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101 UX Principles: Actionable Solutions for Product Design Success, 2nd Edition
Improve user experience by avoiding common frustrations and focusing on what matters “This updated version of 101 UX Principles is a delight. It's an educational and fun provocation to look at the world of UX differently – solidly from the user's point of view." –Elizabeth Churchill, Director of User Experience, Google “A phenomenal reference guide. Complete with case studies, a record of personal experience, and visual examples, Grant makes it clear why these techniques have found their way into the canon of UX best practices.” –Jeff Gothelf, Author of Lean UX –..I recommend it to anyone looking to learn the basics and also for more experienced designers - the author's candid opinions will force you to revisit some of your established assumptions!" –Anne Marie-Leger, Staff Product Designer, Shopify –An absolute must-read, not only for UX designers, but this book is also super relevant for product managers trying to get better at product usability. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!" –Trent Blakely, Sr. Product Manager, Equinix This book is a manifesto of UX/UI design best practices to help you put the focus back on what really the user. From UX laws to practical UI, color, typography, and accessibility advice, it's all packed into this easy-to-consult and fun 101 UX Principles demonstrates the success from best-in-class products and leads the way to delight your users. Keep it on your desk for quick reference, send as a gift to colleagues to build allies, or brandish it as your weapon of choice during meetings to fight for your users' right to a better digital experience. Sneak a peek at some of the new and updated principles in this UX design This book is a distillation of Will's 20+ years of experience in the form of successful design principles to help early career UX designers learn the ropes and provide experienced professionals with new ideas when building their products. UX/UI designers, product managers, entrepreneurs, aspiring strategists, and anyone creating a digital product, service or a campaign will find this book extremely useful.
454 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2022
54 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Will Grant
1 book3 followersWill Grant is a veteran product designer and UX professional with over 25 years’ experience overseeing the design, information architecture, and usability of web and mobile products that have reached over a billion users.
After his Computer Science degree, Will trained with Jakob Nielsen and Bruce Tognazzini at the Nielsen Norman Group—the world leaders in usable design. He has since devoted his career to working on designing usable, powerful products that solve problems and generate value for organizations.
With a deep understanding of mobile, enterprise, and consumer software products, Will is adept at identifying and addressing users’ problems with thoughtful design.
Will is the author of Amazon bestseller "101 UX Principles" and UX contributor to ".net Magazine", Econsultancy and other publications.
After his Computer Science degree, Will trained with Jakob Nielsen and Bruce Tognazzini at the Nielsen Norman Group—the world leaders in usable design. He has since devoted his career to working on designing usable, powerful products that solve problems and generate value for organizations.
With a deep understanding of mobile, enterprise, and consumer software products, Will is adept at identifying and addressing users’ problems with thoughtful design.
Will is the author of Amazon bestseller "101 UX Principles" and UX contributor to ".net Magazine", Econsultancy and other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 27, 2018
Easy to read, a lot of it makes common sense, and the visual examples are great. I would have liked to see some more recent culprits (e.g. autoplay video/audio, screen takeovers, pay-walls, beg-walls, ad-blocker prevention pop-ups) and the do's and don'ts related to those.
August 25, 2019
I have a printed book, nice review of most popular UX fails and how to fix them. Good for beginners and seasoned UXers as well.
July 31, 2019
Some of the principals are certainly debatable and have been debated at my workplace but it certainly has enough quality recommendations to make it a worthwhile reference for people studying the principal of the psychology of HCI.
August 31, 2021
A really solid book of UX principles, centered around experience in the real world. Clearly written and has the appropriate accompanying examples.
This book would make a superb prep guide for new, junior, interns, or soon-to-start-work UX professionals.
This book would make a superb prep guide for new, junior, interns, or soon-to-start-work UX professionals.
December 29, 2018
TIme well spent!
June 1, 2019
A book full of totally obvious and totally true things to keep in mind. Fully aligned.
July 2, 2019
Straight to the point & great tips, tricks and things to think about.
May 27, 2022
This book is such an easy read it could mislead you into believing that there is little to be gained from it. Far from it. The author applies his own UX experience to the book. Every word and phrase is simple, direct and to the point, as well as for the benefit of the reader (not the author). Will Grant is truly practicing what he preaches.
I have never read a table of contents that is so useful by itself. The principle titles capture so much of the intent that the detail of that principle is for clarity, understanding, and application.
The writing style is light, humorous, and sarcastic at times. But never pointless. I certainly did not mistake the clever combination of brevity and lightness for neither laziness nor lack of passion. I think it is entirely the reverse. The easy reading enables the author to distil and convey the message derived from years of experience in such a way that they are prepared to sacrifice their deserved air of professional seriousness for the benefit of the audience. Very admirable.
Having been a professional in software development for over thirty years, I found myself nodding at many of the principles. Also, nodding as a user of software for all this time. Many of my pet peeves that I never really categorised were captured in principles too. Additionally, a number of my own UX mistakes. As someone who has been doing UX as a part of their work for a significant amount of time I have both seen some of my good practices justified and documented, as well as some of my bad practices called out and explained why I need to change. Both aspects are extremely useful for me as I progress through my career in software development.
I have never read a table of contents that is so useful by itself. The principle titles capture so much of the intent that the detail of that principle is for clarity, understanding, and application.
The writing style is light, humorous, and sarcastic at times. But never pointless. I certainly did not mistake the clever combination of brevity and lightness for neither laziness nor lack of passion. I think it is entirely the reverse. The easy reading enables the author to distil and convey the message derived from years of experience in such a way that they are prepared to sacrifice their deserved air of professional seriousness for the benefit of the audience. Very admirable.
Having been a professional in software development for over thirty years, I found myself nodding at many of the principles. Also, nodding as a user of software for all this time. Many of my pet peeves that I never really categorised were captured in principles too. Additionally, a number of my own UX mistakes. As someone who has been doing UX as a part of their work for a significant amount of time I have both seen some of my good practices justified and documented, as well as some of my bad practices called out and explained why I need to change. Both aspects are extremely useful for me as I progress through my career in software development.
January 27, 2023
"101 UX Principles: A Definitive Design Guide" by Will Grant is a comprehensive and informative guide for those looking to improve their understanding of user experience (UX) design. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of user research and design thinking to more advanced concepts such as usability testing and accessibility. The author presents the information in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced designers.
The book is also well-organized and easy to navigate, with a table of contents that allows readers to quickly find the information they need. Additionally, the author includes plenty of examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts he covers, making the book even more engaging and helpful.
Overall, "101 UX Principles: A Definitive Design Guide" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills in UX design. The author's expertise in the field is evident throughout the book, and the wealth of information he provides is sure to be useful for designers of all levels. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their understanding of user experience design.
The book is also well-organized and easy to navigate, with a table of contents that allows readers to quickly find the information they need. Additionally, the author includes plenty of examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts he covers, making the book even more engaging and helpful.
Overall, "101 UX Principles: A Definitive Design Guide" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills in UX design. The author's expertise in the field is evident throughout the book, and the wealth of information he provides is sure to be useful for designers of all levels. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their understanding of user experience design.
July 17, 2022
When you look at the title, you will expect the book to showcase general knowledge about UX. However, once you read it, you’ll realize that the coverage is quite comprehensive, as it revolves around many UX components, ranging from:
- introduction to UX,
- typography,
- controls,
- content,
- navigation,
- iconography,
- input,
- forms,
- user data,
- progress,
- accessible design,
- journeys & state,
- terminology,
- expectations,
- UX philosophy
I find this book quite helpful to overall touch points when it comes to UX. While this book doesn’t specifically adress research, it really helps in depicting UX as a field from a “helicopter view”. This is a book suitable not only for beginner, but UX professionals as well — especially for UX generalists who need to learn of practical implementations in improving user experience within their product.
- introduction to UX,
- typography,
- controls,
- content,
- navigation,
- iconography,
- input,
- forms,
- user data,
- progress,
- accessible design,
- journeys & state,
- terminology,
- expectations,
- UX philosophy
I find this book quite helpful to overall touch points when it comes to UX. While this book doesn’t specifically adress research, it really helps in depicting UX as a field from a “helicopter view”. This is a book suitable not only for beginner, but UX professionals as well — especially for UX generalists who need to learn of practical implementations in improving user experience within their product.
November 10, 2020
This book is simply awesome!
At first, I dismissed the tips in this book as a beginners scam, or pure junk, but it all started to make sense, because I felt identified by those scenarios he mentioned, and as a user, I could feel what he was saying.
Of course, as a developer I want my minimalist design, but, is it really worth it? To alienate users just because of a statement that the developer whats to make?
Yes, of course, as a developer, it really hit me, because I have been guilty of the crimes that he mentions here.
But, that is even better. I started editing my WordPress theme to comply with some of these suggestions.
And, granted, my sense of aesthetics is not pleased, but I think it has made my site more usable!
So, kudos for that!
At first, I dismissed the tips in this book as a beginners scam, or pure junk, but it all started to make sense, because I felt identified by those scenarios he mentioned, and as a user, I could feel what he was saying.
Of course, as a developer I want my minimalist design, but, is it really worth it? To alienate users just because of a statement that the developer whats to make?
Yes, of course, as a developer, it really hit me, because I have been guilty of the crimes that he mentions here.
But, that is even better. I started editing my WordPress theme to comply with some of these suggestions.
And, granted, my sense of aesthetics is not pleased, but I think it has made my site more usable!
So, kudos for that!
December 15, 2019
Good read. My only complaint is how each chapter summarized in bullet form the exact same information presented. Why is that bad? Well, if the chapter only had a paragraph or two, why make me read the exact same thing over again? (Bulleted summaries are fine for long narrative, but this felt contrived and for adding bulk to the book.) Also, I don’t necessarily agree with everything he presents, but I don’t fault the author for any of that. UI/UX is as much art as science. He does a great job making a case for his POV, and for that, he gets 5 stars for keeping me engaged and for my learning. Bravo!
September 17, 2020
If you're an advanced professional you can skip this book: even if in the introduction it says it's for anyone, this book is really aimed at beginners.
It could also be a good introductory book if it was only for the content: but the principles just listed, one after the other, without too much context bringing them together.
Also, some of the points are just the author's opinion (and to be honest, this is stated in the introduction) but hinting them as UX principles it's just too much (like the ones regarding what copy to add to a button)
All in all, it was a good refresher on some basics .
It could also be a good introductory book if it was only for the content: but the principles just listed, one after the other, without too much context bringing them together.
Also, some of the points are just the author's opinion (and to be honest, this is stated in the introduction) but hinting them as UX principles it's just too much (like the ones regarding what copy to add to a button)
All in all, it was a good refresher on some basics .
March 11, 2022
"In some fields, medicine for example, professionals
have a code of conduct and ethics that forms the
core of the work they do. Building software does not
have such a code of conduct, but maybe it should do."
I was expecting more concepts in designing products but I truly appreciated this excerpt from the 100th chapter in the book. It is not common in this field to talk about this concept because it is what drives consumers to use the product firsthand.
The author has stated in an orderly manner on at least how designers and developers should act when creating their own products. Fight for the user, not the company and creating a user-centric experience instead of profits.
have a code of conduct and ethics that forms the
core of the work they do. Building software does not
have such a code of conduct, but maybe it should do."
I was expecting more concepts in designing products but I truly appreciated this excerpt from the 100th chapter in the book. It is not common in this field to talk about this concept because it is what drives consumers to use the product firsthand.
The author has stated in an orderly manner on at least how designers and developers should act when creating their own products. Fight for the user, not the company and creating a user-centric experience instead of profits.
June 21, 2022
Great perspective, easy to read.
As a UX Researcher, I like that the focus of the book is on the user, and the principles encourage design that is actually useful and usable (and therefor successful). I think following these principles would prevent a lot of usability issues I come across frequently. That does not mean you should not test your design with your users (!!), but it might mean less redesigning preventable mistakes.
As a UX Researcher, I like that the focus of the book is on the user, and the principles encourage design that is actually useful and usable (and therefor successful). I think following these principles would prevent a lot of usability issues I come across frequently. That does not mean you should not test your design with your users (!!), but it might mean less redesigning preventable mistakes.
March 28, 2023
This book offers brief principles to guide UX/UI designers to develop their digital products with the awareness of user's aspect. I am appreciated what I've learned from the book, especially the topics related to user's journey + state.
May 2, 2020
Good because quick and condensed, however more images or examples will be more efficient.
June 16, 2020
Very easy to read, very helpful book of UX principle.
September 19, 2020
I like it as it is a simple guide to follow between rules in UI design and some UX ideas to make a better product
December 8, 2020
A great collection of best practices.
May 24, 2021
Simple tips, helpful for beginners.
October 5, 2022
I really liked some parts, but others not so much as I was not of the same opinion.
September 22, 2023
Although some concepts might seem like common sense, it still provides some incredibly valuable and practical insights for UX.
October 12, 2023
Very practical guide with actionable insights
February 5, 2024
Simple and practical. This particular line got me thinking "Fight for the user, not the brand guide"
July 24, 2023
Read this for my work book club — great book for people to refresh their memories on UX principles. It’s a bit app heavy but has great discussion points for everyone.
December 20, 2023
Good for anyone who want to begin Ux designing journey. It is easy, as well as fun to read. Author is also really talented in putting humor into lessons.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews