Top 10 Industrial Design Books You Must Read

Discover the best industrial design book to ignite your creativity and elevate your skills with our concise, expert-reviewed picks in the world of design.
BrandMy RatingPrice
By Don Norman (Author)
Superior Budget Option
9.2/10
By Sung Jang (Author), Martin Thaler (Author), Matthew Frederick (Author) & 0 More
Best for Beginners
9.4/10
By Dan Cuffaro (Author), Isaac Zaksenberg (Author)
Best for Industry Professionals
9.0/10
By Dk (Author), Judith Miller (Foreword), Smithsonian Institution (Contributor) & 0 More
Best for Design Inspiration
9.4/10
By Charlotte Fiell (Editor), Peter Fiell (Editor)
9.4/10

Best Industrial Design Book

Discover the most captivating and insightful reads in the realm of industrial design, where innovation meets artistry on every page. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic newcomer, our curated list of the best industrial design books will fuel your creative fire and sharpen your vision in just a few captivating titles. Dive in to find your next perfect inspiration—quick, concise, and irresistibly engaging.

Superior Budget Option: The Design of Everyday Things

The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition
Highlights
Insightful on human behavior
Practical design principles
Engaging and well-researched

This book is rich with insightful perspectives on human behavior and practical design principles, making it a goldmine for anyone looking to understand the why behind great design.

Its engaging and well-researched content keeps you hooked from start to finish.

While some may find the tone a bit cranky or the technical jargon challenging for beginners, the vast amount of reviews and high ratings speak volumes about its value.

As a Superior Budget Option, it's hard to beat the balance of quality and affordability.

Perfect for those eager to dive deep without breaking the bank.

Be sure to also check out the best construction books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for The Design of Everyday Things on Amazon

Best for Beginners: 101 Things I Learned in Product Design School

101 Things I Learned® in Product Design School
Highlights
Easy to read and digest
Rich with practical insights
Great for all experience levels

This book is a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in industrial design.

It’s easy to read and digest, making complex concepts accessible even for complete beginners.

Our team appreciates the rich practical insights packed into each chapter, which help you apply ideas immediately.

While it's not a deep dive into technical details or advanced theories, it hits the sweet spot with foundational knowledge delivered in a clear, straightforward manner.

Whether you're just exploring or brushing up on basics, this book is a playful yet professional resource that gets the job done.

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Price history for 101 Things I Learned in Product Design School on Amazon

Best for Industry Professionals: Industrial Design Reference & Specification Book

The Industrial Design Reference & Specification Book: Everything Industrial Designers Need to Know Every Day
Highlights
Comprehensive design coverage
Easy-to-carry size
Excellent reference guide

As a great go-to for industry professionals, this compact guide offers a comprehensive overview of design standards and specifications that you’ll rely on daily.

Its easy-to-carry size makes it perfect for quick referencing on the job site or in meetings.

While it doesn't dive into extreme technical depth, it hits all the essentials, especially for those needing a trustworthy resource without the bulk.

Whether you're in manufacturing, product development, or just a design enthusiast, this book is a valuable, reliable companion in your industrial design toolkit.

Be sure to also check out the best aviation books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Industrial Design Reference & Specification Book on Amazon

Best for Design Inspiration: DK Design Second Edition

Design, Second Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Definitive Cultural Histories)
Highlights
High-quality visuals
Inspires creativity
Well-organized content

Our team chose this as the "Best for Design Inspiration" because it offers a visually rich journey through countless iconic design examples, making it a goldmine for sparking new ideas.

The book’s stunning visuals and diverse cultural references truly broaden creative horizons.

While it’s hefty and requires careful handling during shipping, the high-quality content more than makes up for it.

Whether you're an aspiring designer or a seasoned professional, this book is a powerful source of inspiration that fuels your creative fire and deepens your understanding of design history.

Be sure to also check out the best calisthenics books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for DK Design Second Edition on Amazon

Industrial Design A-Z

Industrial Design A-Z
Highlights
Compact size and portability
Beautiful color pictures
Updated and comprehensive

The compact size and portability make it perfect for quick browsing on the go, while the beautiful color photographs bring each project vividly to life.

The book is updated and comprehensive, covering a wide range of design styles and eras, making it an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

However, the small font size can be a bit tricky to read over extended periods, and the weight combined with a bulky box might not suit everyone's carrying preferences.

Despite these minor drawbacks, its rich content and stunning visuals make it a worthy addition to any design library.

Be sure to also check out the best bridge books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Industrial Design A-Z on Amazon

Design of the 20th Century

Design of the 20th Century
Highlights
Comprehensive design coverage
Great reference for designers
Compact and stylish

Taschen's Industrial Design offers comprehensive coverage of design principles, making it a great reference for both students and seasoned professionals.

Its compact and stylish hardcover not only looks elegant on your shelf but is also easy to carry around, perfect for quick consultations.

While the spine might scuff over time and it lacks some detailed product info, its rich visuals and thorough content outweigh these minor issues.

If you're seeking a reliable, aesthetically pleasing guide to industrial design, this book truly stands out.

Be sure to also check out the best paramedic book for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Design of the 20th Century on Amazon

Sketching Drawing Techniques for Product Designers Industrial Design Book

Sketching: Drawing Techniques for Product Designers
Highlights
Visual and inspiring content
Excellent for sketching skill
Great for students and pros

This book is a visual feast that sparks creativity and inspires through vibrant images and innovative design concepts.

Perfect for both students and professionals, it offers a fantastic array of ideas to boost your sketching skills and expand your design thinking.

While it doesn't dive into step-by-step instructions or show a wide range of media techniques, its strength lies in its ability to motivate and visually inform.

If you're looking for a beautiful, inspiring resource to elevate your industrial design projects, this is a must-have in your collection.

Be sure to also check out the best illustrated bible for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Sketching Drawing Techniques for Product Designers on Amazon

1000 Design Classics

1000 Design Classics
Highlights
Beautiful, inspiring design
Highly informative content
Durable, high-quality material

This hardcover masterpiece from Phaidon Press boasts an eye-catching, inspiring design that makes it more than just a book — it’s a visual journey through industrial design history.

The 592 pages are packed with highly informative content, showcasing a wealth of examples that spark creativity and deepen understanding.

While it’s a bit on the heavy and bulky side, its durable, high-quality material ensures it will hold up to frequent perusals.

Just keep in mind that the price point leans towards the premium — but for design aficionados, it’s worth every penny.

Be sure to also check out the best biostatistics books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for 1000 Design Classics on Amazon

Braun

Braun: Designed to Keep
Highlights
Beautifully photographed
In-depth company history
Highly recommended for fans

This beautifully photographed hardcover brings industrial design to life with stunning visuals that captivate and inform.

It delves deep into the company’s history, offering invaluable insights for design enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

While it comes with a hefty price tag and weight, these are minor quibbles compared to its rich content.

Perfect for those serious about understanding design evolution, this book is a worthwhile investment for fans seeking a comprehensive and visually engaging resource.

A true must-have for any design library.

Be sure to also check out the best mineral books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Braun on Amazon

Phaidon Design Book Industrial Design Book

Design Book (Revised and Expanded 2020 Edition)
Highlights
Great price quality
Informative content
Compact and portable

This compact hardcover from Phaidon Press packs a punch with its informative content and sleek design. At 544 pages, it offers a wealth of insights into industrial design, all in a portable package that’s easy to carry to a coffee shop or studio session.

While some might find it a bit small for long readings, its great price-to-quality ratio makes it a must-have for design enthusiasts.

It’s not just a book—you’re getting a smart, stylish guide that fits perfectly into your creative toolkit without taking up too much space.

Be sure to also check out the best reptile books for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Phaidon Design Book on Amazon

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