The following experience design, arts and management books have deeply inspired me. You might also gain inspiration from them.
On applying strategic design in practice
Designing Tomorrow: Strategic design tactics to change your practice, organisation and planetary impact by Martin Tomitsch and Steve Baty, BIS, 2023
On designing services that flow
Service Design: From insight to implementation by Lavrans Løvlie, Andy Polaine & Ben Reason ,Rosenfeld Media, 2013
Prioritizing Web Usability by Jakob Nielsen and Hoa Loranger, New Riders Press, 2006
On issues relating to form and function
The most inspirational book I have read is The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight into Beauty by Soetsu Yanagi, adapted by Bernard Leach, Kodansha International (revised edition 1990). Amongst other things, this wonder highlights the value of true outcomes-based design.
Envisioning Information by Edward R. Tufte, Graphics Press, 1990
On psychedelic art
High Art: A History of the Psychedelic Poster by Ted Owen and Denise Dickson, Sanctuary Publishing, 1999
On symbolism
Man and His Symbols by Carl Gustav Jung, Doubleday, 1969
On Celtic art
Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction by George Bain, Dover Publications, 1973
On Art Nouveau
Alphonse Mucha at www.wikipedia.org
On interactive children’s books
The Magic Boat: A book to turn and move by Tom Seidmann-Freud, (translated by Ernest Benn), Ernest Benn, 1981
On computers
The Shallows by Nicholas Carr, Atlantic, 2010
On human to human connection
No amount of design inspiration can yield outcomes without other people. These books have inspired me to reflect and learn about leading and managing myself and others.
Solo: How to work alone (and not lose your mind) by Rebecca Seal, Profile Books, 2020
The Power of Full Engagement: Managing energy, not time is the key to high performance and personal renewal by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, Free Press, 2005
The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working: The four forgotten needs that energize great performance by Tony Schwartz with Jean Gomes and Catherine McCarthy, Ph.D., Simon & Schuster, 2010