The Best Content Design Books
Content designers have many ways to enhance their skills and excel in their careers, including on-the-job training, courses, certifications, and specialized programs. Among the most valuable resources for learning are books authored by industry leaders. These books provide actionable insights, practical strategies, and expert guidance. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top content design books to explore in 2025.
Top 10 Content Design Books to Read in 2025
Ready to explore the best books for mastering content design? Let’s look at the must-reads for content designers this year.
1. Content Design by Sarah Richards
Sarah Richards, a pioneer in the field, coined the term “content design” while leading content at the UK Government Digital Service. She now heads Content Design London, a consultancy specializing in content design, where she trains professionals across all experience levels and supports teams handling complex projects.
Sarah’s book, Content Design, is a foundational resource in the field. It emphasizes creating content that meets users’ needs, whether through written text, visuals, infographics, videos, or charts. Sarah also explains how content design differs from copywriting, offering clarity for those new to the discipline.
The book intentionally doesn’t cover content strategy, as Sarah believes content designers should first understand strategy before diving into design.
Content Design is structured into two parts:
- The first half covers research and preparatory activities, including discovery.
- The second half focuses on practical aspects such as design, writing, and pair writing, equipping readers with actionable techniques for their projects.
Packed with real-world examples and practical tips drawn from Sarah’s extensive experience, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to excel in content design.
To purchase, check out Content Design.
2. Writing is Designing by Michael Metts and Andy Welfle
Writing is Designing explores how language can serve as a powerful design tool in crafting user-centric experiences.
Michael Metts is an expert in helping teams create better products and services through design. He specializes in writing for interfaces, collaborative goal-setting, and building user trust. Michael currently works as the Principal Content Designer for Expedia Group.
Andy Welfle is a content designer with extensive experience solving UX writing and information architecture challenges. He has worked at Facebook and Reusser Design and now leads a content design team at Adobe.
In their book, Michael and Andy teach readers to approach interface design strategically, with a focus on iteration and user needs. They also provide practical advice on high-level messaging frameworks and tactical guidance on topics such as error states and accessibility.
Key topics covered include:
- Strategy and research
- Inclusivity and accessibility
- Voice and tone
- Collaboration and consistency
Writing is Designing is an essential guide to integrating thoughtful language into design processes, improving not just usability but also the overall user experience.
To purchase, check out Writing is Designing.
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3. Designing Connected Content by Carrie Hane and Mike Atherton
Designing Connected Content provides an in-depth guide to creating structured content frameworks that adapt to modern user needs and technologies.
Carrie Hane has over two decades of experience helping organizations transform to meet evolving user demands and leverage emerging technologies. She currently serves as the Head of Content Strategy Relations at Sanity.io, a leading content platform.
Mike Atherton brings more than 20 years of expertise in connecting people to content. As a content strategist at Facebook in London, he works with product specialists to develop user experiences from the ground up, starting with terminology.
In this book, Carrie and Mike present an end-to-end process for building structured content. They guide readers through researching and modeling subject areas, establishing a shared understanding of core concepts, and designing interfaces for mobile, desktop, and voice platforms.
Key topics covered include:
- Structuring content
- Publishing content
Designing Connected Content is an invaluable resource for content strategists and designers looking to create scalable, user-centered systems.
To purchase, check out Designing Connected Content.
4. Accessibility for Everyone by Laura Kalbag
Accessibility for Everyone is a comprehensive guide to designing with accessibility as a core principle, ensuring digital products are inclusive and rights-respecting.
Laura Kalbag is a designer with experience spanning graphic design, web development, and not-for-profit leadership. She co-founded the Small Technology Foundation, an organization dedicated to building a web that prioritizes user rights.
In this book, Laura introduces readers to the world of accessibility, covering topics such as:
- Understanding disability and impairment challenges
- Navigating important accessibility laws and guidelines
- Planning, evaluating, and testing for accessible design
The book is tailored for web designers, developers, content strategists, copywriters, researchers, testers, and anyone involved in creating web content or designing websites.
Laura also shares practical tools and techniques, including:
- Clear and concise copywriting
- Well-structured information architecture (IA)
- Meaningful HTML
- Thoughtful design principles
Accessibility for Everyone equips readers with actionable strategies to create accessible, user-friendly digital experiences.
To purchase, check out Accessibility for Everyone.
5. Conversational Design by Erika Hall
Conversational Design explores how to create digital systems that feel human, intuitive, and engaging by using conversation as a design framework.
Erika Hall is an expert in research and information design and leads her own design studio. She brings years of experience in crafting thoughtful, user-centered systems.
In this book, Erika highlights the importance of designing systems that move beyond robotic interactions to deliver human-centered experiences. She demonstrates how conversational principles can be applied across various fields, including:
- Interface and visual design
- Front-end technology
- UX writing
- Content design
Key topics covered include:
- The human interface
- Principles of conversational design
- Applying conversational principles in practice
- Adding personality to digital systems
Conversational Design is an essential read for professionals aiming to create device-independent, user-focused experiences that resonate with people on a personal level.
To purchase, check out Conversational Design.
6. Just Enough Research by Erika Hall
Just Enough Research is a practical guide to understanding user needs through effective research methods, making it a must-read for content designers aiming to create meaningful and user-focused experiences.
Erika Hall, a research and information design expert, distills years of experience into this book, offering trusted research techniques that can be applied immediately.
The book equips readers to:
- Discover competitive advantages
- Recognize and address blind spots and biases
- Understand and utilize research findings effectively
- Avoid common pitfalls, like relying on focus groups
Key topics covered include:
- Research basics and processes
- Organizational, customer, and user research
- Competitive research
- Surveys, analysis, and analytics
Just Enough Research offers actionable insights for content designers, UX writers, and anyone looking to integrate meaningful research into their workflows.
To purchase, check out Just Enough Research.
7. Storytelling in Design by Anna Dahlström
Storytelling in Design demonstrates how storytelling principles from film and fiction can transform product design, making it an essential read for UX professionals looking to craft more engaging experiences.
Anna Dahlström is a UX designer, speaker, and author who specializes in combining user experience with storytelling. She has helped individuals, teams, and companies leverage storytelling to improve design outcomes and communication.
In this book, Anna offers practical guidance on applying storytelling to product design, helping readers:
- Create compelling product experiences
- Use storytelling to gain stakeholder buy-in
- Enhance presentation skills for better communication
Key topics covered include:
- The importance of storytelling in design
- The anatomy of a great story
- Storytelling and storyboarding for product design
- Presenting and sharing your story effectively
Storytelling in Design is an invaluable resource for designers and teams aiming to create products that resonate with users on a deeper level.
To purchase, check out Storytelling in Design.
8. Content Strategy Toolkit by Meghan Casey
Content Strategy Toolkit is a must-have guide for anyone looking to develop, implement, and sustain effective content strategies.
Meghan Casey has been a leader in content and communications since 1996. As the lead content strategist at Brain Traffic, a renowned agency focused entirely on content, she has worked with a diverse range of clients, including startups, nonprofits, educational institutions, and Fortune 50 companies, helping them solve common content challenges.
In her book, Meghan provides a step-by-step framework for content strategy, covering everything from planning and creating content to delivering and managing it effectively. With this toolkit, readers can tackle common challenges such as:
- Explaining content issues to stakeholders or clients
- Securing budgets for content initiatives
- Aligning stakeholders on shared goals and visions
Key topics explored include:
- Identifying content problems
- Understanding the business environment and audience
- Aligning stakeholders on business goals and user needs
- Setting a content strategy and measuring its success
- Creating and maintaining on-strategy content
The Content Strategy Toolkit equips readers with the tools and confidence to tackle complex content challenges and create strategies that deliver measurable results.
To purchase, check out Content Strategy Toolkit.
9. A Practical Guide to Information Architecture by Donna Spencer
A Practical Guide to Information Architecture is an essential resource for anyone looking to master information architecture (IA) and navigation design for websites and intranet projects.
Donna Spencer is a seasoned expert in user experience, service design, workshop facilitation, and IA. Over her career, she has worked across diverse industries, including government, education, and startups. She currently serves as a product designer at MakerX.
This book provides straightforward, actionable guidance on creating effective information architecture and navigation systems. It’s particularly valuable for website designers and intranet managers who may lack extensive experience in IA, helping them feel more confident in their process and decisions.
Key topics covered include:
- Introduction to information architecture
- Understanding users and their needs
- Understanding and organizing content
- Designing information architecture
- Designing navigation systems
A Practical Guide to Information Architecture is a practical and approachable guide for anyone involved in creating user-friendly digital experiences.
To purchase, check out A Practical Guide to Information Architecture.
10. Leading Content Design by Rachel McConnell
Leading Content Design is an essential guide for content design professionals looking to tackle organizational challenges, enhance workflows, and build high-performing teams.
Rachel McConnell is a prominent content design leader and author with a background in advertising and brand marketing. Over her tech career, she has worked in content strategy, design, operations, and leadership roles for leading British companies. Rachel is also the co-founder of Tempo, a community dedicated to supporting content design leaders.
In her book, Rachel provides actionable tools and strategies to address real-world content challenges, including:
- Breaking through organizational blockers
- Scaling content practices effectively
- Streamlining workflows and overcoming challenges
- Strengthening team bonds and interdepartmental collaboration
- Building and fostering a content community of practice
Leading Content Design is an invaluable resource for content professionals seeking to develop their leadership skills and elevate content practices within their organizations.
To purchase, check out Leading Content Design.
Ending Note
Books are more than just sources of knowledge; they offer a window into how experts think and solve problems, inspiring new ways of approaching your work.
The insights shared in these books stem from years, sometimes decades, of practical experience. By learning from the successes and lessons of others, you can refine your skills, advance your career, and eventually make your own contributions to the evolving field of content design.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to sharpen your expertise, the resources shared in this article can guide you on your journey to becoming a better content designer.
FAQs
What is content design?
Content design is the practice of creating user-focused content that meets specific needs. It involves researching, structuring, and delivering content in a way that ensures clarity, usability, and accessibility for the target audience.
Who are these books best for?
These books are ideal for content designers, UX writers, and professionals interested in crafting better digital experiences. They cater to all experience levels, from beginners looking to understand the basics to seasoned experts refining their craft.
How do these books differ from one another?
Each book offers unique insights:
- Content Design by Sarah Richards is a foundational guide for content designers.
- Writing is Designing focuses on using language as a design tool.
- Designing Connected Content emphasizes structuring content for seamless experiences.
- Other books explore specialized topics, like accessibility, information architecture, and storytelling.
Can these books help me transition into a career in content design?
Absolutely. These books provide practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tips to build your expertise. They also cover essential skills like research, collaboration, and accessibility, which are critical for a career in content design.
Which book should I start with as a beginner?
If you’re new to content design, Content Design by Sarah Richards is highly recommended. It introduces core concepts and practical techniques that form the foundation of the field.
If you are new to UX writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our UX Writing Certification Course, where you will learn the fundamentals of being a UX writer, how to dominate UX writer interviews, and how to stand out as a UX writing candidate.
