A Winter Reading List to Stir Your Mind

A selection of reads that unravels the secret of effective leadership and user-centric design, and explores the psychological underpinnings that influence human behaviour. Presented books offer a blend of psychological perspectives, exploration of design, leadership and habit formation.

December 14, 2023

Matjaž Poredoš, Designer

Leaders Eat Last, by Simon Sinek

Leaders Eat Last is not just a leadership manual - it's a guide for those yearning to lead with purpose. Whether you're navigating a team or an organization, Sinek's insights delve into the core principles of selfless leadership; fostering trust, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.

The lessons go beyond the traditional organizational hierarchy, emphasizing the creation of a nurturing environment where trust and collaboration flourish. Through real-world examples and compelling narratives, he challenges conventional leadership paradigms and encourages readers to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being of its members.

Hooked, by Nir Eyal

Eyal takes us on a thought-provoking journey into the world of habit-forming products. By dissecting the psychology behind user behaviour, Eyal's Hook Model is a powerful tool for designers and innovators, offering a blueprint for creating products that seamlessly integrate into the daily routines of users.

His exploration goes deep into the intricacies of how products can become an integral part of users' lives by tapping into fundamental human needs and desires. This book will help you craft experiences that not only capture attention but also create lasting engagement.

The Design of Everyday Things, by Don Norman

This masterpiece serves as a cornerstone for designers across disciplines. Norman's observations on affordances, feedback, and mapping provide not just a guide to design but an invitation to think deeply about the role of well-crafted experiences in our daily lives.

Book itself is a design manifesto that goes beyond disciplines. It serves as a foundational guide for designers, urging them to think beyond aesthetics, it challenges the conventional notion of design by emphasising the human experience.

Through anecdotes and practical advice, Norman weight the importance of designing products that are not just visually pleasing but seamlessly integrate into users' lives, enhancing functionality and usability.