Life & fun · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to Applied Minds: How Engineers Think

How engineers turn problems into opportunities

Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Applied Minds: How Engineers Think launched in 2015; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   Thinking In Systems: A Primer▲76

   Solve any problem by thinking like an engineer.

   2015 · chelseagreen.com · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Thinking for a Living▲62

   How knowledge workers reach peak performance and productivit

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

3. 3
   Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas▲58

   A Guide to Better Problem Solving

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

4. 4
   Mindware: Tools for Smart Thinking▲77

   Solve problems by thinking more effectively

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Thinkertoys▲76

   A handbook of creative thinking techniques

   2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

6. 6
   Thinking: The New Science of Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, and Prediction▲66

   Original ideas that expand understanding of human thought

   2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Innovation Thinking Methods for the Modern Entrepreneur▲76

   A simple way to reliably find step-function better solutions

   2016 · its alternatives →

8. 8
   Tools for Thought▲69

   The history and future of mind-expanding technology

   2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Problem Solving 101▲70

   A simple book for smart people

   2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

10. 10
    Flow▲87

    The psychology of optimal experience

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

11. 11
    Mindset▲75

    The New Psychology of Success

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

12. 12
    The Mythical Man-Month▲84

    Essays on software engineering

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Lateral Thinking▲74

    Practical explanation of how creativity works

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

14. 14
    The Innovator's Solution▲69

    Creating and sustaining successful growth

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

15. 15
    Designing for Behavior Change▲71

    Applying Psychology and Behavioral Economics

    2016 · oreilly.com · its alternatives →

16. 16
    The Art of Opportunity▲70

    Achieve growth with design thinking and strategic innovation

    2016 · theartofopportunity.net · its alternatives →

17. 17
    Thinking Outside The Box▲62

    How to Think Creatively By Applying Critical Thinking

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

18. 18
    Coders at Work: Reflections on the Craft of Programming▲70

    Interviews with the 15 most interesting computer programmers

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

19. 19
    Mental Models▲75

    Aligning Design Strategy with Human Behavior

    2016 · rosenfeldmedia.com · its alternatives →

20. 20
    Making Things Happen▲66

    Mastering project management. Theory in practice.

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Reframe: Shift the Way You Work, Innovate, and Think▲139

    Reframe your problems as opportunities

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

22. 22
    Art of Learning▲91

    An inner journey to optimal performance

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

23. 23
    Designing Interactions▲91

    Interviews with influential designers

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

24. 24
    The Design of Business▲74

    Design thinking as a competitive advantage

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →