Case Study: Georgia Tech MSHCI – Building Community Across Cohorts

Beyond technical excellence, Georgia Tech’s MSHCI program is deeply invested in fostering a strong, connected community among students, alumni, and faculty.

With the program's cross-disciplinary nature, informal networking and collaboration are key to student success.

Connecting Communities Across Cohorts

Objective: Strengthen Bonds in a Virtual Format

When in-person meetups weren't an option, the program wanted a digital experience that didn’t feel transactional or overly programmed.

The aim was to let students meet across tracks, share experiences, and build relationships—just like they would in a hallway, studio, or coffee break.

A Platform That Encouraged Serendipity

Gatherly’s spatial layout and customizable networking lounges were essential in making this happen.

Students could move freely between interest-based zones—design, research, HCI and ethics—and join organic conversations happening in real time. The result was an atmosphere that felt spontaneous and welcoming.

With alumni engagement zones, the event also allowed recent grads to drop in, offer advice, and even recruit for roles. These interactions, which often wouldn’t happen in rigid formats, became highlights of the event.

Outcome: A Vibrant Digital Commons

Attendees described the event as energizing and authentic—something that felt less like another online meeting and more like a return to community.

The format helped build mentorship connections, spark group projects, and create new friendships that would carry through the program.