1. The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

Norman’s iconic book dives into the psychology behind design, explaining why some things are intuitive and others aren’t. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about how design impacts our daily lives. Whether you’re an experienced designer or just curious, this book will change the way you look at everything around you.

2. Designing Design by Kenya Hara

Kenya Hara, the visionary behind Muji, explores the philosophical side of design. His book is a meditation on simplicity, the importance of emptiness, and how design can elicit emotions. Hara’s perspective feels almost like an art form itself, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful designs are the ones that aren’t loud or cluttered.

3. The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda

If simplicity is the key to good design, then Maeda’s The Laws of Simplicity is the manual. The book breaks down the relationship between simplicity and complexity, offering a roadmap for making designs both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Maeda’s ten principles help you rethink how to cut through the noise and design with clarity.

4. How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer by Debbie Millman

In How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer, Millman interviews some of the most influential designers in the industry, uncovering their creative processes and philosophies. It’s a treasure trove of insights from the minds behind some of the most iconic work in graphic design, and it’s packed with inspiration for anyone looking to hone their craft.

5. Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann

Grids may sound technical, but in the hands of Müller-Brockmann, they’re a tool for creating order and harmony in design. Grid Systems is a deep dive into how grids shape everything from typography to layout. It’s a fundamental read for designers who want to understand the mechanics of great design.

6. Massive Change: The Future of Global Design by Bruce Mau

Bruce Mau’s Massive Change looks at how design can tackle global issues—from sustainability to social justice. His visionary take on design as a force for good challenges the status quo and invites readers to think about how design can change the world. It’s a call to action for designers who believe in the power of their work to do more than just look pretty.

7. Design as Art by Bruno Munari

Bruno Munari’s Design as Art is a celebration of how design and art are inseparable. His playful and experimental approach makes this book feel like a journey through the creative process, challenging the notion that design is just about function. Munari invites us to see beauty in the everyday, in the objects we often overlook.

8. The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst

Typography is one of the most essential elements of graphic design, and Robert Bringhurst’s The Elements of Typographic Style is the definitive guide. This book is part technical manual, part design poetry, exploring the finer details of typefaces, spacing, and rhythm. It’s an essential read for anyone serious about mastering the art of type.

9. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Steal Like an Artist is a creative manifesto for anyone who’s ever felt stuck or uninspired. Austin Kleon encourages readers to embrace their influences, remix them, and make something entirely new. It’s a liberating read, reminding us that creativity is often about taking what already exists and making it your own.

10. Graphic Design Theory by Helen Armstrong

For those looking to dive into the intellectual side of design, Graphic Design Theory offers a deep look at the principles, history, and cultural significance of graphic design. Armstrong’s book is a thoughtful exploration of how design has evolved and how it shapes visual culture today. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy behind the art of design.