When comparing Don't Make Me Think vs Designing Interactions, the Slant community recommends Don't Make Me Think for most people. In the question“What are the best books to read on user experience and design?” Don't Make Me Think is ranked 1st while Designing Interactions is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Don't Make Me Think is:
The book understands it's goals and has a clear purpose. How to get people to understand, and accomplish their goals on the site. As suggested by the name, the book is to the point and doesn't waste time.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Short and focused
The book understands it's goals and has a clear purpose. How to get people to understand, and accomplish their goals on the site. As suggested by the name, the book is to the point and doesn't waste time.
Pro Clear examples
Many visuals and real world examples of good design are provided, making it an easy to understand and read book.
Pro Interviews with industry legends
The most interesting aspect of the book is that it's filled with insights from designers and decision makers themselves. Moreover, the book comes with a DVD with segments from the actual interviews.
Pro A history of interaction design
The book covers many of the most significant individuals and events in the history of interaction design, from an insider's lens, with the much of the reasoning behind the design decisions made described in detail.
Cons
Con Poor binding quality
There have been complaints with the quality of binding with the 2nd edition book.
Con Not a lot of practical information/theories
This book is more about the history of interaction design rather than a book with easily applicable lessons.
There are takeaway lessons from the interviews with experts. However there are no theories with explanations laid out for you.