Stanford UniversityStanford d.school's Gems
The best way to learn about design is to do it, but this curated selection offers books that help contextualize what the d.school does. Drawn from works written by d.school or Stanford faculty, these titles are intended to deepen readers’ understanding of design mindsets and applications. Selective rather than exhaustive, it is presented as the “staff favorites” section one might find in a local bookstore — a starting point for exploring the world of design.
1. Innovation Process
Core methods and mindsets that launch innovation.
Creative Confidence
IDEO founders prove everyone can be creative, not just “the creatives.”
Insight Out
Stanford innovation guru shows how ideas move from imagination to impact.
The Art of Innovation
IDEO's playbook on how breakthrough ideas actually happen.
Change by Design
IDEO CEO's manifesto that put “design thinking” on the global map.
Design Thinking
A concise academic lens on the craft of design thinking.
2. Design in Your Company
Embedding design as a driver of competitive advantage.
The Designful Company
A sharp guide to making design the DNA of your business.
The Design of Business
Strategy meets creativity—why design is the next edge in competition.
Thinking in Systems
Classic systems-thinking primer that reframes complexity as design's terrain.
3. Managing Innovation
Leading with bold ideas and resilient teams.
4. Empathy & Synthesis
Turning human insight into design clarity.
5. Sketching & Space
Tools and environments that make creativity tangible.
6. Design in Education
Reimagining classrooms and learning through design.
7. Design as a Personal Practice
Using design principles to craft habits and meaning.
