Best Books for UX Agency Owners
This is a collection of books that have had a profound impact on my professional career growing and managing remote UX design teams.
They cover a range of topics from how to explain complex design concepts to clients, to how to draft proposals and command higher fees.
I recommend you read these in the order they are laid out here, left to right, top to bottom.
Most links are all Amazon affiliate links.
Last updated: 13 March 2022
Build to Sell – John Warrillow
Whether you're planning to sell or to attract investors, this book will help you structure your agency to maximize its market value.
Pocket Full of Do — Chris Do
A concise collection of all of Chris Do's advice for creative business owners. From pricing to mindset, all killer, no filler.
Pricing Design — Dan Mall
Short and sweet. You can read this one over a venti cappuccino. It introduced me to the concept of value-based pricing.
The Lean Startup — Eric Ries
A seminal classic of tech entrepreneurship. Introduced the term MVP to the masses and does a great job at democratizing design thinking.
The Business of Expertise — David C. Baker
A great guide for consultants who sell their expertise as a premium service.
Creative Strategy and the Business of Design — Douglas Davis
Douglas gives creatives a crash course on business jargon and how to talk to clients confidently, in business terms.
The Win Without Pitching Manifesto — Blair Enns
Invaluable advice on how to turn your creative business from an order taker, paid by the hour one, to a highly valuable expert.
Sprint
Human-Centered Design condensed into a 5-day handbook.
