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)

NHS Connect