What UX Designers Can Learn From The Godfather

The Godfather – 1972

When you think of The godfatherWhat comes to mind? Power? Loyalty? That unforgettable scene with the horse head? Sure, but look a little closer and you’ll see that this classic film is a treasure trove of lessons for UX designers. Yep, you heard right. The godfather has some serious insights that can help us design better products, navigate tricky team dynamics, and maybe even prevent us from waking up with a metaphorical horse’s head in our bed.

Before we delve deeper, we must first outline the situation. The godfather is a 1972 classic film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and for good reason. The story revolves around the powerful Corleone crime family, led by patriarch Vito Corleone (played by the legendary Marlon Brando).

The film opens with Vito, the “Godfather,” navigating the grim and dangerous world of organized crime in post-World War II America. But it’s not all gangsters and gunfights. The godfather delves deeply into themes of power, loyalty, family, and the personal struggle to balance a moral compass with the harsh realities of life within the mafia.

The real crux of the story is the transformation of Vito’s youngest son, Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino). Initially, Michael wants nothing to do with the family business, instead aspiring to a more honorable life. But as the story unfolds, circumstances force him into the dark world he was trying to escape. Michael’s journey from innocent outsider to ruthless head of the Corleone family is both compelling and tragic.

The godfather is not just a crime drama — it’s a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. It’s filled with iconic scenes and quotes that have become ingrained in pop culture. The film is also a study in strategic thinking, human psychology, and the intricate dance of power and influence, making it a surprisingly rich source of inspiration for professionals in many fields, including UX design.

1. It’s not personal, it’s strictly business

Don Corleone drops this pearl of wisdom, and it’s one that every UX designer should tattoo on their brain. When you’re knee-deep in feedback and criticism, it’s easy to take things personally. But remember, it’s not about you; it’s about the product. Stay calm, focus on the problem, and always be willing to iterate without getting too attached to one idea. After all, a design that meets the user’s needs is the ultimate goal — nothing personal.

2. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer

No, you’re not going to war (hopefully), but this advice is gold for stakeholder management. Those difficult customers or skeptical team members? Instead of avoiding them, bring them in. Ask for their input early and often. Involve them in the process. That way, you won’t be caught off guard by last-minute changes or pushback, and you might even turn them into allies.

3. Make them an offer they can’t refuse

When it comes to user engagement, think like Corleone. Create offers, experiences, or calls to action that are so compelling that users can’t help but fall for them. Whether it’s a seamless onboarding process, an irresistible incentive, or a feature that simply makes life easier, the goal is to design with such clarity and value that the user’s choice is a no-brainer.

4. Don’t ignore the small details

The Godfather is all about attention to detail—whether it’s planning a move against a rival family or setting up a perfectly timed series of events. As UX designers, we need to bring that same level of precision to our work. Every button, every interaction, every pixel matters. It’s the little things that create a polished, cohesive experience. Remember, a misstep in the details can be the equivalent of a missed shot—no one wants to end up with a buggy product (or with the fish in bed).

5. The power of family

The Corleone family sticks together through thick and thin. For UX designers, your “family” is your team: designers, developers, product managers, and even that one person in marketing who always asks for a bigger logo. Collaborate, communicate, and support each other. When everyone is on the same page, you can create something truly powerful. And let’s face it, working on a team where everyone supports each other is just more fun.

6. Always have a backup plan

Just as Michael Corleone had a contingency plan for every scenario, a good UX designer always has a plan B (and maybe C and D). Maybe that feature doesn’t test well, or the client changes their mind at the last minute. Stay flexible and be willing to pivot without losing sight of the overall goal. You never know when you’ll need to make an unexpected move to keep the project on track.

7. Stay calm under pressure

The Corleones don’t panic when things go wrong — they strategize. UX design can be stressful, especially when deadlines are looming and feedback is pouring in from all sides. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and approach problems methodically. Stressing out doesn’t help anyone; a calm, focused mindset does.

8. Build relationships, not just products

Finally, remember that The godfather is as much about relationships as it is about power. As a UX designer, your success isn’t just about the products you create, but also about the relationships you build along the way — with users, customers, and your team. Invest in those connections. A well-designed product is great, but a product backed by strong relationships? That’s how you build something that lasts.

So the next time you look again The godfather (because let’s face it, there’s always next time), keep these lessons in mind. Don Corleone may not have been a UX designer, but he certainly had the mindset of one. Now go ahead and design like a boss — but maybe leave the mafia stuff to the movies.

What UX Designers Can Learn from The Godfather was originally published in Bootcamp on Medium, where people continued the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.