A growing collection of excellent UX books has given readers an in-depth look at specific industry concerns and how the efforts of UX managers can improve a website’s design and functionality. Detailed below are UX books to read that can boost your success in user experience.

Measuring the User Experience: Collecting, Analyzing and Presenting Usability Metrics

After reading Measuring the User Experience, by Thomas Tullis, UX enthusiasts will come away with a thorough understanding of best practices for usability metrics. According to the renowned plain writing specialist Ginny Redish, this book is an essential read for anybody who plans on engaging in any type of usability testing. (Tweet This)

Smashing UX Design: Foundations for Designing Online User Experiences

Jesmond Allen and James Chudley have joined forces to create one of the most readable guides to UX design. Smashing UX Design is best suited to those who are new to the world of user experience, although vetted UX managers can also gain plenty of valuable insights while reading this book. Reviewer “Axel” views Smashing UX Design as a top resource both for those who require a general overview of UX design and those who prefer “flesh, bone, and practical application.”(Tweet This)

Simple and Usable: Web, Mobile, and Interaction Design

Another wonderful resource for the UX newbie trying to take his or her understanding to the next level, Simple and Usable provide a thorough overview of design practices for software, internet, and mobile applications.  Author Giles Colborne believes that a simple, straightforward design can make a huge splash, especially when compared to the notoriously complex sites and applications that currently dominate the mobile landscape. Scott Herring has commended Colborne for his use of “real-world examples” and his “deliberately simple approach.” (Tweet This)

The Design of Everyday Things

In the Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman strives to show readers how a carefully-conceived design can direct users to the right action at the right time and with the use of the right control. This concept applies not only to web-based design but also to a variety of real-world situations. According to Patrick Whitney, the book has completely changed the field of design, with its principles proving especially important in today’s fast-changing technological landscape. (Tweet This)

The Design of Business: Why Design Thinking is the Next Competitive Advantage

Lauded by the Business Design Association as one of the “most comprehensive books ever written about…business design and design thinking,” The Design of Business argues that today’s businesses are far too reliant on analytical thinking. (Tweet This)

Author Roger L. Martin proves that companies that prioritize design thinking are far more innovative, and ultimately, far more successful than their analytical counterparts.

The UX Book: Process and Guidelines for Ensuring a Quality User Experience

Pardha Pyla and Rex Hartson offer the UX manager a hands-on guide to the entire UX lifecycle, while also covering such essential topics as interaction design requirements, UX evaluations, prototyping and design production in The UX Book. A TechWhirl review commends the authors for their advanced knowledge surrounding written communication in the mobile age. (Tweet This)

Lean UX: Applying Lean Principles to Improve User Experience

Efficiency is essential for the budding UX designer, and Jeff Gothelf proves it in Lean UX. Rana Roop believes that this book effectively teaches readers how to ditch the drama, form a shared understanding, and, most importantly, put users first. (Tweet This)

An expansive UX library is essential for the forward-thinking UX manager. From basic overviews of design principles to specific guidelines regarding usability metrics, it’s worth reading up on a variety of UX topics to gain a better understanding of this ever-changing and competitive field.