First rule in the world of product development, is never talk about the product you've developed. With NDA's in place, the polished press released info rarely reflects upon the challenges, breakthroughs and politics that took for actually materializing innovation into a final product. Luckily for us, a few people took the time document journey of creativity, persistence, and strategic thinking. These six books offer unprecedented insights into how revolutionary products are conceived, developed, and brought to life.
Build – Tony Fadell
This might be the best playbook to product creation and company building written, I’ve read. As the “father of the iPod” and founder of Nest, Fadell provides a blueprint for entrepreneurs and innovators on how to identify meaningful problems and develop solutions that truly matter.
Dealers of Lightning – Michael Hiltzik
Chronicles from the legendary Xerox PARC research center, where ground-breaking technologies like the graphical user interface, ethernet, and object-oriented programming were born. It’s a fascinating dive into how radical innovation happens at the intersection of diverse talents and unbridled creativity. But then reports of Xerox had the next “Trillion dollar business” in it’s R&D department, but was so bound by the product they were selling that the best way to recoup their investment was to give it away in return for Microsoft and Apple shares.
Skunk Works – Ben Rich
Ben Rich’s memoir offers an insider’s view of Lockheed Martin’s top-secret Advanced Development Programs (Skunk Works). Rich reveals the intricate process of developing cutting-edge military aircraft like the U-2 spy plane and SR-71 Blackbird, showcasing how constraints can drive extraordinary innovation.
The One Device – Brian Merchant
It’s impossible to get a full picture from one of the most secretive companies on earth but this investigative work sheds a light on what might have been the complex, often untold story behind the iPhone’s development. It’s a comprehensive journalistic report at the technological and human challenges that transform mobile computing as it was known, revealing the collaborative effort behind one of the most significant technological products of our time.
Against the odds – James Dyson
Less polished than the latest book “Invention”, this autobiography book shares a more candid side of inventing the bagless vacuum cleaner and the journey of commercializing the tech. From the rejected licensing agreements with major players because it “wouldn’t sell more bags”, to the first Japanese license client, to then marketing and scaling the product with its own brand.
Creative Selection – Ken Kocienda
Ken Kocienda provides an intimate look at Apple’s design philosophy during its most innovative period. Through personal anecdotes and insider perspectives, he explains how Apple’s iterative design process, driven by demo cycles and relentless refinement, created revolutionary products.
Design Forward: Creative Strategies for Sustainable Change
This book explores design as a transformative tool for addressing complex societal and environmental challenges. It goes beyond traditional product development, offering strategies for creating meaningful, sustainable innovations that can drive positive change.
