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My Review:
This piece of art is more than just a book—it’s an exploration of the human mind, our decision-making processes, and the biases that shape our understanding of the world. Though I’ve only read the first two chapters, it’s already evident that this book is a treasure trove of knowledge. It introduces the foundational concepts of System 1 (fast, intuitive thinking) and System 2 (slow, deliberate thinking) with clarity and depth that demand more than a casual read.
From my brief engagement with the book, I can say that its insights are profound and far-reaching, touching on areas of psychology, economics, and even everyday life. However, I’ve decided to pause my reading—not because the content is lacking, but because it’s so rich that I believe it deserves the permanence and tactile experience of a physical copy. Reading this in Kindle format feels insufficient for the careful analysis it warrants. This is the kind of book you want to underline, annotate, and revisit over time.
Initial Impressions
Kahneman’s writing is both accessible and thought-provoking, making complex psychological concepts easy to grasp.
The early chapters lay a solid foundation for understanding how we think, why we make errors in judgment, and how these systems of thought influence our lives.
Why It Belongs in My Library
Thinking, Fast and Slow has already shown itself to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in decision-making, human behaviour, and the workings of the mind. For me, it resonates with my interest in psychology and design, particularly in understanding user behaviour and how cognitive biases shape interactions.
Although I have yet to finish the book, my initial experience with it has convinced me of its importance. It’s a book I plan to revisit and fully immerse myself in—this time with a pen in hand and paper pages to turn. For now, it earns a spot on my portfolio as a work I highly anticipate diving deeper into, and I encourage anyone curious about the human mind to give it a place in their collection as well.
My Review:
This book is a gem for anyone wanting to sharpen their approach to problem-solving and decision-making. The Great Mental Model provides clear, actionable frameworks that help readers break down complex situations and think more effectively. I found it to be a practical guide that delivers solid mental models for both personal and professional growth, making it easy to organize thoughts and find clarity in challenging situations.
A Standout Concept: First Principles Thinking
One of the most valuable concepts I took away was first principles thinking. Interestingly, I’d already been using this method without realizing it had a formal name. The book not only gave me the terminology but also provided guidelines to make the most of this approach. Now, applying first principles in a structured way has significantly enhanced how I think through problems, adding clarity and depth to my decision-making process.
Engaging Structure and Accessible Style
One of the book’s strengths is its clear structure and approachable language. Each mental model is broken down with real-world examples, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply. This book isn’t just another theoretical read; it feels like a piece of practical art that truly helps readers put ideas into action.
Future Volumes? Maybe
At this point, I’m unsure about reading Volumes 2 and 3, as they focus more on physics and mathematics, which aren’t areas I’m particularly interested in right now. But who knows? If my interests expand in the future, I might come back and complete the series for a more comprehensive understanding.
In Summary
The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts Vol 1 is an insightful, easy-to-read guide that equips readers with essential tools for better decision-making and problem-solving. If you’re looking to enhance your thinking skills and tackle challenges with a clearer mindset, this book is a fantastic place to start. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to build a more structured, thoughtful approach to understanding the world.
My Review:
Leah Buley’s The User Experience Team of One is an invaluable resource for designers—particularly for those, like myself, who transition into UX from other fields. The book is practical, insightful, and approachable, offering real-world guidance for anyone who finds themselves working on UX initiatives with limited resources or as a solo UX practitioner.
What I appreciate most about this book is its emphasis on adaptability. Buley provides tools, techniques, and strategies that can be scaled up or down depending on the project or environment, making it especially helpful for designers working in small teams or startup settings. It covers essential areas like user research, ideation, prototyping, and stakeholder engagement, but with clear instructions and examples that are easy to follow and apply.
As someone who has transitioned from another field, I found Buley’s tone encouraging and empowering. She offers not only practical UX advice but also confidence-building tips that resonate with people who might feel like they don’t fit the traditional "designer mould." Her writing made me feel like I’m not alone on this journey—that being resourceful and scrappy is not a limitation, but an asset.
The structure of the book is another highlight. It’s well-organized, with templates, examples, and actionable steps that make it easy to reference specific sections when needed. Whether you're just getting started or already have some UX experience, this book helps you move forward with clarity and purpose.
In conclusion, The User Experience Team of One is a must-read for anyone working in UX, especially for those navigating the field alone or coming from non-traditional backgrounds. It’s a practical guide, a confidence booster, and a reminder that great UX work can be achieved—even if you’re the only one doing it.
My Review:
Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive is a brilliant, practical, and engaging guide for anyone interested in human psychology—and it offers particularly valuable insights for designers. The book breaks down scientific studies on persuasion into 50 actionable techniques, making it easy to understand how people think, decide, and behave in various contexts.
What I loved most about this book is that it takes complex psychological concepts and presents them in a way that’s clear, practical, and enjoyable to read. Each chapter is concise and focused on one persuasive principle, accompanied by real-world examples that show how these principles can be applied effectively. This structure made the book easy to digest and perfect for quick reference.
For designers, the book offers invaluable insights into how users make decisions—insights that can be applied to UX design, marketing, and product development. Whether it’s understanding the power of social proof or learning how small changes can drive big behaviour shifts, the book provides practical tools that align well with user-centred design strategies.
What makes the reading experience even more enjoyable is the light, conversational tone of the authors. They make scientific research feel accessible and relevant, ensuring that readers not only learn but also enjoy the journey.
In conclusion, Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive is a must-read for designers, marketers, and anyone curious about human psychology. It’s a treasure trove of insights that will help you understand human behaviour and become more effective at influencing decisions—whether you’re crafting a user experience or simply improving your everyday interactions.
My Review:
Nancy Harhut’s Using Behavioral Science in Marketing is a must-read for marketers and designers seeking to deepen their understanding of how human behaviour influences decision-making. The book offers a rich and practical exploration of behavioural science principles applied to marketing, packed with easy-to-understand examples from real-world scenarios.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its clear structure and digestible format. Each chapter concludes with a "Key Takeaways" section, summarizing the essential points, which makes it incredibly easy to reference specific insights. This thoughtful structure ensures that readers can absorb the material without feeling overwhelmed.
What I particularly appreciated is how the book makes complex psychological concepts accessible. Harhut’s use of case studies and relatable examples helps bridge the gap between theory and practical application. Whether you're new to behavioural marketing or already familiar with the topic, this book offers invaluable strategies to enhance marketing campaigns by leveraging behavioural triggers.
Overall, Using Behavioral Science in Marketing is a highly recommended read. It’s not just insightful but also practical and enjoyable, leaving readers with actionable tips that can be implemented immediately. This book is a great addition to any marketer’s toolkit and will undoubtedly broaden your perspective on how marketing really works.
My Review:
Alchemy by Rory Sutherland is a thrilling dive into the unexpected value of irrational thinking. Sutherland, a true master in advertising, argues that sometimes the best solutions aren’t found in logic or data but in embracing the strange, the illogical, and the downright irrational. His core message is simple yet powerful: not everything that makes sense actually works, and not everything that works necessarily makes sense. In a world obsessed with data, Alchemy makes a convincing case for the magic of creative, unconventional thinking.
The Magic of Original Thinking
Sutherland is brilliant at weaving stories that make us reconsider what we know about decision-making and problem-solving. His argument? Sometimes it’s the “crazy” ideas that lead to real breakthroughs. The book’s title says it all—Alchemy is about transforming ordinary ideas into gold by looking at them from a fresh, imaginative perspective. Sutherland explains how seemingly “irrational” tweaks, like quirky product designs or unusual pricing strategies, can have a huge impact. It’s an eye-opener for anyone used to conventional approaches, showing that innovation often thrives on the unexpected.
Engaging Examples and Real-Life Case Studies
The book is packed with memorable stories and real-world examples that make it an engaging read from start to finish. Sutherland shares anecdotes from his career, showing how out-of-the-box ideas that initially seemed absurd led to surprising successes. One standout example is how Red Bull, despite critics calling it “disgusting” at launch, positioned itself as a premium product in a small can and became a global hit. This, Sutherland explains, is “psychological alchemy”—the art of creating value by reframing an experience for the consumer.
Another fascinating case study highlights how Uber managed to ease the frustration of waiting. Instead of shortening the wait time, Uber simply showed users the car’s location in real-time. This small change gave people a sense of control, reducing their anxiety and making the wait feel shorter. Stories like these illustrate Sutherland’s core message: humans are driven by emotions, not cold, hard logic.
Irrationality as a Powerful Tool
One of the book’s main themes is that irrationality when used intentionally, can be a powerful tool. Sutherland encourages readers to embrace the unexpected in problem-solving and not rely solely on logical patterns. The chapter on “placebo innovations” is especially fascinating—it shows how tiny, often cosmetic changes can have a significant impact on user satisfaction, even if they don’t change the product’s functionality.
Not Just for Marketers
While Sutherland’s background is in advertising, Alchemy reaches beyond marketing into behavioural economics and human psychology. From pricing strategies to the psychology of “ugly” designs, the book consistently reminds us that logic alone can’t explain everything. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in creative thinking, problem solving, or understanding human behaviour.
Who Should Read It?
If you’re a designer, entrepreneur, marketer, or anyone who’s tired of the “data-driven” mindset, Alchemy is perfect for you. It’s an invitation to break free from conventional thinking and tap into the rich, unpredictable world of human psychology. Even if you’re not in business, the book offers fascinating insights into why we make the choices we do and how embracing irrationality can sometimes lead to the most innovative solutions.
Key Takeaways
“The opposite of a good idea can also be a good idea.” This perfectly sums up Sutherland’s philosophy.
Unpredictability is a virtue. The most successful campaigns often defy logic and conventional wisdom.
Perception matters more than reality. How people feel about an experience is often more important than the numbers behind it.
While Alchemy can feel a bit scattered at times, this unstructured narrative actually complements its theme of embracing the unexpected. It’s a thought-provoking and entertaining read that’ll make you question the role of logic in innovation—and maybe even help you see the value in a little creative chaos.
My Review:
"100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People" by Susan M. Weinschenk is a remarkable and engaging read that combines psychology and design principles. The structure is clear and approachable, with each chapter divided into digestible sections with intriguing and simple titles. This format makes the book not only a valuable resource but also an enjoyable reading experience.
While some of the insights could be considered design rules of thumb, the majority were new to me, making the book a refreshing take on the intersection of design and human behaviour. The author’s ability to present complex psychological concepts in such an accessible way is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The explanatory figures and pictures add to the overall experience, making it easy to follow the content and apply it practically.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters on how people see and focus. Both sections were rich with information that can be directly applied to improving design outcomes. These chapters explore how our eyes and brains work together to process visual stimuli, providing designers with critical knowledge for creating effective, user-friendly designs.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to appeal to a broad audience, regardless of a reader’s level of expertise in UX or UI design. Whether you’re just starting out or you're a seasoned professional, this book offers insights that can benefit your design work. It’s also not overwhelming in length, which adds to its appeal as a must-read for any designer looking to better understand the people they design for.
If you’re a designer interested in understanding how psychology influences your users’ interactions with products, this book is a fantastic resource. After reading it, I was so impressed that I sought out Susan M. Weinschenk's other work, including "How to Get People to Do Stuff," which is also on my reading list.
In summary, this book is perfect for anyone in the design field—whether you’re just learning or looking for fresh insights to apply in your everyday work.
My Review:
Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist is an inspiring and refreshing take on creativity, offering practical advice and honest reflections for anyone navigating the creative process. While it shares the same accessible style and easy-to-digest structure as his other works—using drawings, bold writing, and visual elements—this book resonated with me even more deeply than Show Your Work!.
What makes Steal Like an Artist stand out is its direct, relatable messages, which at times felt like they were describing my own life and creative journey.
It not only touches on the importance of sharing your work online, but also dives into fundamental truths about creativity—including the challenges, struggles, and joys that many creatives experience.
Reading this book felt like having a conversation with a fellow creator—someone who understands that creative blocks are part of the process and offers reassuring, practical advice on how to embrace them. It’s less of a rigid how-to manual and more of a guide or "advisable bible" for creatives, filled with relieving truths and empowering insights that come from someone who has faced similar struggles.
In essence, Steal Like an Artist is an essential read for anyone seeking to unlock their creative potential. It doesn’t just teach techniques—it encourages readers to embrace imperfection, borrow inspiration fearlessly, and keep creating even when the process feels difficult. If you're looking for encouragement, clarity, and practical wisdom, this book is the perfect companion on your creative journey.
My Review:
Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work! is a must-read for anyone looking to build an online presence and gain recognition in the digital world. It serves as a practical guide, offering a clear, actionable path for individuals who want to share their work and creativity with a wider audience. The book emphasizes the positive aspects of posting work online, encouraging readers to embrace openness and consistency.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its simple, engaging structure, enhanced by drawings, figures, and bold writing that make it easy to digest. The visual elements and straightforward style allow readers to absorb the content quickly, without feeling bogged down by complexity.
What I particularly enjoyed is how Kleon’s ideas align with my own thoughts on creativity and the concept of “Jibraillies”—those moments of sudden insight and inspiration. His perspective on sharing creative work resonates deeply with me, making this book not just informative, but also personally meaningful.
Additionally, I found the book relatable and accessible, partly because Kleon’s age and experience reflect a generation that grew with the evolution of the online world. As a 41-year-old writer, he brings practical insights from someone who has witnessed and participated in the digital shift firsthand.
In conclusion, Show Your Work! is a thoughtful, motivating read for creatives at any stage of their journey. It not only offers useful tips on how to share work online but also serves as a reminder that creativity thrives when shared. This book is a valuable resource for those looking to navigate the online space with confidence and stay inspired along the way.
My Review:
Influence by Robert Cialdini is an eye-opening read that explores the unconscious behaviours we engage in every day without realizing it. Cialdini introduces what he calls “weapons of influence”—the psychological tools people use, often unknowingly, to persuade others. From marketing and social situations to negotiations, these principles show up all around us, and Cialdini dives into the science behind them in a way that’s both accessible and deeply insightful.
Scientific Backing with Real-Life Examples
One of the best things about Influence is how Cialdini pairs academic research with everyday examples. He uses real-life situations and relatable anecdotes that make complex psychological concepts easy to understand and remember. By the end of each chapter, you’ll likely find yourself thinking, “Oh, that’s why I did that!” It’s the kind of book that sticks with you, making it easy to recall its lessons long after you’ve finished reading.
A Slight Drawback
While Influence is an excellent book, it does have one small drawback. Cialdini later published Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive, which covers many of the same concepts in a more bite-sized, digestible format. That said, Influence offers a depth and richness that Yes! doesn’t quite reach, making it a fantastic companion for anyone looking to dive deeper into the psychology of persuasion.
Key Takeaways
Some standout concepts from Influence include our tendency to rely on mental “shortcuts,” or heuristics, to make decisions. Cialdini’s chapter on consistency reveals how we’re wired to align our actions with past behaviours, a useful trait but one that can also make us vulnerable to manipulation. Another highlight is social proof—the idea that we often look to others’ actions as a guide, especially in uncertain situations. It’s fascinating to see how these principles apply to so many aspects of life.
Who Should Read It?
This book is ideal for anyone curious about psychology, communication, or negotiation. If you’re only going to read one book on persuasion, though, Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive might be a better starting point because of its clarity and conciseness. But if you’re up for a more comprehensive read, Influence will give you a thorough understanding of persuasion’s deeper roots.
Final Thoughts
Influence remains a groundbreaking work, with insights that feel as relevant today as when it was first published. Whether you’re in marketing, or psychology, or want to understand the subtle ways persuasion affects us daily, Cialdini’s work offers powerful tools to understand human behaviour on a whole new level.
My Review:
A Must-Read for UX and UI Designers
"Don’t Make Me Think" by Steve Krug is one of those rare books that lives up to its reputation. For anyone in UX or UI design, this book is an essential read, offering practical, no-nonsense advice on web usability that just clicks. Krug’s style is refreshingly straightforward—he skips the jargon and keeps things real, making it perfect for beginners yet still insightful for seasoned designers. Whether you’re just diving into the field or looking to brush up on the basics, "Don’t Make Me Think" is packed with insights that will shape the way you approach digital design.
Easy to Read and Hard to Forget
One thing that makes this book stand out is its readability. Krug uses humour and a conversational tone that’s as engaging as it is informative. He doesn’t just tell you what makes good design; he shows it through clear illustrations and relatable examples. The book’s layout is a nod to the usability principles Krug champions, with well-organized chapters that are easy to follow and visually accessible. It’s almost like he’s put his own design philosophy into practice within the pages, making it a pleasure to read from start to finish.
Emphasizing Usability and Accessibility
Krug’s main message is simple but powerful: keep your design intuitive and accessible. He dives into practical ways to create user-friendly designs, from simplifying navigation to making sure content is easy to scan. These usability tips are timeless, offering a solid foundation that doesn’t fade with changing technology. For any designer focused on creating accessible websites, this book serves as a solid guide, helping you to see your work through the eyes of your users.
A Few Outdated Examples, But Still Relevant
While some examples may feel a bit dated, the core lessons remain relevant. These examples work as reminders that simplicity and clarity never go out of style, regardless of how technology evolves. Krug’s advice has stood the test of time and continues to be foundational for anyone serious about user-centred design.
Key Takeaways That Stick With You
First Law of Usability: Don’t make the user think. Aim for designs that are self-evident and easy to navigate.
Design for Scanning, Not Reading: Krug points out that most users scan pages rather than read in detail, and he shows how to design for this behaviour.
Understand User Variety: Every user is unique, so your design should flex to accommodate different behaviours and needs.
In summary, "Don’t Make Me Think" is a timeless, practical, and entertaining guide that every designer should have on their shelf. Krug’s insights on usability and accessibility feel as relevant today as when they were first published. This is one of those books you’ll come back to time and again, whether you're starting out or refining your design approach. Give it a read—you won’t regret it!
My Review:
Maeda’s exploration of simplicity is insightful, but the meaning of simplicity vs. complexity depends on the audience. What feels complex to one person might be trivial to another. I believe value should also be a measure—does a product provide the desired outcome? Whether it’s simple or complex is secondary to how well it meets the user’s needs.
A critical thought the book raised for me was the trade-off between simplicity and privacy. To achieve seamless simplicity, users must often sacrifice personal data, feeding the system with their preferences and behaviours. This raises an ethical question: How much information should we ask users to provide to improve their experience? Designers must strike a balance between simplicity and trust.
While the book is short, amusing, and well-structured, some of the examples feel outdated, particularly those rooted in Japanese culture, which I found difficult to fully grasp without prior knowledge. Still, the concepts remain relevant, and the ease of reading makes this book enjoyable and insightful for anyone interested in design, simplicity, and human behaviour.
Final Thoughts:
The Laws of Simplicity offers timeless lessons on design and perception, even though some parts feel a bit dated. Its concise, structured format reflects the very principles of simplicity it promotes, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who strives to create meaningful, user-centred designs.
My Review:
I’ll be honest—while I recognize the immense value this book offers, I didn’t actually finish it all the way through. But let me be clear: this isn’t a critique of the book itself, but rather an admission of where I am in my own design journey. Don Norman’s insights are spot-on, yet the structure sometimes felt repetitive to me, and with examples focused mainly on physical objects, I found it less relevant to my primary interest in digital design. Still, the ideas Norman presents are essential, and I’d say the book has a lot to offer anyone wanting to understand the core principles of design.
One challenge I faced was that the book focuses a lot on identifying design problems but offers less guidance on how to solve them practically. For someone who often looks for actionable steps and strategies, this felt like a bit of a roadblock. That said, I get why Norman takes this approach—knowing the problem is crucial to finding the solution. The book invites readers to view the world critically through the lens of design, an essential perspective for anyone in the field.
I’ll admit, that the recurring emphasis on usability and affordances can feel a little tedious, but I think that’s just because these concepts have become so fundamental to design that they seem almost obvious now. It’s easy to forget that these ideas were groundbreaking when Norman first introduced them, and his work set the foundation for much of what we take for granted in design today.
In Conclusion
While my personal experience with The Design of Everyday Things wasn’t without its challenges, I still see it as a must-read for designers. It’s a book that likely requires some patience and a willingness to revisit it over time, rather than a quick read. I’d recommend it to anyone aiming to build a strong understanding of usability principles, with the note that its true value unfolds when approached with curiosity and an open mind.
My Review:
I must admit that I struggled to fully connect with the book and didn’t manage to finish it. For me, the reading experience felt more like an academic text, one that might be better suited as part of a university curriculum or a design school course. Tim Brown’s ideas are undeniably insightful, but the dense structure and complex concepts made it a challenging read for someone looking for practical, easy-to-apply takeaways.
This is not to say that the book doesn’t offer great value—on the contrary, I respect its depth and the wealth of case studies and frameworks it provides. It’s clear that Brown intended the book to be a deep dive into the design thinking process, and for readers who are ready to engage with it on that level, it likely offers significant insights. My difficulty with the book reflects more on my personal reading preferences and current needs rather than on the book itself.
In hindsight, I think this is the kind of book that requires time and patience, and possibly multiple readings to fully absorb its lessons. Design professionals or students who are prepared for an in-depth exploration will likely find valuable guidance and inspiration within its pages. For me, however, it felt more like a theoretical text than the practical guide I was hoping for.
In conclusion, while Change by Design didn’t match my current expectations, I appreciate the significance of Brown’s work and still see it as a valuable resource for those interested in design thinking and innovation on a deeper level. It’s a book I may revisit in the future when I am ready to engage with it from a more academic perspective, and I would still recommend it to anyone in the design field looking to explore the theory and philosophy behind design thinking.
