List of useful resources for aspiring Product Designers

Product design is an ever-evolving field, so it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tools. This is a broad list of recommendations, so make sure to choose resources specific to your interests in the field.

1. Some of the classics to read:

• "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug
• "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman
• "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" by Nir Eyal
• "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
• "Design Sprint" by Jake Knapp
• “Articulating Design Decisions” by Tom Greever

2. If you are more of a YouTube type of person, check:

• "UX Design Institute" for video tutorials and insights
• "AJ&Smart" 

3. Consider pursuing certifications like: 

• Enterprise Design thinking certification from IBM 
• Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification 
• Google UX Design Professional Certificate on Coursera
• HFI Certified Usability Analyst (CUA)
• HFI Certified User Experience Analyst
• HFI Certified Digital Persuasion Analyst

4. Stay updated with design guidelines. Two of the most important to keep an eye:

• Apple’s Human Interface guidelines  
• Google’s Material Design guidelines 

These are continuously refined and expanded, so make sure to come back to these resources continuously.

5. Join online design communities and seek mentorship:

• ADPList: A platform that offers free mentorship from experienced designers for free
• Behance & Dribble:  platforms to showcase your work, as well as discover others'
• Mobbin is a hand-picked collection of the latest design patterns from mobile apps that reflect the best in design

6. Get inspired and network by attending meetups and conferences:

• Look out for local UX and design meetups in your area
• Participate in design conferences focused on UX/UI, iInteraction, information architecture, etc.
• Consider joining these networks as a volunteer

7. Practice the craft:

The most important - the more you design and work on real projects, the better you'll become. Consider: 

• Volunteering for nonprofit organisations
• Take internships
• Participate in hackathons

In the ever-evolving field of product design, this comprehensive list of resources equips you to nurture your passion and grow as a designer. Embrace hands-on experience, connect with fellow designers, and stay curious to thrive in this dynamic landscape of product design.