TraceBack

HomePage
Claim Progress
Dashboard

Inspiration

Losing personal belongings often leads to chaos — scattered posts, privacy risks, and no clear way to verify ownership. I wanted to build a structured, secure system that replaces informal lost-and-found methods with a trustworthy digital workflow.

What it does

Traceback is a full-stack lost & found web application that allows users to report lost or found items, submit claims, verify ownership, and complete secure handovers using a controlled, state-based workflow.

The platform prioritizes privacy, accountability, and clarity at every step.

How it works

Users authenticate securely and access a personal dashboard
Lost and found items are reported through structured forms
AI-assisted logic helps surface potential matches
Ownership is verified through system-generated questions
Once approved, a one-time PIN is generated for secure physical handover
Claims follow a strict lifecycle: pending → approved → closed

How I built it

The application is built using Next.js and Firebase, with Firestore security rules enforcing valid claim transitions. AI-assisted features are implemented experimentally to explore how intelligent systems can support discovery and verification workflows.

Challenges faced

Designing secure claim state transitions
Preventing unauthorized data access
Balancing AI assistance without over-automation
Building a complete workflow instead of a demo-only prototype

What I learned

This project strengthened my understanding of full-stack architecture, authentication systems, database security rules, and real-world product design constraints.