In the Loop #1 | Whoop
Reviews on the latest feedback-focused productivity, wealth and health-tech tools. One review released every Tuesday.
Hey everybody,
Welcome to the first episode of a new Circles in Time newsletter series called In the Loop.
Every week I’ll share a brief review of a technological tool, that is working to help people improve their understanding of themselves through data-driven feedback systems.
As those who are familiar with the Circles in Time philosophy will know, feedback loops are viewed as fundamental to self-experimentation and building strong personal systems. And with all the recent exciting developments in health and activity tracking, behavioural science, machine learning and software design— feedback is moving from an effortful, tedious task to something that operates seamlessly in the background of our lives.
It is not all about the ease and effectiveness of tracking and feedback, though. There are, of course, ethical issues that will emerge as these technologies popularise and improve. As part of the review, I will apply an ethical lens, and highlight the contentious ethical issues that should be considered.
WHAT IS WHOOP?
A wearable that captures and displays a range of physiological health data via a mobile, desktop and browser application. Importantly, Whoop also uses your data to prescribe personalised suggestions on how you can improve your health, closing the feedback loop in the process.
Whoop orientates around three key dimensions of health:
Sleep
The quality (number of full sleep cycles), consistency (sleep and wake times) and efficiency (number of sleep disturbances) of your sleep.Recovery
Heart rate variability (HRV), Resting heart rate (RHR), sleep (pull in data the data discussed above) and respiratory rate (early signs of illness and health complications)Strain
Using the markers mentioned above Whoop can provide feedback on how your body is responding to stress, travel and work, which they are bucketing under the umbrella term of strain.
How does Whoop compare to other wearables?
Whoop’s latest product (The WHOOP Strap 3.0) seems to have quietly taken up the position as the best health tracking wearable. Here are some in-depth reviews for those who interested in getting into the details:
Screenless Wearables:
Unlike the Apple Watch, Garmin and more recent Fitbit products, Whoop’s wearable strap doesn’t have a digital watch-like display attached to its strap.
Some may see this as a downside to the Whoop product. I actually see it as one of the products strongest features. Besides the obvious benefit of you getting 5 to 10x more battery life, the fact that I don’t have another screen fighting for my scarce attention is a big bonus for me. I spend my time looking at my desktop, laptop and mobile device screens— something I am actively designing to reduce. The fact that Whoop doesn’t have a screen is just one more battle that, thankfully I don’t have to fight.
WHOOP’S BUSINESS MODEL
Currently, Whoop uses a subscription model (€25 a month). This gives you access to the app, online community and a Whoop Strap 3.0 to get started with. Then they also offer stand-alone accessories (additional straps, hydro bands, battery packs, etc) that you can purchase from their online store.
It’s simple and in line with the SAAS and HAAS subscription trend that is in vogue at the moment.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
As you would expect, Whoop takes data privacy very seriously. They do not monetise or share your personal health data unless explicit consent is given by you. They are also obligated to comply with the CCPA law, which one would hope they are using as a benchmark for how they deal with users outside the state of California.
The CCPA gives users the following rights:
The right to know how your personal information is collected and used.
The right to have access to and request the personal information collected.
The right to to be forgotten and have your personal data deleted.
The right to stop your personal information from being sold or shared.
Did you enjoy this review? Then join the community discussion.
Tools like Whoop are shared and discussed every week in the Circles in Time online community space. You can join the discussion now by becoming a Circles in Time community member.
Take care,
David