Student(s): Monica Fornaszewski, Simone Karani
Project: VR to Improve Cognitive Ability and Social Connection of Older Adults
Advisor(s): Mooi Choo Chuah
Abstract
As older adults face increasing risks of cognitive decline and social isolation, there is a critical need for accessible and engaging interventions that support both mental stimulation and social interaction. This project investigates virtual reality (VR) as a platform for delivering cognitively stimulating and socially interactive experiences through immersive multiplayer gameplay.
We developed a suite of four VR mini-games using the Unity game engine and C#, including: Food Prep, Box of Chocolates, VR Catch, and Ring Toss. Each game targets specific cognitive domains such as memory, problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and reaction time, while incorporating familiar real-world mechanics and intuitive interactions to ensure usability for older adult populations. Multiplayer functionality was implemented using Netcode for GameObjects and Unity Relay, enabling real-time remote interaction and fostering social engagement between players. The system focuses on accessibility and user-friendly design, incorporating familiar activities and clear feedback to support engagement.
This work demonstrates the feasibility of VR as a tool for cognitive health support, combining immersive design with social interaction. Future work will focus on user-centered evaluations with older adults, measuring cognitive and social outcomes, and refining the system to enhance usability and long-term effectiveness.
About Monica Fornaszewski
Major: Computer Science and Engineering
Monica Fornaszewski is a senior at Lehigh University majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Marketing. As part of her capstone project, she developed a virtual reality game designed to support cognitive function in older adults by targeting memory retention, attention, and rapid decision-making under time constraints. The game challenges players to recall dynamic sequences of information, simulating real-world cognitive demands in an engaging, immersive environment. Monica focused on designing the game’s mechanics, implementing multiplayer features, and creating an interface that is approachable for users with little to no VR experience. Through this work, she built skills in Unity, C#, and real-time networking, while also emphasizing usability and player experience. In addition to her work in VR, Monica has experience in data analytics and marketing, where she applies data-driven thinking to improve user-focused solutions. She is interested in pursuing a career that combines technology, data, and product development.
About Simone Karani
Major: Computer Science (CAS)
Simone Karani is a senior studying Computer Science at Lehigh University, with a minor in Cognitive Science. She has been developing a virtual reality (VR) cognitive health game designed to support memory, problem-solving, and social engagement in older adults. Her work integrates principles from human-computer interaction, cognitive psychology, and immersive game design using Unity and C#. She has presented her work in academic settings and continues to refine her system through user-centered design and iterative testing. In addition to her research, Simone has experience in data integration and analytics, where she has worked on building data pipelines and monitoring systems. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in data science and a career in health-focused technology, leveraging AI and immersive systems to improve accessibility and outcomes in healthcare. Originally from California, Simone enjoys staying active through fitness, exploring new books, and crocheting in her free time.