QS trackers are essentially conducting research. This research is then studied and analyzed by the individual. But groups such as Cure Together - which we have discussed several times in class - are taking QS data and turning it into a different, and I would argue, more meaningful model.
My hunch is that this type of re-frame could be an incredibly powerful motivator for anyone tracking their data (or anyone thinking about tracking their data). Imagine tracking and contributing data that could drastically improve someone's life. For those QS trackers who lose interest after a few interactions, or those who see badges and shrug - this could be a new, more engaging incentive that benefits both the individual and the community at large.
The big question is how do you make this incentive not just apparent, but meaningful?
Showing posts with label HUNCH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HUNCH. Show all posts
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
HUNCH: My QS Trends (early)
I am noticing some patterns and have some hunches about some of my QS results.
Tracking Meals Out
I was expecting to find that most of my meals out are under $10 and due to 'convenience' (opposed to 'craving' or the even rarer, 'celebration'). So far my findings are very close to initial expectations. My hunch is that this is due to the fact that I'm a broke student who never has time to cook. It does make me extremely aware every time I eat out and it will be interesting to see if it affects my behavior over time.
Mood
This one is tricky. I'm less enthralled with the app (mood panda) and I wonder how accurate a 1-10 scale of 'mood' really is. That being said, I've noticed I'm typically between a 6 and 8. I've been trying to check in at the same times each day, but my hunch is that my mood tends to start out high and drop towards the late afternoon.
Productivity
Again - not sure how accurate this tool is. For instance - I generally have multiple programs open at once, but may not be actively using all of those. Email seems to suck up a huge amount of time. And (sadly) so does Facebook.
The big question - what do I do with all this information?
Tracking Meals Out
I was expecting to find that most of my meals out are under $10 and due to 'convenience' (opposed to 'craving' or the even rarer, 'celebration'). So far my findings are very close to initial expectations. My hunch is that this is due to the fact that I'm a broke student who never has time to cook. It does make me extremely aware every time I eat out and it will be interesting to see if it affects my behavior over time.
Mood
This one is tricky. I'm less enthralled with the app (mood panda) and I wonder how accurate a 1-10 scale of 'mood' really is. That being said, I've noticed I'm typically between a 6 and 8. I've been trying to check in at the same times each day, but my hunch is that my mood tends to start out high and drop towards the late afternoon.
Productivity
Again - not sure how accurate this tool is. For instance - I generally have multiple programs open at once, but may not be actively using all of those. Email seems to suck up a huge amount of time. And (sadly) so does Facebook.
The big question - what do I do with all this information?
Friday, September 14, 2012
HUNCH: Odd Man Out
In class - while we were trying to create one map to explain the relationship between Personal Data, QS and Personal Info Economy - I realized that Personal Info Economy feels like the odd man out. It encompasses so much and it's boundaries are hard to define.
In our map (with QS in the center) I advocated for the Personal Info Economy to be around the outside parameter. It includes QS data, but it also includes Personal Data. And in the grandest scheme is even includes Big Data. It's essentially the exchange of any type of personal data for 'value.' My hunch is that is will always be on the outside of the map (or around the parameter) b/c it's not a commodity - it's a system.
In our map (with QS in the center) I advocated for the Personal Info Economy to be around the outside parameter. It includes QS data, but it also includes Personal Data. And in the grandest scheme is even includes Big Data. It's essentially the exchange of any type of personal data for 'value.' My hunch is that is will always be on the outside of the map (or around the parameter) b/c it's not a commodity - it's a system.
Friday, September 7, 2012
HUNCH: User as Customer
App.net makes the user the customer by charging for site usage, rather than selling user information to ad companies.
In theory, it's a really intriguing idea and gets at the lack of control and balance that is plaguing the p. info marketplace. But my hunch is that it won't succeed and here is why:
Social networks requires something very important: people. App.net costs $50 for a year of service. With such radically successful 'free' services like FB and twitter, I don't expect many people to switch. I also believe that if FB, for example, were losing their fanbase (their 'value' essentially), they would change their model to adapt to the needs of the user. At this moment however, there is not enough outcry to warrant such a change on either side.
In theory, it's a really intriguing idea and gets at the lack of control and balance that is plaguing the p. info marketplace. But my hunch is that it won't succeed and here is why:
Social networks requires something very important: people. App.net costs $50 for a year of service. With such radically successful 'free' services like FB and twitter, I don't expect many people to switch. I also believe that if FB, for example, were losing their fanbase (their 'value' essentially), they would change their model to adapt to the needs of the user. At this moment however, there is not enough outcry to warrant such a change on either side.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
HUNCH: Expectations are changing
We currently consider a value exhange at places like Facebook to go like this: I give you my personal data, I get back a free service that allows me to connect with hundreds of my 'friends.'
The question is - do those values equate? My hunch is that the our value expectations are shifting. We are starting to expect more.
A perfect example of of this is the Yelp Elite Squad that gives frequent reviewers, and as Yelp puts it those who 'have a lot of sway in the community,' different perks. In return for your contribution you receive gift certificates and party invites.
The question is - do those values equate? My hunch is that the our value expectations are shifting. We are starting to expect more.
A perfect example of of this is the Yelp Elite Squad that gives frequent reviewers, and as Yelp puts it those who 'have a lot of sway in the community,' different perks. In return for your contribution you receive gift certificates and party invites.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
HUNCH: Lack of Personal Economy Structure...
...leads to lack of trust.
What's interesting about the Personal Data Economy is that it has arrived and there are no guidelines, no structure on how to handle such massive quantities of information. What has resulted is an overarching sense of suspicion from users.
What if companies (or the government) had structured this economy from the beginning? My hunch is that much of the distrust and fear surrounding Personal Data would be significantly lower, perhaps non-existent. This industry could be truly thriving if there had been a thoughtful and consistent approach to establishing a personal data economy. Instead, companies have run amok, rules and regulations have been hazy and people are scared off. The personal info economy as an industry is tarnished - building people's trust and sense of control will take a long time.
What's interesting about the Personal Data Economy is that it has arrived and there are no guidelines, no structure on how to handle such massive quantities of information. What has resulted is an overarching sense of suspicion from users.
What if companies (or the government) had structured this economy from the beginning? My hunch is that much of the distrust and fear surrounding Personal Data would be significantly lower, perhaps non-existent. This industry could be truly thriving if there had been a thoughtful and consistent approach to establishing a personal data economy. Instead, companies have run amok, rules and regulations have been hazy and people are scared off. The personal info economy as an industry is tarnished - building people's trust and sense of control will take a long time.
Friday, August 24, 2012
HUNCH: Donate your Data
We
discussed medical records in class and I was left thinking about people
who donate their bodies to science posthumously. Would people be
willing to share (sell or even donate?) their health information?
My guess is yes. This is essentially a living version of organ donation. It's
the sharing of electronic records as opposed to physical matter. It's much easier in a sense to click 'share' on the computer, than it is to mail a saliva sample to a lab. The
GigaOm report touches on this quite a bit...but I would be curious to explore beyond medical records.
What if a human health report included the participant's taste in food? Their daily diet? Their purchases of alchohol and tobacco? Records of where they ran or for how long they went to the gym?A detailed look at how many people cope with illnesses or simply stay healthy over the course of their lives would only enrich basic health record information.
What if a human health report included the participant's taste in food? Their daily diet? Their purchases of alchohol and tobacco? Records of where they ran or for how long they went to the gym?A detailed look at how many people cope with illnesses or simply stay healthy over the course of their lives would only enrich basic health record information.
HUNCH: How much do we care?
After reading 'The Personal Information Economy' a few thoughts come to mind. How much do people really truly care about the amount of 'personal' info being shared and/or sold? My hunch is that (assuming users know their information is being sold or purchased) people care very little and when they do it's in regards to information they define as private or confidential.
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