Top 10 Design Thinking Books: The Innovator’s Mindset in 2025

Design Thinking is a powerful approach that focuses on problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. With its popularity steadily on the rise, many people often search for Design Thinking Books that help master the approach. 

From designers, entrepreneurs, or people simply interested in improving their problem-solving skills, these books are essential reads. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best Design Thinking Books that provide insights, techniques, and real-world examples to help you master this approach. 

Table of Contents 

1) Best Design Thinking Books you must read 

    a) The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman 

    b) Change by Design by Tim Brown 

    c) Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp 

    d) Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley 

    e) Designing for Growth by Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie 

    f) Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman 

    g) Design a Better Business by Patrick Van Der Pijl, Justin Lokitz, and Lisa Kay Solomon 

   h) The Lean Startup by Eric Ries 

   i) Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things by Don Norman 

   j) Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal 

2) Conclusion 

Best Design Thinking Books you must read  

Let's explore 10 of the best Design Thinking Books you must read: 

1) The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman  

In The Design of Everyday Things, the author Don Norman, delves into the world of user-centered design and the principles of good design that transcend industries. He explores the intricacies of the user experience, highlighting how design can enhance or hinder interactions with everyday objects. 

Norman's insights go beyond aesthetics, emphasising the significance of intuitive interfaces and the impact of well-designed products on user satisfaction. This book is a cornerstone for anyone looking to understand the fundamental concepts of Design Thinking and create user-friendly experiences. 

2) Change by Design by Tim Brown  

Tim Brown's Change by Design offers a comprehensive guide to implementing Design Thinking in various contexts. Brown, the CEO of IDEO, a renowned design consultancy, discusses how Design Thinking can drive innovation, transform businesses, and solve complex problems. 

Through real-world examples and case studies, he showcases the iterative nature of the Design Thinking process and its potential to reshape industries. The book emphasises the importance of empathy, experimentation, and collaboration in driving meaningful change through design. 

3) Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp  

For those seeking a practical approach to problem-solving, Sprint by Jake Knapp is a valuable resource. The book introduces the concept of design sprints – a time-bound methodology that enables teams to rapidly tackle challenges and test solutions. 

Knapp's detailed instructions and real-life anecdotes guide readers through the sprint process, from identifying problems to prototyping and testing solutions in just five days. This book is a blueprint for teams looking to accelerate innovation and make informed decisions through efficient design sprints. 

4) Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley  

Creative Confidence by the Kelley brothers, Tom and David, inspires readers to unlock their innate creativity and build confidence in their ideas. Drawing from their experience at IDEO, they highlight that everyone can be creative and contribute to innovative solutions. 

Further, the book provides strategies to overcome the fear of failure and self-doubt, encouraging readers to take creative risks. Through anecdotes and exercises, the Kelley brothers empower individuals to harness their creative potential and make a positive impact on the world. 

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5) Designing for Growth by Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie 

Designing for Growth offers insights into integrating Design Thinking into strategic planning and business growth. Authors Jeanne Liedtka and Tim Ogilvie outline a systematic approach to innovation, providing tools and frameworks for designing new business models and products. 

The book showcases real-world examples of companies that have successfully adopted Design Thinking principles to drive growth and competitive advantage. Liedtka and Ogilvie's work bridges the gap between Design Thinking and business strategy, making it essential reading for leaders seeking to innovate within their organisations.  

6) Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman  

While not solely focused on Design Thinking, Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow offers valuable insights into human decision-making, which is integral to the design process. Kahneman presents a dual-system model of thinking – the fast and intuitive system and the slow and deliberate system. 

Understanding how people make decisions can inform design choices, ensuring that products and services resonate with users on a cognitive and emotional level. This book provides a psychological foundation for designers aiming to create solutions that align with human behaviours and preferences. 

7) Design a Better Business by Patrick Van Der Pijl, Justin Lokitz, and Lisa Kay Solomon
 

Design a Better Business introduces visual tools and frameworks to help organisations embrace Design Thinking for business innovation. The authors provide step-by-step guidance on using these tools to co-create and implement innovative strategies, products, and services. 

By emphasising collaboration, communication, and visualisation, the book equips teams with practical methods to drive transformation within complex environments. It's an essential read for professionals seeking actionable ways to integrate Design Thinking into their business practices. 

8) The Lean Startup by Eric Ries  

Eric Ries' The Lean Startup combines principles from lean manufacturing and Design Thinking in Business to offer a methodology for building successful products. Ries advocates for a build-measure-learn feedback loop that prioritises validated learning over assumptions. This approach aligns with the iterative nature of Design Thinking, where rapid prototyping and user feedback drive product development. The Lean Startup is a helpful guide for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to create scalable solutions while efficiently managing resources and risks. 

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9) Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things by Don Norman  

Don Norman's Emotional Design delves into the emotional connections between users and the products that they interact with. The book explores how design elements evoke emotional responses, impacting user engagement and satisfaction. 

Here, Norman introduces three levels of design: visceral, behavioural, and reflective, each influencing user perceptions differently. By understanding the emotional aspects of design, readers gain insights into creating products that resonate with users on a deeper level, resulting in lasting connections. 

10) Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal  

Nir Eyal's Hooked investigates the psychology behind habit-forming products and how design can drive user engagement. While not strictly a Design Thinking book, it offers valuable perspectives for creating products that users can't resist. 

Eyal presents a four-step model that guides designers in building habit loops, encouraging users to engage with products repeatedly. By understanding the principles of habit formation, designers can improve the user experience and create products that seamlessly integrate into users' lives. 

These must-read Design Thinking Books provide diverse insights, methodologies, and practical approaches for enhancing creativity, solving complex problems, and driving innovation. Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or curious learner, these books present a wealth of knowledge to propel you on your journey to becoming a more effective and innovative thinker.
 

Conclusion 

In the domain of Design Thinking, the above-mentioned books transcend disciplines, igniting innovation and problem-solving prowess. From crafting user-centred solutions to igniting creativity to driving business growth, these Design Thinking Books empower readers to wield Design Thinking's transformative potential. So, begin on a journey of learning and inspiration, armed with insights to revolutionise designs, strategies, and approaches for a brighter, more innovative future! 

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