Robert Hoekman’s books are inline with Steve Krug’s Don’t Make Me Think. They are quick reads that take a simplistic, straightforward, and humorous approach to explaining usability principles.

Designing the Obvious focuses on Robert’s 7 qualities of great web-based software. Explaining how to use each quality to perform ‘Interface Surgery’, as well as changes to the overall usability process, and principles such as kaizen and poka-yoke, the book is great for anyone tasked with creating a pleasant user experience.

Designing the Moment takes a micro-look at different phases of a user experience from searching to sign off and how to make improvements every step of the way. By focusing on each ‘moment’ of the user experience, Robert puts many standard elements of a web experience under inspection and makes some great recommendations.

If you’re looking to give some time to a ‘professional’ book, consider giving one or both of these a shot.