100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

Overview

"100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People" by Susan M. Weinschenk is an essential guide that bridges the gap between psychology and design. The book explains the science behind how people think, perceive, and behave, offering actionable insights for creating user-centered designs. Covering topics like attention, memory, motivation, and decision-making, it presents 100 bite-sized lessons that are easy to understand and immediately applicable to design work. Whether you’re a UX designer, graphic artist, or product manager, this book equips you with the knowledge to design experiences that resonate with users and deliver results.

The conversational tone and real-world examples make complex psychological principles both accessible and engaging, making this book a cornerstone for any designer’s library.

What You’ll Learn

1. How People See and Process Visual Information: Understand how color, contrast, and patterns influence what users notice and focus on.

2. The Role of Memory in Design: Learn how to design interfaces that accommodate the limits of human memory.

3. What Motivates People: Discover how emotions, rewards, and habits drive user behavior.

4. Decision-Making Processes: Gain insights into how users make choices and how to design for faster, more intuitive decision-making.

5. Cognitive Load Reduction: Learn techniques to simplify interfaces and reduce mental effort for users.

6. Behavioral Design Principles: Explore how small design changes can influence user actions in meaningful ways.

   
   

Quotes

• “Designing without understanding people is like building a house without knowing the climate.”

• “People see what they expect to see—this is why understanding user mental models is critical for design.”

• “The easier something is to do, the more likely people are to do it.”

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)"100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People" is a game-changing resource that deserves a full five stars. Susan M. Weinschenk masterfully condenses complex psychological concepts into practical lessons that designers can implement immediately. The book is packed with evidence-based insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips, ensuring that every page adds value. Whether you’re new to design or a seasoned professional, this book provides a fresh perspective on how to create user-centered experiences. Its practical approach and relevance across all types of design make it a must-have for anyone looking to improve their craft.