Darren Hood’s Book Recommendation Collective

KaizenUX (formerly UX Uncensored)
2 min readJul 18, 2024

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by Darren Hood, MSUXD, MSIME

With a 28+ 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!

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 28+ year UX practitioner with a broad professional footprint that spans several types of B2B and B2C operations. In addition to having served as a UX manager, individual contributor, and freelancer in the business world, Darren serves or has served as an adjunct professor for such institutions as Michigan State University, UCLA, Brandeis University, Lawrence Tech University, Kent State University, and Harrisburg University. 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 around the world.

You can hear more from the Darren by checking out the KaizenUX Medium page, the KaizenUX YouTube channel, or listening to The World of UX with Darren Hood wherever podcasts are available.

Visit KaizenTees to check out my UX ≠ UI merch.

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KaizenUX (formerly UX Uncensored)

Darren Hood: UX pro (28+ yrs), adjunct professor, TEDx and conference speaker, author (97 Things UX book), host of The World of UX podcast, & “pure UX” advocate