Technology for Finding Misplaced Objects in a Home: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Background: As people age, it becomes more common for individuals to misplace household items, such as keys or phones. This could inevitably lead to disruption of daily routine and cause frustration. In recent years, many technologies have been rapidly developed to support older adults in maintaining their independent living and enhancing their quality of life. Among these, many have been designed as memory aids to help locate misplaced objects, reducing both the time spent searching and the stress it causes. However, to the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive review has mapped out the existing technologies for misplaced object retrieval. Therefore, this scoping review will serve to help understand the landscape of the current technologies, features, and challenges, including their ethical and usability concerns, in retrieving misplaced household items. Summary: An initial data search has been conducted by an information specialist targeting a set of databases to find studies that outline a technology aiding misplaced object retrieval in a home setting. Databases included MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Compendex, Inspec, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library. Studies will be included if written in English, peer-reviewed, and depict a tested technology that aids in the specific retrieval of misplaced household objects. Screening will be done independently by two reviewers to ensure consistency and reduce bias. Reviewers will review decisions at the end of screening, and discrepancies will be solved through discussion between the two reviewers first or a third reviewer, if necessary. Both screening and extraction will be conducted on Covidence. Analysis of extracted data will be tabulated, and thematic analysis will be conducted through NVivo. The initial search has generated 6,556 records. The scoping review is expected to be completed by December 2025. Key Messages: This review will provide developers and researchers with a guide to the current landscape of the relevant technologies, along with their features, issues, and gaps. The review is intended to inspire innovation in future similar technologies. In addition, the review will explore the gap in technology translation and underscore the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that engages all relevant stakeholders to work in collaboration for better outcomes and successful technology design and adoption.