(http://quantdoctor NULL.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/coffee NULL.jpg)The Quantified Self movement historically has an image of appealing to geeks and those somewhere on the OCD spectrum (i.e. I fit in just fine). There’s a reason for this: until recently it took a lot of effort, motivation and tech-savvy to collect significant amounts of meaningful data on yourself, “close the feedback loop” and thereby effect change
Advances in ubiquitous sensor technologies, and platforms to collect and analyze data, however, promise to make “quanting” available to even the most right-brained of us, while also creating some new needs and opportunities.
(http://quantdoctor NULL.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/coffee NULL.jpg)
Those without a hardcore quantitative/analytical bent will need support to design self-tracking experiments and utilize the available technology productively to converge on Quantified Self type solutions. Those without a lot of medical knowledge, or the time and interest to do their own research, will need help figuring out how to use self-tracking to correct or optimize their health. And some who are deeply entrenched in their illness won’t be able to easily quant their way out, without professional help.
The good news is that the potential for quant-friendly medical care is now a reality. And if we can refine a set of methods and principles I think it will rapidly spread to become part of the mainstream, thereby empowering patients to take more control over their health while getting much better individual results. It might even make doctoring fun. What a concept.