SOCIAL RESEARCH
Postnormal Social Research
Moving past normativity, Westbrook adapted the phrase 'postnormal' to describe their transdisciplinary approach. Postnormal social research challenges essentialism, reductionist linear thinking, fixed categories, and oppressive norms – while exploring and investigating complex social phenomena.
MIXED METHOD/OLOGY
Data-Driven Speculation
While expanding conventional mixed method frameworks to include practice-based (or applied) activity Westbrook invented and coined 'data-driven speculation' (2023). Data-driven speculation is a transdisciplinary method that uses signals to integrate data and imagination.
APPLIED RESEARCH
Critical Design Practice
Leveraging data-driven speculation, Westbrook generates critical design (artifacts, systems, and experiences). In contrast to problem-solving, critical design engages problem-finding and intentionally provokes thought and raises questions about social, cultural, economic, and/or ethical issues.
QUEER[ING] OF THINGS
Joyful++ Complexities
Queer is identity. Queer is self-aware and self-determined. It is lived experiences, impressions, and expertise. Queer(ing) is intent informed by Queer identity. Queer(ing) questions, troubles, resists, subverts, deconstructs, (un)learns, imagines, liberates, and uplifts people and transformative ideas.