Superconducting qubits (in a way) came from a subject well studied in physics: Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics (Wikilink) which studies how matter interacts with light (or photons). More specifically, it studies the interaction between the light (photon) confined in a reflective cavity and atoms. Some interesting quantum effects can be seen during the interaction such as the vacuum Rabi oscillations. 

Taking inspiration from the way the interaction happens, and the subsequent quantum effects that are observed, a circuit can be implemented to do the same. Thus, a new subject: Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics (Wikilink) is born. Here, the cavity is essentially a resonator and the atom is implemented by devices showing an atom-like energy spectrum: Josephson junctions in combination with superconducting capacitors/inductors. 

One of the excellent resources to learn about circuit quantum electrodynamics and how it draws inspiration from cavity quantum electrodynamics is the P.hD. thesis of Dr. David Schuster. It also talks about qubit design and measurement systems for superconducting qubits. It forms an excellent base for superconducting qubit understanding. Link to the resource: http://schusterlab.uchicago.edu/static/pdfs/Schuster_thesis.pdf