The current lost and found system has several weaknesses that make it inconvenient and unreliable for students who need to retrieve lost items. Firstly, most items are stored in drawers, making them invisible to students who might not even realize their belongings have been turned in. This lack of visibility often results in items going unclaimed and accumulating over time. Secondly, the requirement to file reports and scan QR codes creates a time-consuming process, which is particularly inconvenient for retrieving emergency items such as wallets, car keys, or phones that may be needed immediately. Thirdly, in areas with minimal supervision, like the table near the entrance of Frank Dining Commons, there’s an increased risk of theft, as items are left unattended and vulnerable. Lastly, many campus buildings lack a designated lost and found system, making it challenging for students to know where to look for lost items in the first place. Together, these factors show that the current system fails to provide an efficient, accessible, and secure solution for managing lost belongings on campus.
UFound-It combines a mobile app with storage boxes to help students recover lost items.
The UFound-It system integrates software and hardware components to achieve a seamless user experience. We utilized: