I’m not sure how I managed to get such a queue of UX books lined up but our bedside table is chockers (Australian slang for full or lots) with them.
Design is the Problem by Nathan Shedroff
I actually finished this one in May. It’s good book that has left it’s mark on me, I’ve given a lot more thought to not just my own consumption but also at a deeper level. I’ve often found myself considering how I can improve a particular product. Any book that encourages as much thought or consideration for months after you read it must be doing something right. It’s only flaw is that I wanted more information about the subjects and techniques it looked at.
Designing Gestural Interfaces by Dan Saffer
I’m most of the way through this one. I’m hoping to wrap it up in time for the London UX Bookclub tomorrow. It’s been an enlightening book so far, especially as I’m not really familiar with gestural interfaces. It’s clearly a great reference book but I can’t help thinking that it would have been more useful if it had a digital equivalent that could be easily updated as time goes on. Thanks once again to Leisa Reichelt for organising this competition and giving me a free book.
Design Meets Disability
by Graham Pullin
I wrote about Graham’s talk at the Design Museum previously but I’m yet to finish the book. It’s a beautifully designed book, full of insights and examples of how we could do a lot better when it comes to designing for disability. From a quick flick through, it is largely focused on product design rather than digital. I’d be interested to hear Graham’s thoughts on this. However, if you look at the age of the particular industries: fashion, industrial, digital, we are one of the youngest but from what I can see the best at catering to the needs of those with disabilities. We certainly have a long way to go though.
Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites
by Louis Rosenfeld and Peter Morville
Confession time: I’ve never read this book. Is that really bad for someone who considers themself an IA? Most of this, I seemed to pick up on the fly. As I’ve skimmed through this, most of it I know already but I feel like I need to tick this box and actually read it. Thanks to the lovely Bookmoocher who sent this one to me.
Card Sorting: Designing Usable Categories by Donna Spencer
I went to a session of Donna’s way back in 2008 at the IA Summit in Miami which was really helpful. So when it came out a little while ago, I had to have it. I’m yet to start on this one, but hopefully I will do soon. Will include some reviews and thoughts when I update my reading list!
Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind
by Al Ries and Jack Trout
My former boss gave a few of us in the Answers Leadership team this book to read. I’ve yet to open it but looking forward to delving into it when I get the chance.
