customer needs but also delight them, leading to greater success in the market.
Fun Fact:
INSPIRED is used as a primary reference in many leading product design courses around the world.
1. Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model (Silicon Valley Product Group)
Author: Marty Cagan
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 188
Category: Industrial Design
Cagan’s Transformed takes the top spot for its comprehensive approach to transforming product operations within organizations. It’s an essential read for anyone serious about taking their product design and development to the next level.
Why You’ll Love It:
Cagan’s experience and practical advice make this book a game-changer for product designers and managers looking to achieve excellence in their field.
Fun Fact:
Marty Cagan’s influence extends across the tech industry, with many startups and established companies alike adopting his product operating model.
Unlock Your Potential in Industrial Design
These top 10 books on Industrial Design are invaluable resources for anyone looking to master the art and science of creating innovative products. Whether you’re focusing on user experience, product strategy, or the finer details of electronic components, these books provide the knowledge and inspiration you need to excel in the field.
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