In human development, there is widespread involvement of stem cells. Communication between different cell types and psychochemical cues from altered extracellular matrices (ECMs) have direct effects on how these progenitor stem cells may differentiate. But such regulating aspects remain largely undiscovered. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which are progenitor stem cells for bone, cartilage, and more, can potentially be used for regenerative applications like treating for injuries in cartilage or repairing damage done by osteoarthritis. To understand the role of cell-cell communication and cell architecture or contractility in determining hMSC fate, specifically for osteogenesis, we seeded hMSCs onto patterned substrates and investigated different conditions. So far, our results suggest that hMSCs that have gap junction activity, a high degree of contractility, and a stretched cell architecture will show higher rates of osteogenesis or osteoblast differentiation.