In looking to begin a very similar thread I found this one. Glad its out there, but needs a bump.
I have read some books like:
Breaking In : Amina Horozic
-Landing a design job
Making It : Chris Lefteri
-Manufacturing possibilities
Shopcraft as Soulcraft : Matthew B Crawford
-Prototyping and attention to details
Does anyone have recommendations on books to improve form development, visual brand language, etc. ??