Virtual Booth

Lost-and-found systems in public spaces are often inefficient. Valuable items such as water bottles, jackets, chargers, electronics, and personal belongings are typically placed in physical storage areas that people rarely check. As a result, many lost items are never reclaimed, creating unnecessary waste and forcing individuals to spend money on replacements.

 

We propose ReFind, a mobile application that transforms traditional lost-and-found systems into a searchable digital photo gallery. When an item is found, users simply snap a photo and upload it to the app. People can browse the image feed, identify their belongings, and submit a claim. To prevent false claims, the app uses two verification methods: claimants must describe a unique identifying detail, while finders upload a verification photo that hides one key feature, revealed only after successful confirmation. This low-cost solution can be implemented in campuses, libraries, cafés, shopping malls, and other public spaces to improve item recovery rates, reduce waste, and save users both time and money.