Qualified Selves
Qualified Selves was a life-metrics technology project led by the University of Edinburgh and Lancaster University, funded by UK Research and Innovation. As a key member of the co-design team, I actively participated in creating innovative prototypes that explored new frontiers in biometric tracking and personal data autonomy. My extensive experience in self-tracking informed the design process, ensuring the prototypes addressed real-world challenges in personal data collection and interpretation.
Key Points
Prototype Co-Design:
Collaborated closely with researchers to conceptualise and develop prototypes, such as NHS Connect and The Wearable, that showcase potential applications and ethical considerations in life-metrics technology.Market Analysis:
Conducted research on existing life and biometric tracking apps, providing insights that shaped the project’s usability and relevance.Showcased Innovations:
Our prototypes were featured at Dutch Design Week 2020, where the team shared co-design principles and findings through virtual exhibitions, adapting the experience for remote audiences due to COVID-19.
Prototypes
The Wearable:
A health-monitoring device that tracks blood data, fitness, and blood donation readiness.Curate-a-life:
An AI assistant that acts as a "virtual memory," curating and summarising personal data for users.Data Pebbles:
Devices designed for secure personal data storage and selective sharing, putting data control in the user’s hands.
and others… Read more at sensemake.org
NHS* Connect is a bionic device concept designed for seamless monitoring of your health-related data.
Two access models: users can either sell their data for research and analysis or subscribe to a service for exclusive data insights and personalised health recommendations.
This prototype explores the ethical dilemmas in modern health tracking, asking critical questions about privacy, autonomy, and the value of personal data in exchange for improved healthcare.
*NHS – National Health Service (UK)