Gatherly
A social networking platform
Gatherly is a social networking platform that helps people build authentic, real-world connections by turning online interactions into in-person meetups.
Product Design
About the Product
Gatherly was created to move social networking beyond endless scrolling and curated online personas by helping people connect in real life. The platform enables users to discover like-minded individuals, organize meetups, and build meaningful relationships through shared experiences rather than digital engagement alone.
Research and Design Approach
The design process began with market research and user interviews focused on the intersection of social networking, loneliness, and social anxiety. Through our research, we identified common frustrations with traditional networking platforms, including imposter syndrome, unhealthy comparison, and excessive unsolicited outreach.
These insights informed a product experience centered on authentic interactions, simplified content sharing, and encouraging users to meet in person rather than remain engaged solely through app-based communication.
Product Success
Gatherly successfully differentiated itself from traditional networking platforms by prioritizing real-world engagement and meaningful human connection. By focusing on metrics such as meetup participation, geographic engagement, and time to first interaction, the platform encouraged users to transition from online discovery to in-person experiences, creating stronger communities and higher-quality social connections.