Darren Hood’s Book Recommendation Collective

With a 30+ year history in UX circles, dating back to times before we called it UX, I’ve amassed a pretty sizable library. Having been self-taught initially, books were critical to my foundation and personal UX maturity and continue to serve a valuable role in my growth today.

After joining Medium and dedicating some time to writing for this resource, I decided to share some book recommendations. I evaluated, distilled, pared down my library to share key selections with the masses. People ask about and share the lists quite regularly, but I came to realize that trying to find them all can be a bit laborious. Instead of hunting them all down, I thought it would be fitting to start keeping a one-stop shopping list — you know, for everyone’s convenience. 😉

I also provide a list of educational recommendations and included it below. The lists are presented in the order they were published. Enjoy!

• Darren Hood’s Living, Breathing User Experience Book Recommendation List
• Darren Hood’s Interaction Design & Cognitive Psychology Book Recommendations
• Darren Hood’s Information Architecture & Information Design Book Recommendation List
• Darren Hood’s UX Research (UXR) Book Recommendation List
• Darren Hood’s Living & Breathing UX Education & Mentoring Repository
• Darren Hood’s Emotional Intelligence Book Recommendation List (for UXers)
• Darren Hood’s Critical Thinking Book Recommendation List

Please note that the initial book recommendations list is an at-large list and is purposely void of categorization. Each list is also modified periodically, adding or removing recommendations based on several data-oriented factors.

There are also certain books that have been omitted simply due to their price point. For those not in a position to purchase, several of the titles are freely available on Good Reads, where you can read to your heart’s content.

More lists will be added soon.

About Darren

Darren Hood is a 30+-year UX practitioner with a broad professional footprint across B2B and B2C operations. In addition to serving as a UX manager, individual contributor, and freelancer in the business world, Darren has served as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University, UCLA, Brandeis University, Lawrence Tech University, and Champlain College. He is also one of the authors featured in “97 Things Every UX Practitioner Should Know.” He also regularly speaks at conferences and mentors people worldwide.