Embark on a journey of knowledge and innovation with our curated selection of the top UX research-related books published in 2023.
These six exceptional works delve into the intricacies of user experience, offering profound insights, practical methodologies, and expert guidance. From mastering the art of user interviews to unlocking the secrets of effective survey design, each book caters to different facets of the UX research landscape.
Whether you are a seasoned UX researcher, designer, project manager, or a curious newcomer, these titles provide a rich tapestry of ideas, methodologies, and case studies that will elevate your understanding and practice.
While we acknowledge the plethora of remarkable UX books out there, this selection encapsulates the essence of 2023's finest contributions to the field.
Happy reading!
Interviewing Users: How to Uncover Compelling Insights, 2nd Edition
Author: Steve Portigal (Author), Jamika D. Burge PhD (Foreword)
Description:
Steve Portigal's second edition of "Interviewing Users" is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of user interviews. Dispelling the myth that interviewing is trivial, Portigal offers practical insights, best practices, and engaging anecdotes. Relevant for CEOs, designers, researchers, and more, the book explores the nuances of asking the right questions, navigating remote interviews, and the importance of research analysis in building better products.
"Quite simply the best book on when, why, and how you should conduct user interview studies."
—Elizabeth F. Churchill, PhD, Senior Director, Google
Measuring the User Experience: Collecting, Analyzing, and Presenting UX Metrics (Interactive Technologies), 3rd Edition
Author: Bill Albert (Author), Tom Tullis (Author)
Description:
It is a comprehensive guide providing quantitative analysis training for students and professionals in the field. Authors Bill Albert and Tom Tullis expand on the crucial areas of behavioral and physiological metrics, including eye-tracking and measuring emotion. With updated examples, new case studies, and insights into the latest Excel version, this edition equips readers with the knowledge to select and apply diverse metrics, fostering a vendor-neutral approach for measuring user experience across digital products and systems.
"Nowadays, there are so many really good books about UX that it can be hard to choose where to spend your precious time. I’ll make it easy for you: Read this one."
— Steve Krug, author of "Don’t Make Me Think" and "Rocket Surgery Made Easy
Surveying the User Experience: Design and Analysis of Surveys for UX and Customer Research
Author: Jeff Sauro PhD (Autor), James R Lewis PhD (Autor)
Description:
This book by Jeff Sauro and Jim Lewis provides invaluable insights into survey design and analysis, addressing common questions and offering practical advice. Divided into four parts, it's a valuable resource for UX researchers, CX professionals, and designers, emphasizing evolving best practices through real-world examples and experiments with over 10,000 respondents.
“This book provides the level of detail you actually need to make every desicion - from how to phrase questions, answer choices, selecting quesiton types, calculate the sample size, and all the ways that bias can be introduced (and reduced) in your surveys.”
– Bill Albert PhD, SVP/Global Head of CX at Mach49
Death by Screens: how to present high-stakes digital-design work and live to tell the tale
Author: Ben Sauer
Description: "Death by Screens" transforms design presentations with storytelling emphasis. Renowned leader Ben Sauer provides practical tips and a clear structure for designers to convey the 'why' behind their work, covering preparation, engaging techniques, and handling feedback. Whether a seasoned presenter or novice, this guide enhances speaking style and turns design presentations into compelling narratives.
“Many presenters don’t see themselves as storytellers, but it is key to getting that elusive seat at the table. In this book, Ben shows designers how to tell a story that gets the point across”
– Jeff Gothelf - Co-author of “Lean UX”
Strategic Content Design: Tools and Research Techniques for Better UX
Author: Erica Jorgensen
Description:
"Strategic Content Design" is a transformative guide that highlights the power of content research. Offering a toolbox of methods and best practices, it guides in building a robust content research program, energizing teams, and emphasizing content's pivotal role in product development. Essential for content designers and managers, it provides insights for efficient analysis, showcasing the value of content research to enhance customer experience and business results.
“Many of the insights that Erica shares would take years of experimentation and on-the-job analysis to learn on your own. If you would like to skip ahead to better content, then read this book.”
— Michelle Mazurek, Senior Manager, User Experience at Amazon
Think Like a UX Researcher: Mastering the Art of User-Centric Design, 2nd Edition
Authors: David Travis (Author), Philip Hodgson (Author)
Description:
"Think Like a UX Researcher" challenges conventional UX research ideas, advocating for a broader perspective. This guide covers planning and executing UX research, data analysis, and strategies to influence teams. Suitable for UX researchers, designers, and project managers, the book offers practical tools and career-enhancing ideas. The revised Second Edition includes six essays addressing evolving research methods, handling challenges, refining survey questions, and recognizing biases for persuasive UX research. With thought triggers, exercises, and real-world scenarios, this edition is a valuable resource for rejuvenating approaches and enhancing UX craft.
