The Ultimate Guide to Service Design Literature: Best Books for Designers and Practitioners
Service design is a multidisciplinary approach that combines elements of user experience, business strategy, and design principles to create enriching experiences for customers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional in the field, this guide is designed to help you find the perfect books that will enrich your understanding and enhance your practice in service design.
Top Books on Service Design
The service design landscape is diverse and expansive. Choosing the best book can be challenging. Here are some of the most recommended titles that cover various aspects of service design:
This is Service Design Thinking
Written by Rosa Hoekman, Richard Pascale, and MarleeCharland, This is Service Design Thinking is an excellent resource for hands-on knowledge. It provides a comprehensive guide to the core tools and techniques used in service design, complete with real-world case studies. The book is perfect for those who want to understand the foundational concepts of service design.
The Service Startup
In The Service Startup, authors Alli Crist, Kate Northington, and Tony Zitko explore the challenges and opportunities faced by service-based startups. The book offers practical advice and strategies to navigate the complexities of launching and scaling service-based businesses. It's a great read for entrepreneurs and aspiring service designers.
Convivial Toolbox
Convivial Toolbox by Madeleine Starner and Johanna Drucker is a unique collection of tools and methods for creating collaborative and user-centric designs. This book is useful for designers who are keen on fostering a more participatory and inclusive design process. It includes a wide range of practical tools and techniques.
Service Design - From Insight to Implementation
Another essential read, Service Design - From Insight to Implementation by Annika Berg and Thomas Baekdal dives deep into the practical aspects of service design. With a structured approach, it guides readers through the entire process, from gathering insights to implementing solutions. It's a must-have for practitioners looking for a step-by-step guide.
The Design of Business
The Design of Business by Michael R. Solomon Academy offers a broader perspective on business design. It focuses on how design thinking can be applied to various aspects of business, including service design. The book provides valuable insights into how businesses can create user-centered experiences.
Exceptional Picks: One Book to Recommend
If I had to recommend one book, it would be This is Service Design Doing, authored by Jane Fulton Suri and Lisa Servon. This book stands out for its depth and practicality. It covers all the key elements of service design, including workshops, methods, and tools. With contributions from numerous experienced practitioners, it offers invaluable advice and real-world examples. Note that I have a minor contribution to one of the chapters on workshops.
Recently Added Books
Here are some new titles that have caught my attention:
Orchestrating Experiences
Highly recommended by many, Orchestrating Experiences by Jessica Andrus and Lyssia Worseck is a comprehensive guide. It offers a balanced mix of theory and practical advice. It's especially helpful for both beginners and experienced practitioners as it delves into higher-level ecosystem thinking and connects it with known service design tools.
Organizational Design for Design-Oriented Organizations
If you're starting an in-house design team or looking for ways to integrate service design within an existing organization, Organizational Design for Design-Oriented Organizations by Helen Walters and Sarah Newey is a great resource. It provides insights into the structure and roles of a design-oriented organization, helping you to build a cohesive and effective team.
Additional Resources for a Broader Understanding
Service design is a dynamic field that requires a blend of various skills and methodologies. Here are some additional books that explore different aspects of service design:
This is Service Design Thinking: Basics, Tools, and Cases
As mentioned, this book is great for those getting started. It provides a good overview of typical service design tools and helps position service design within the broader context of other design practices. Written by Rikke Lot, John Scoging, and Johanna Arentzen, it is packed with useful case studies and examples.
Service Design: From Insight to Implementation
This textbook is a concise and coherent guide to service design case-studies. It's easy to read and follows a clear structure, making it ideal for anyone looking to gain a quick understanding of the field. Service Design: From Insight to Implementation is written by Jesper M. Molisch and Betina Liebeck.
Service Design for Business
Where This is Service Design Doing focuses on the process, Service Design for Business by Richard R. Young and Michael Eskildsen takes a client-centric approach. It helps service designers communicate the value of their methodology effectively. The book is particularly useful for those who need to sell the benefits of service design to potential clients.
Design a Better Business
Although not strictly about service design, this book by Eli Roth offers numerous models and tools that can be applied to service design. It's a valuable resource for designers looking to expand their toolkit.
The Service Innovation Handbook
For experienced designers, The Service Innovation Handbook by Rob Bergh and Anna Jebb provides higher-level insights and innovative tools. It's a must-read for those who want to push the boundaries of service design.
The Service Profit Chain
While this book is older, it remains relevant. Written by Edward L. Hurley, Donald W. Wirtz, and Kent D. Rogers, The Service Profit Chain offers a unique perspective on the interplay between customer effort, experience, and value in service contexts.
In the realm of service design, these books cover a wide range of topics and provide valuable insights. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there is always something new to learn. If you have any questions or need further recommendations based on your specific needs, feel free to reach out.