litemind (2015) creative problem solving with scamper

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Litemind: Creative Problem Solving With Scamper

SCAMPER is a technique you can use to spark your creativity and help you overcome any challenge you may be facing. In essence, SCAMPER is a general-purpose checklist with idea-spurring questions - which is both easy to use and surprisingly powerful.

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Design thinking, innovation, user experience and healthcare design

A Guide to the SCAMPER Technique for Design Thinking

Creative thinking and problem-solving are essential parts of the design thinking process to turn ideas into innovation and break the barriers against creativity. One of the successful methods used in creative thinking is the SCAMPER technique. While there are different creative thinking and problem-solving techniques, such as reversed brainstorming , Hurson’s thinking model , the six thinking hats and Lego Serious Play , SCAMPER is considered one of the easiest and most direct methods. The SCAMPER technique is based very simply on the idea that what is new is actually a modification of existing old things around us. As Ambrose Bierce said: “ There is nothing new under the sun, but there are lots of old things we don’t know. ” although I do not fully agree with him.

At the end of the article, you will find the link to download the Designorate Free SCAMPER template , which allows you to collaborate with your team and use the tool in the co-design practice.

What is the SCAMPER technique? And How Does It Work?

SCAMPER was first introduced by Bob Eberle to address targeted questions that help solve problems or ignite creativity during brainstorming meetings. The name SCAMPER is acronym for seven techniques; (S) substitute, (C) combine, (A) adapt, (M) modify, (P) put to another use, (E) eliminate and (R) reverse. These keywords represent the necessary questions addressed during the creative thinking meeting.

There are two main concepts to remember before starting the brainstorming using the SCAMPER technique, yet there is no sequential flow to follow while moving from each of the seven thinking techniques. Unlike Disney’s creative strategy method, SCAMPER facilitators can move between different techniques without being restricted to a specific flow. Secondly, the principle of force-fitting should be adapted during the thinking sessions. For example, any response to the SCAMPER technique is welcomed, no matter how non-logical it is.

Figure 1. The SCAMPER Technique.

Using the SCAMPER Technique in Design Thinking

In the Double Diamond Design Thinking, we go through four stages: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. The SCAMPER technique fits in the third stage, Develop (Figure 2). Once we define the problem that we need to solve in the second stage, we can use the seven ways of thinking to try to investigate the different solutions. The idea is that we usually tend to use existing mental models or existing solutions passway that prevent us from seeing other innovative directions. By changing how we see problems using the SCAMPER or other methods, such as Reversed Brainstorming , we stimulate our neuron connections to build new connections that lead to new solutions. In my article, Why Design Thinking Doesn’t Work , I tried to address the nature of the design thinking process and clarify many of the misconceptions about it in recent years.

In other design thinking models, such as IDEO or IBM design thinking , the method can be applied in a similar phase when we define the problem and enter the prototyping stage of the design process.

The Seven Dimensions of the SCAMPER Technique

After exploring the main concept of the technique, let’s see how each of these dimensions works and can be applied in practice. You can also check SCAMPER Technique Examples and Applications for real-life case studies showing how the method is used in different companies.

The substitute technique focuses on the parts of the product, service, or solution that can be replaced with another. During this part of the discussion, the meeting attendees focus on making decisions to substitute one part of the process with another. Questions asked during this part are:

• What part of the process can be substituted without affecting the whole project?
• Who or what can be substituted without affecting the process?
• What part of the process can be replaced with better alternatives?
• Can the project time or place be replaced?
• What will happen when we replace part of the project with another?
• Where else could you sell the product?
• Could we use another alternative of X?
• Can we substitute the current device for a better one?
• Can we replace the process with a simpler one?

The substitute technique tends to provide alternative solutions for decision makers to evaluate before taking the final action.

The combined technique tends to analyze the possibility of merging two ideas, stages of the process or product into one single, more efficient output. In some cases, combining two innovative ideas can lead to a new product or technology to increase market strength. For example, merging phone technology with digital cameras produced a new revolutionary product in the telecommunications industry. The combine technique discussion can include the following questions:

• Can we merge two steps of the process?
• Can we apply two processes at the same time?
• Can our company combine resources with another partner in the market?
• Can we mix two or more components together?
• Can we combine X and Y technologies?

Adapt refers to a brainstorming discussion that aims to adjust or tweak a product or service for a better output. This adjustment can range from minor changes to radical changes in the whole project. Adaptation is one of the most efficient techniques for solving problems by enhancing the existing system. The adapt technique brainstorming session can include the following questions:

• What would we need to change to reach better results?
• What else could be done in this specific task?
• How can we improve the existing process?
• How can we adjust the existing product?
• How can we make the process more flexible?

Modify, minify or magnify

The modified technique refers to changing the process in a way that unleashes more innovative capabilities or solves problems. This change is more than just an adjustment as it focuses on the overall process. For example, it can target reducing the project’s process or change our perspective of how to look at the problem. The questions asked under this rubric include:

• How will modifying the process improve results?
• What if we had a double consumer base?
• If the market was different, what would the process look like?
• Can we change the process so that it works more efficiently?
• What if the product is double the current size?

Put to another use

This technique concerns how to put the current product or process for another purpose or how to use the existing product to solve problems. For example, this technique can be used to learn how to shift an existing product to another market segment or user type. The questions in this technique can include the following:

• What other parts of the company can use the product?
• What are the benefits of the product if used elsewhere?
• What if we target another market segmentation for the current product?
• Can we add a specific step into the process to replace another?
• What are other ways can we use it?
• Can we recycle the waste for another use?

Eliminate or elaborate

As the name implies, this technique aims to identify the parts of the process that can be eliminated to improve the process product or service. It also helps to explore the unnecessary parts of the project. Questions related to this part include:

• What would happen if we removed this part?
• How can we achieve the same output without a specific part of the project?
• Do we need this specific part?
• What would we do if we had to work with half the resources?

In some situations, unnecessary resources or steps in the process add an extra load to the project’s ability to achieve innovation and creativity. Eliminating these resources extends the ability to innovate and allocates more resources for creativity within organizations.

Finally, the reverse or rearrange technique aims to explore the innovative potential when changing the order of the process in the production line. Reversing the process or part of it can help solve problems or produce more innovative output. The questions in this part include:

• What would happen if we reversed the process?
• How can we rearrange the current status for better output?
• What if we consider it backwards?
• Can we interchange elements?

A good example of this dimension is the return to paper packaging to solve the plastic waste problem. Early in the 20th century, plastic was used as a cheap, reliable packaging material that overcame the paper packaging problem. However, the mass use of plastic packaging had a negative impact on the environment, humans, and living animals. Therefore, we reversed our mindset and returned to paper packaging as a solution to reduce plastic usage.

Download the Free SCAMPER Technique Template

I utilised this method in my classes with several students who successfully used the tool and found it inspiring in design and engineering projects over the last few years. So, I created this template to allow collaborative teams to work together and collect ideas using an interactive PDF. Feel free to use the template below in both commercial and non-commercial projects referring to the source. If you have any questions about using it, feel free to reach me.

Free SCAMPER Technique Template

The SCAMPER technique is one of the effective methods to identify the different solutions for problems without being restricted to a specific direction through exploring solutions from seven different dimensions (S) substitute, (C) combine, (A) adapt, (M) modify, (P) put to another use, (E) eliminate, and (R) reverse. The approach that makes it suitable to utilise in the Develop stage of the Double Diamond design thinking is to explore the different solution prototypes. If you applied the method before or explored it, I would be glad to hear your opinions and feedback about applying it from your perspective.

Bibliography

Eberle, R.F., 1972. Developing imagination through scamper .  Journal of Creative Behavior .

Lopes, R., Malta, P., Mamede, H. and Santos, V., 2020. A Creative Information System Based on the SCAMPER Technique . In  Information Systems: 17th European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern Conference, EMCIS 2020, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 25–26, 2020, Proceedings 17  (pp. 595-606). Springer International Publishing.

Serrat, O. and Serrat, O., 2017. The SCAMPER technique .  Knowledge solutions: tools, methods, and approaches to drive organizational performance , pp.311-314.

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Dr Rafiq Elmansy

As an academic and author, I've had the privilege of shaping the design landscape. I teach design at the University of Leeds and am the Programme Leader for the MA Design, focusing on design thinking, design for health, and behavioural design. I've developed and taught several innovative programmes at Wrexham Glyndwr University, Northumbria University, and The American University in Cairo. I'm also a published book author and the proud founder of Designorate.com, a platform that has been instrumental in fostering design innovation. My expertise in design has been recognised by prestigious organizations. I'm a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the Design Research Society (FDRS), and an Adobe Education Leader. Over the course of 20 years, I've had the privilege of working with esteemed clients such as the UN, World Bank, Adobe, and Schneider, contributing to their design strategies. For more than 12 years, I collaborated closely with the Adobe team, playing a key role in the development of many Adobe applications.

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5 thoughts on “ a guide to the scamper technique for design thinking ”.

Hello sir, I am a teacher in an IB school, I would like to invite you in our school to inspire our students with your knowledge. I hope you don`t mind and accept our invitation. Thanks in advance. Best Regards, Mrs Haydy.

Hi Haydy, I’m sorry for the delay reply. I used to have lots of spam through comments which makes some hard to find. The best way to get in touch is through email [email protected]

Please consider changing the word “adaption” to “adaptation”. Adaption is not a word.

Thanks for the correction, just fixed.

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Guide: SCAMPER Creative Thinking

Author: Daniel Croft

Daniel Croft is an experienced continuous improvement manager with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. With more than ten years of experience applying his skills across various industries, Daniel specializes in optimizing processes and improving efficiency. His approach combines practical experience with a deep understanding of business fundamentals to drive meaningful change.

The SCAMPER technique is a key tool for creative problem-solving It’s a method that encourages divergent thinking, breaking free from cognitive biases to uncover multiple innovative solutions. SCAMPER encourages looking at problems through a new lens, leading to insights that might otherwise be overlooked. This approach doesn’t just seek answers—it reframes the questions. Whether it’s about refining products or revolutionizing services, SCAMPER’s systematic exploration of possibilities—Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse—invigorates the brainstorming process, making it a staple in the toolbox of innovators and continuous improvement enthusiasts alike.

Why Use SCAMPER

The SCAMPER technique is used in various situations due to its simplicity, versatility, and effectiveness in fostering creative thinking. Here’s an in-depth look at why SCAMPER is so widely used and respected:

SCAMPER is great at promoting creative thinking . By using this method for brainstorming, you are encouraging divergent thinking, which is a method of thinking that prompts the generation of multiples to create ideas by exploring many possible solutions. By asking questions that would not normally be considered, SCAMPER pushes us to think outside our habitual patterns.

When brainstorming or trying to come up with new ideas, we can often get trapped in our ways of thinking, which are influenced by our cognitive biases . The SCAMPER method is a guided approach that helps to break down these barriers and encourage new perspectives.

Another benefit of using the SCAMPER method is the approach to solving problems in an innovative way. Something—the issue isn’t the problem itself, but how we perceive the problem. SCAMPER helps to reframe problems by looking at them from different angles, which can often lead to more innovative solutions

By considering various aspects (like substituting components or reversing processes), SCAMPER doesn’t just find one solution; it opens the door to many, which can be adapted according to the situation’s demands.

In a world where the only constant is change, products and services need to be continually improved. SCAMPER provides a systematic approach to considering improvements.

By using SCAMPER, businesses can think about the problem from their customers’ perspectives. Such as what can be eliminated that they don’t value, or what can be adapted to serve their needs better?

SCAMPER is excellent for group brainstorming sessions, as it encourages collaborative thinking. Different people will have different responses to the SCAMPER prompts, enhancing team synergy.

SCAMPER is an acronym, with each letter representing a different way you can spark your creativity:

• S – Substitute
• C – Combine
• P – Put to another use
• E – Eliminate
• R – Reverse

Lets go into each one in a little more detail:

1. Substitute:

The principle of substitution is about replacing elements of a product, process, or service to generate a new perspective or improve efficiency, functionality, or appeal. This creative strategy challenges the status quo and encourages innovative thinking by questioning fundamental aspects that people often take for granted.

Questions to ask:

• “What can be replaced?” challenges the necessity of existing components. It’s about identifying what elements are changeable and considering alternatives that can provide new benefits.
• “Can we use other materials or ingredients?” pushes for exploration beyond current resources. This could lead to discoveries of more sustainable resources, cost-effective materials, or healthier ingredients.
• “Who else can do this?” prompts thinking about human resources or partnerships. It’s about considering if someone else could perform a task more efficiently, bring a fresh perspective, or target a different market segment.

Example: In cooking, substituting ingredients is common, especially for health, availability, or dietary reasons. For instance, using apple sauce instead of sugar not only reduces calories but also adds a new flavor dimension. Similarly, in a business context, substituting a traditional vendor with a tech-driven solution could result in cost savings and efficiency improvements.

2. Combine:

Combining requires you to merge, integrate, or synthesize separate elements, ideas, or processes, leading to an innovative product or idea that has enhanced functionality or appeal. This strategy fosters lateral thinking and helps in achieving synergy.

• “What ideas or elements can be combined?” encourages identifying different components or concepts that, when brought together, create a new product or enhance a service.
• “What can be merged to improve the product or service?” directs focus towards enhancing value, functionality, or appeal. It’s not just about creating something new, but something better and more efficient.

Example: The smartphone is a prime example of successful combination. It amalgamates numerous features (phone, camera, GPS, etc.) into one device, offering unprecedented convenience and functionality. In business, combining marketing efforts with non-competitors (co-marketing) can expand audience reach and save costs.

Adaptation in the SCAMPER model refers to the modification of an existing product, service, or process, taking inspiration from something else to serve a new purpose or function better. It’s about tweaking what’s already there or borrowing from other domains to create something that meets new demands or conditions.

• “What else is like this?” encourages looking at other industries, markets, or areas for ideas that can be adapted to your situation. It’s about recognizing the core characteristics that can be transferred.
• “What other context could it be adapted to?” pushes you to think about different scenarios or markets where your product, service, or process could be relevant. It’s about finding new applications or audiences.
• “Can we change its meaning, color, motion, sound, smell, form, or shape?” This question prompts a deeper exploration into the sensory and physical aspects of the product or service. Minor changes can sometimes lead to a different user experience or open up new use cases.

Example: Drive-through services were initially popularized by fast-food restaurants. However, this model was adapted by various other businesses like banks, pharmacies, and even COVID-19 testing centers. The core concept remained the same, but it was adapted to different contexts and needs, offering convenience and time-saving benefits.

Modification involves altering the existing characteristics of a product, service, or process. Unlike adaptation, which might involve significant changes or shifts in purpose, modification typically involves more subtle shifts or tweaks. It’s about changing the features, size, quantity, or aesthetics to meet different standards or appeal to different senses.

• “Can we change the item’s shape, look, or feel?” This question focuses on the aesthetic or tactile qualities. A change in these characteristics can lead to a different user perception or experience, potentially attracting a different market segment.
• “What can be made larger, smaller, higher, or lower?” This is about proportions and scale. Sometimes, changing the size or extent of something can make it more useful, efficient, or desirable.

Example: Automobile manufacturers continually modify cars to improve functionality and appeal. Changes in design lines make them more aerodynamic; alterations in engine size can improve fuel efficiency; enhancements in materials can improve safety. These modifications, though they might seem minor individually, can drastically improve the product’s overall performance and marketability.

5. Put to another use:

This strategy involves thinking about existing products, services, or processes in new contexts or applications beyond their original purpose. It’s about finding new uses for existing items, thereby extending their lifecycle, reaching different audiences, or solving diverse problems.

• “Can the product be used for something else?” This prompts you to think beyond the initial purpose of the product. By considering different functions, you may discover untapped potential or new markets.
• “Can we use this in another industry or area of life?” This question encourages crossing industry boundaries. Something standard in one area could revolutionize another.

Example: Baking soda is a prime example. While initially used as a leavening agent for baking, its properties make it effective as a cleaning agent, deodorizer, and even a fire extinguisher. This versatility is not just convenient; it’s also sustainable, as one product replaces many.

6. Eliminate:

Elimination is about simplification for efficiency and clarity. It involves removing elements, steps, features, or complexities that may be superfluous, thereby making the product, service, or process leaner and more user-friendly.

• “What can be taken away or removed?” Here, the focus is on identifying components or steps that don’t add value which are those that could be removed without compromising the function or appeal.
• “Will simplifying it make it better?” This question challenges the notion that ‘more is better.’ Often, simplification enhances user experience, reduces costs, or clarifies the purpose.

Example: The evolution of gadgets shows the power of elimination. Early mobile phones had physical buttons, bulky bodies, and limited functions. Over time, manufacturers eliminated physical buttons, creating sleek, touch-screen devices that are more intuitive to use and offer a multitude of functions beyond calling.

7. Reverse:

Reversal challenges the established order of things, questioning preconceived notions about the sequence, hierarchy, or directionality inherent in a product, service, or process. It’s about turning things upside down or inside out and seeing what new perspectives emerge.

• “What if we do it the other way around?” encourages thinking about what would happen if the order of things were reversed. This can lead to insights about assumptions that are taken for granted.
• “Can roles be reversed?” prompts thinking about flipping roles in the context of the service, product, or process. This can lead to innovative changes in dynamics and relationships.

Example: The shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online platforms is a clear example of reversal in business models. Instead of customers coming to the store, the store comes to the customer. This fundamental shift has revolutionized retail, offering unprecedented convenience to consumers and global reach for businesses.

How to Use SCAMPER:

Define the Problem or Objective: Start with a clear understanding of the problem you’re addressing or the idea you wish to develop. This clarity is crucial for maintaining focus and ensuring that your creative efforts are directed effectively.

Select a Focus: SCAMPER can be applied to various aspects of a product, service, or process. Decide whether you’re focusing on the functionality, design, delivery method, or another aspect. This decision will guide the subsequent brainstorming process.

Ask Questions: Utilize the questions associated with each SCAMPER element (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) to challenge assumptions and stimulate creative thinking. The questions are designed to push you beyond conventional thinking patterns.

Visualize the Outcome: As you work through the SCAMPER questions, try to visualize the result of implementing each suggestion. How would the product function? What would the user experience be? This helps in assessing the feasibility and potential impact of each idea.

Evaluate and Refine: After the brainstorming session, you’ll likely have a host of new ideas. Evaluate them in terms of feasibility, desirability, and viability. Some ideas may be combined to create more robust solutions, while others may be discarded. The refinement process is about honing the raw ideas into practical, actionable solutions.

By systematically applying SCAMPER, you challenge the status quo, harnessing the power of creative thinking to drive innovation. This method is not about wild guesses but structured, strategic questioning that can lead to breakthrough ideas. Whether you’re improving a product, service, or process, or pioneering something entirely new, SCAMPER can be a powerful tool in your creative arsenal.

Example of SCAMPER in use

The problem:.

Despite rigorous marketing efforts, the latest eco-friendly household cleaner launched by GreenClean Inc. has seen lackluster sales. The product’s benefits and green credentials are not effectively reaching the target demographic of environmentally conscious consumers, leading to poor market penetration and underwhelming shelf presence in comparison to established chemical-based cleaning brands.

SCAMPER Brainstorming:

Substitute:

• Substitute traditional advertising with influencer marketing, partnering with eco-conscious social media influencers to reach the target audience.
• Replace generic marketing messages with targeted stories of real-life usage and benefits.
• Combine the cleaner with reusable, sustainable cleaning accessories as a package deal to increase perceived value.
• Merge efforts with non-competitive brands that have already established trust within the eco-friendly community.
• Adapt successful marketing strategies from other successful green products that have a strong online presence.
• Look at other industries, like organic food or sustainable fashion, and adapt their outreach strategies.
• Modify the packaging to be more eye-catching with clear eco-friendly messages and certifications.
• Tweak the product formulation to include locally-sourced ingredients, which could appeal more to the target market.

Put to another use:

• Market the cleaner as a multi-purpose product suitable for a range of cleaning needs, not just a single use.
• Encourage customers to use the empty cleaner containers for DIY projects, promoting a zero-waste lifestyle.
• Eliminate complex jargon in marketing materials to make the message more accessible.
• Cut down the number of product variations to focus on the bestsellers and simplify consumer choices.
• Reverse the sales approach by setting up pop-up shops or attending eco-friendly fairs instead of selling in conventional stores.
• Instead of the company reaching out to consumers, create a campaign that invites consumers to share their own stories and reasons for choosing eco-friendly products.

By applying the SCAMPER method, we can develop a range of innovative strategies to improve the market presence and appeal of GreenClean Inc.’s eco-friendly cleaner.

SCAMPER guides thinkers through a systematic exploration of creative avenues. This methodology, embracing seven distinct strategies, transcends conventional brainstorming, encouraging individuals and teams to substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to another use, eliminate, and reverse their way to groundbreaking ideas. Its beauty lies in its universal applicability, proving valuable in diverse situations, from product development to educational learning strategies.

By challenging the norm, questioning the familiar, and dismantling cognitive boundaries, SCAMPER fosters an environment where creativity thrives and solutions emerge. As we navigate an ever-evolving landscape, tools like SCAMPER become not just beneficial, but essential in crafting the innovative responses required in the face of relentless change.

• Serrat, O. and Serrat, O., 2017. The SCAMPER technique.   Knowledge solutions: tools, methods, and approaches to drive organizational performance , pp.311-314.
• Eberle, B., 1996.  Scamper on: Games for imagination development . Prufrock Press Inc..

Q: What does SCAMPER stand for?

A: SCAMPER is an acronym where each letter stands for an action verb that serves as a prompt for creative thinking: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. These prompts help individuals or groups improve existing products, services, or processes or generate new ideas.

Q: Can SCAMPER be used in any industry or field?

A: Absolutely. The SCAMPER technique is versatile and can be applied in virtually any industry or field, whether it’s manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, or the arts. Its universality lies in its ability to foster creative thinking and problem-solving, skills that are valuable in any domain.

Q: Do I need any special training to use SCAMPER?

A: No, special training is not required to use SCAMPER. However, familiarity with the technique and practice using it can enhance its effectiveness. The key is to understand what each element of the acronym stands for and to learn to apply the principles effectively to various problems or topics.

Q: Can SCAMPER be used for group brainstorming sessions?

A: Yes, SCAMPER is an excellent tool for group brainstorming. It encourages collaborative thinking and can generate a diverse range of ideas by combining the unique perspectives of each group member. The structured approach of SCAMPER helps maintain focus and ensures that a variety of aspects are considered.

Q: How is SCAMPER different from other brainstorming techniques?

A: SCAMPER is unique because it provides specific strategies (as denoted by each letter of the acronym) for evolving an idea or solving a problem. While many brainstorming techniques rely on free association or unstructured thinking, SCAMPER imposes a framework that guides the brainstorming process in a comprehensive manner, ensuring a thorough exploration of possible improvements or alternatives.

Daniel Croft

Hi im Daniel continuous improvement manager with a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and over 10 years of real-world experience across a range sectors, I have a passion for optimizing processes and creating a culture of efficiency. I wanted to create Learn Lean Siigma to be a platform dedicated to Lean Six Sigma and process improvement insights and provide all the guides, tools, techniques and templates I looked for in one place as someone new to the world of Lean Six Sigma and Continuous improvement.

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SCAMPER Method: Detailed Everything-You-Need-to-Know Guide

Creativity and innovation are the backbones of successful business strategies, demanding effective techniques that keep ideas flowing. Enter the SCAMPER method, a powerful tool designed to spark creativity and encourage innovation. 

This method provides a structured approach to creative problem-solving, making it an essential part of product development strategies. By integrating the SCAMPER method into your brainstorming methods, you can transform ordinary ideas into groundbreaking solutions. 

This blog will explore how the SCAMPER method works and how it can be applied across various industries to foster innovation and solve complex challenges. Whether you’re looking to improve a product, service, or process, understanding and applying the principles of SCAMPER can lead to remarkable outcomes. 

Let’s dive into the mechanics of this technique and see how it can enhance your creative toolkit.

What is the SCAMPER Method?

The SCAMPER method stands as a cornerstone of innovation techniques, offering a systematic approach to generating novel ideas. Originating in the mid-20th century, SCAMPER provides a mnemonic to guide users through a series of thought experiments that facilitate creative problem-solving. 

Each letter in “SCAMPER” represents a different tactic: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. These prompts help innovators dissect and reconstruct ideas, products, or services in unique ways.

Understanding SCAMPER starts with recognizing its flexibility across different contexts—from product development strategies to marketing and beyond. This method not only refines existing ideas but also uncovers new opportunities. 

By systematically questioning every aspect of an object or process, the SCAMPER method serves as an essential tool within brainstorming methods. It pushes teams to explore beyond obvious solutions and uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden.

As we dive deeper into each element of the SCAMPER acronym, we will explore how each strategy can revolutionize the approach to problems and ideation, ensuring dynamic and innovative results.

Benefits of Using the SCAMPER Method

The SCAMPER method serves as a pivotal approach within creative problem solving, enabling innovators and teams across industries to refine and revolutionize their product development strategies. This section explores the compelling advantages of incorporating SCAMPER into your brainstorming methods.

1. Enhances Creative Thinking

Utilizing the SCAMPER method stimulates creative insights and encourages out-of-the-box thinking. By challenging conventional ideas through questions like “What can be substituted?” or “How might we reverse this process?”, teams can uncover innovative solutions that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

This systematic inquiry into all aspects of a product or process ensures a thorough exploration of potential improvements and innovations.

2. Streamlines Development Processes

In product development, efficiency and speed are critical. SCAMPER promotes both by encouraging the elimination of superfluous elements and the simplification of processes. 

This not only speeds up the development cycle but also reduces costs associated with production and iteration. For instance, by asking “What can be eliminated?”, companies can identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality.

3. Facilitates Diverse Problem Solving

The diverse techniques embedded in the SCAMPER method equip teams with multiple angles from which to tackle a problem. Whether it’s adapting existing solutions to new markets or combining features to create a new product, SCAMPER ensures that all possibilities are considered. 

This breadth in thinking supports comprehensive innovation techniques and helps businesses stay ahead in competitive environments.

4. Promotes Continuous Innovation

By continuously questioning and reevaluating products and services, SCAMPER instills a culture of constant improvement. This aspect is crucial for maintaining relevance and driving ongoing innovation in any industry. 

Regularly applying SCAMPER strategies can lead businesses to discover novel uses for existing products or to develop new products that meet evolving market demands.

Summing up, the SCAMPER method is not just a tool for generating ideas; it’s a strategic ally in optimizing and expanding business capabilities. Its application spans various contexts, providing substantial benefits from enhanced creativity to streamlined operations and innovative product offerings. 

In the next sections, we’ll delve into each SCAMPER technique, providing actionable insights and practical examples to illustrate how they can be effectively applied.

Detailed Guide to Each SCAMPER Technique

The SCAMPER method is a versatile toolkit for creative problem solving that facilitates innovation across various aspects of product development and business strategy. Here’s an in-depth look at each of the SCAMPER techniques, demonstrating how they can enhance brainstorming methods and innovation techniques.

1. Substitute

The first step, “Substitute,” challenges us to think about what elements within a product or process can be replaced to improve functionality or reduce costs . For example, substituting sugar with stevia in food products not only caters to health-conscious consumers but also diversifies the market reach. 

This technique prompts questions like, “What materials or resources can we substitute to offer a greener product?” or “What part of our service could be replaced with a digital alternative?”

“Combine” explores the possibilities of merging different aspects of products, services, or processes to create something new and more valuable . An example is combining GPS technology with fitness tracking in smartwatches, enhancing the appeal and utility of wearable devices. 

Key questions here include, “Can we combine our product with another to enhance its features?” or “What processes can be merged to streamline operations?”

Adaptation is about tweaking something existing to fit a new use or purpose , which is crucial in sectors like technology and fashion. By asking, “How can this product be adapted to serve another market?” businesses can extend the lifecycle of their products. 

For instance, adapting traditional watches with smart technology to develop smartwatches has tapped into the tech-savvy consumer base.

“Modify” or “Magnify” involves changing the size, form, or attributes of a product to unveil new uses or markets. This could mean scaling down technology for portable devices or enhancing features to serve more demanding applications. 

Questions to consider are, “What can be added to make this product more functional?” or “How can modifying the design improve the user experience?”

5. Put to Another Use

This technique encourages looking at products in a new light, identifying other contexts or applications where they could be beneficial. For instance, using coffee grounds as a gardening compost material not only recycles waste but also provides an eco-friendly product option. 

Queries might include, “In what other industries could our product be useful?” or “How can this tool be used in an unexpected way?”

6. Eliminate

Simplifying products by eliminating unnecessary parts can lead to cost reductions and improved user experiences . This involves asking, “What features can be removed without sacrificing quality?” or “Are there redundant processes in our operations that we can eliminate?”

Finally, “Reverse” looks at flipping the order of operations or rethinking the direction of processes . This could mean altering the flow of a manufacturing line for efficiency or considering a different approach to consumer interaction. 

The guiding question here could be, “What if we reverse the workflow?” or “Can reversing the product’s components create a new user experience?”

By systematically applying each SCAMPER technique, organizations can uncover innovative solutions and substantial improvements in their offerings, ensuring they remain competitive and responsive to market needs. 

Each technique opens up a spectrum of possibilities, driving forward-thinking and creativity in business strategies.

Here are some of the example questions that can be formed in each step of using the SCAMPER method:

Implementing SCAMPER in Various Industries

The SCAMPER method enhances creative problem solving and innovation techniques across a range of industries. This versatile approach boosts product development strategies and refines brainstorming methods. Here’s how different sectors apply SCAMPER to innovate and improve their products and services.

1. Technology

Tech companies leverage the SCAMPER method to evolve continuously. They may adapt user interfaces to improve accessibility for disabled users, combining AI and predictive analytics to enhance user experience. An example is modifying smartphone software to include voice-activated commands, making devices more accessible and increasing market reach.

2. Healthcare

Healthcare institutions apply SCAMPER to develop new medical devices and optimize patient care. For instance, they might substitute traditional materials in medical devices with biocompatible alternatives to reduce rejection rates. Another application is combining diagnostic tools into single, portable units, which simplifies the logistics of patient care and reduces costs.

3. Education

Educational professionals use SCAMPER to transform teaching methodologies and learning environments. Adapting classroom layouts to facilitate collaborative learning or substituting traditional textbooks with interactive e-books can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. These adaptations often lead to more personalized and effective educational experiences.

Retailers apply SCAMPER to refine customer interactions and store operations. They might eliminate slow-moving stock through innovative promotions or modify store layouts to enhance the shopping experience. For example, reversing the placement of high-demand items to the back of the store can increase exposure to lesser-seen products, boosting overall sales.

5. Manufacturing

Manufacturers use SCAMPER to increase efficiency and sustainability. Modifying production processes to recycle waste products or combining multiple assembly processes into a streamlined operation are common applications. These changes not only improve efficiency but also reduce environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals.

By adapting the SCAMPER method to their specific needs, organizations across these sectors not only solve existing problems but also identify new opportunities for growth and innovation. This method’s flexibility and broad applicability make it an invaluable tool in the arsenal of any industry looking to stay competitive and innovative.

Tools and Resources to Facilitate SCAMPER Sessions

Effective implementation of the SCAMPER method requires the right tools and resources. These facilitate creative problem solving, enhance innovation techniques, and support comprehensive brainstorming methods. Here’s what can help:

1. Digital Tools

• Mind Mapping Software: Tools like Miro and MindMeister allow teams to visualize ideas. They help in connecting the dots between SCAMPER techniques and potential innovations.
• Digital Whiteboards: Platforms like Mural provide a virtual space where teams can collaborate in real-time, crucial for remote brainstorming sessions.
• Prototyping Software: Tools like Adobe XD and Sketch empower users to quickly turn SCAMPER ideas into testable prototypes, accelerating the feedback loop.

2. Workshops and Courses

• SCAMPER Workshops: Specific sessions focused on the SCAMPER method can sharpen your team’s skills. These are often part of larger creativity workshops.
• Online Courses: Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer courses on creative thinking and product innovation that include SCAMPER as a core topic.

3. Books and Guides

• “ Thinkertoys ” by Michael Michalko: This book offers a variety of creative strategies, including SCAMPER, with practical examples.
• SCAMPER User Guides: These downloadable guides provide step-by-step instructions and are often available through educational and professional development sites.

4. Templates

• SCAMPER Templates : Available in formats like PDFs or editable documents, these templates provide a structured format for conducting SCAMPER sessions. They ensure that all aspects of the method are covered.

These tools and resources are essential for maximizing the benefits of the SCAMPER method. They not only streamline the process but also enhance the depth and breadth of the brainstorming sessions. With the right support, any team can turn ordinary ideas into extraordinary innovations.

Common Challenges and Solutions When Using the SCAMPER Method

Implementing the SCAMPER method effectively enhances creative problem solving and innovation techniques across various projects. Despite its potential, some teams face obstacles that can stifle its effectiveness. Here’s how to tackle these issues with practical solutions:

1. Overwhelm by Complexity

Solution: Structure brainstorming sessions to focus on one SCAMPER element at a time. This keeps discussions clear and directed, preventing cognitive overload. For example, start a session with ‘Substitute’, then progress to ‘Combine’ in subsequent meetings. This allows for deeper focus and more thorough exploration of each area.

2. Lack of Participation

Solution: Foster a more inclusive environment by using facilitation techniques that engage every participant. Assign roles such as idea recorder, timekeeper, or discussion leader to ensure active participation. Rotate these roles to give everyone a sense of ownership and a voice in the process.

3. Idea Saturation

Solution: When the team hits a creative block, introduce external stimuli such as competitor analysis, customer feedback, or different industry case studies. This can provide fresh perspectives and reignite the ideation process.

4. Difficulty in Implementation

Solution: Use a prioritization grid to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of ideas generated through SCAMPER. This helps in selecting the most viable solutions to develop further. Techniques like weighted scoring or impact-effort matrices can be particularly effective here.

5. Resistance to New Ideas

Solution: Build a culture that values experimentation and learning from failures. Regularly share examples of successful innovations that initially faced skepticism. This helps normalize the discomfort associated with change and encourages a more open mindset towards unconventional ideas.

By addressing these challenges with targeted strategies, teams can maximize the benefits of the SCAMPER method, leading to more effective product development strategies and brainstorming methods. This proactive approach ensures that the creative potential of SCAMPER is fully realized, driving meaningful innovation and problem-solving.

The SCAMPER method has established itself as a cornerstone of creative problem-solving and innovation techniques. Its structured approach revitalizes brainstorming methods and enriches product development strategies across various industries. By exploring each of the SCAMPER elements, teams can uncover hidden opportunities and drive significant innovations.

Using the SCAMPER method empowers teams to challenge conventional thinking and transform ordinary ideas into extraordinary solutions. Whether refining a product, enhancing a service, or overhauling a process, SCAMPER provides the tools needed to think creatively and act decisively.

As businesses continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, adopting flexible and dynamic approaches like SCAMPER is essential for staying competitive. It encourages continuous learning and adaptation, which are key to sustained success.

Embrace the SCAMPER method to unlock your team’s creative potential and catalyze innovation in your projects. By systematically questioning and reimagining your approach, you can achieve remarkable outcomes that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

What does SCAMPER stand for?

SCAMPER is an acronym where each letter stands for a different strategy used in brainstorming and creative thinking:

• Modify (or Magnify)
• Put to another use

How can the SCAMPER method enhance creative problem solving?

The SCAMPER method prompts individuals and teams to challenge existing assumptions and explore alternative ways to enhance a product or process. By systematically considering changes through the lenses of the seven SCAMPER techniques, teams can uncover innovative solutions that might not be immediately obvious.

Can the SCAMPER method be applied in any industry?

Yes, the SCAMPER method is versatile and can be applied across various industries, including technology, education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. It helps teams rethink products, processes, and services, regardless of the sector, to drive innovation and improvement.

What are some practical tools to use with the SCAMPER method?

Tools such as mind mapping software (e.g., MindMeister, Miro), digital whiteboards (e.g., Mural), and prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe XD, Sketch) are useful in organizing and visualizing ideas generated through SCAMPER. These tools support collaborative and creative exploration, making it easier to apply the SCAMPER techniques in a team setting.

What should be done if the SCAMPER method doesn’t yield immediate results?

It’s important to remember that creativity can sometimes require patience and persistence. If immediate results aren’t forthcoming, consider taking a break and revisiting the ideas later, seeking feedback from others, or even switching the focus of which SCAMPER techniques are being applied to ensure a comprehensive exploration of all possible angles.

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The SCAMPER Technique for Creative Problem Solving

Posted in Blog , Create , Design Thinking , Facilitation , Virtual Facilitation by Jo North

Introducing the SCAMPER Technique for Creative Problem Solving

In a world that is constantly evolving, the ability to think creatively and solve problems in innovative ways has become more crucial than ever. That’s where the SCAMPER technique comes in.

This powerful tool, coined by Alexander Osborn, and later Bob Eberle , offers a structured approach to thinking outside the box and generating fresh ideas. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to develop groundbreaking products or a marketer seeking unique ways to promote your brand, the SCAMPER technique can be a game-changer.

By breaking down different aspects of a problem, SCAMPER invites you to Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse your thinking. This comprehensive guide will delve into each step of the SCAMPER technique, providing practical examples and tips to help you unlock your creative potential. You’ll also find some more advanced tips and ideas for facilitating group brainstorming sessions with SCAMPER.

Get ready to level-up your problem-solving skills and ideate a world of possibilities with SCAMPER.

What is the SCAMPER technique?

The SCAMPER technique is a creative problem-solving method that encourages individuals to think differently and generate innovative solutions. Each letter in the acronym stands for a different aspect of the technique: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. By systematically applying these seven strategies, individuals and teams can explore new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and come up with unique ideas.

The first step in implementing the SCAMPER technique is to clearly define the problem at hand . Once you have a clear understanding of the problem, you can begin applying the different components of SCAMPER to stimulate creativity and generate new ideas. Let’s take a closer look at each element of the SCAMPER technique and how it can be used to approach problem-solving from a fresh perspective.

Understanding the components of SCAMPER

S – substitute.

The first component of the SCAMPER technique is Substitute. This involves replacing one element or component of a problem with something else. By considering alternative options, you can challenge conventional thinking and uncover new possibilities. For example, if you’re trying to improve the packaging of a product, you could substitute traditional materials with more sustainable alternatives. This simple substitution could not only enhance the overall sustainability of the product but also differentiate it from competitors in the market.

C – Combine

The next component of SCAMPER is Combine. This step involves merging different elements or ideas to create something new. By combining unrelated concepts, you can generate innovative solutions that may not have been considered before. For instance, if you’re a restaurant owner looking to attract more customers, you could combine the concept of a traditional cafe with a bookstore to create a unique and cozy reading cafe. This combination not only provides customers with a relaxing environment to enjoy their favorite books but also offers a delicious menu for them to indulge in.

A – Adapt

The third component of SCAMPER is Adapt. This involves making modifications or adjustments to an existing idea or product to better suit a specific context or purpose. By adapting existing solutions, you can cater to different needs and target new markets. For example, if you’re a software developer looking to create a mobile app, you could adapt an existing desktop application to make it more user-friendly and compatible with mobile devices. This adaptation allows you to tap into the growing market of smartphone users and expand your customer base.

M – Modify

The Modify component of SCAMPER focuses on making changes or alterations to an existing idea or product. This step encourages individuals to think critically about how they can improve upon existing solutions. By making modifications, you can enhance functionality, aesthetics, or overall performance. For instance, if you’re a car manufacturer looking to design a more eco-friendly vehicle, you could modify the engine system to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. This modification not only aligns with the growing demand for sustainable transportation but also positions your brand as an industry leader in environmental consciousness.

P – Put to another use

The Put to another use component of SCAMPER challenges individuals to explore alternative applications or purposes for an existing idea or product. By thinking outside the box, you can uncover new markets or uses that may have been overlooked. For example, if you’re a clothing designer struggling to find sustainable materials for your designs, you could consider repurposing discarded fabrics or materials to create unique upcycled garments. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides customers with one-of-a-kind pieces that align with their values.

E – Eliminate

The Eliminate component of SCAMPER encourages individuals to identify and remove unnecessary elements or steps from a process or solution. By eliminating nonessential components, you can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. For instance, if you’re a software developer working on a new app, you could eliminate complex registration forms and opt for a simpler social media login option. This elimination not only simplifies the user experience but also reduces barriers to entry and increases user adoption.

R – Reverse

The final component of SCAMPER is Reverse. This step involves flipping the perspective or approach to a problem. By considering the opposite or reverse of a conventional solution, you can challenge assumptions and uncover unique insights. For example, if you’re a marketing manager looking to promote a new product, you could reverse the traditional approach of targeting a broad audience and instead focus on a niche market. This reversal allows you to tailor your messaging and marketing efforts to a specific group, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

Applying the SCAMPER technique to real-life scenarios

Now that we have a solid understanding of each component of the SCAMPER technique, let’s explore how it can be applied to real-life scenarios.

Example 1: Product Innovation

Let’s say you’re an entrepreneur looking to develop a groundbreaking product. By applying the SCAMPER technique, you can unlock new possibilities and differentiate yourself from competitors. Here’s how each component of SCAMPER can be used:

– Substitute: Consider alternative materials or technologies to improve the performance or sustainability of your product.

– Combine: Merge different features or functions to create a unique product that caters to multiple needs.

– Adapt: Modify an existing product to suit a specific target market or context.

– Modify: Make improvements or alterations to an existing product to enhance its functionality or aesthetics.

– Put to another use: Explore alternative applications or markets for your product to expand its reach.

– Eliminate: Identify and remove unnecessary features or components to simplify the product and reduce costs.

– Reverse: Challenge conventional thinking by considering the opposite or reverse of a traditional solution.

By systematically applying these strategies, you can generate innovative ideas and develop a product that stands out in the market.

Example 2: Marketing Strategy

Now let’s consider a marketer seeking unique ways to promote their brand. By using the SCAMPER technique, you can uncover creative marketing strategies that capture the attention of your target audience. Here’s how each component of SCAMPER can be applied:

– Substitute: Explore alternative advertising channels or mediums to reach a wider audience.

– Combine: Merge different marketing techniques or platforms to create a cohesive and engaging campaign.

– Adapt: Modify your messaging or branding to resonate with a specific demographic or cultural context.

– Modify: Make changes or adjustments to your marketing materials to improve their effectiveness or visual appeal.

– Put to another use: Repurpose existing content or assets to create new marketing materials or campaigns.

– Eliminate: Identify and remove unnecessary marketing activities or channels that yield low ROI.

– Reverse: Challenge traditional marketing norms by adopting unconventional approaches or messaging.

By incorporating these strategies into your marketing efforts, you can create unique and impactful campaigns that set your brand apart.

Tips for using the SCAMPER technique effectively

While the SCAMPER technique is a powerful tool for creative problem-solving, it’s essential to approach it with the right mindset and follow some best practices to maximize its effectiveness. Here are some tips for using the SCAMPER technique effectively:

1. Embrace curiosity and open-mindedness : Approach each component of SCAMPER with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas. Be open to unconventional approaches and perspectives.

2. Collaborate and brainstorm: The SCAMPER technique is even more effective when used as a collaborative tool. Gather a diverse group of individuals and encourage brainstorming sessions to generate a wide range of ideas.

3. Break down the problem: Before applying the SCAMPER technique, ensure you have a clear understanding of the problem at hand. Break it down into its key components to facilitate the application of each SCAMPER strategy.

4. Combine SCAMPER strategies: Don’t limit yourself to using only one SCAMPER strategy at a time. Experiment with combining multiple strategies to generate even more innovative ideas.

5. Iterate and refine: The SCAMPER technique is an iterative process. Continually evaluate and refine your ideas, incorporating feedback and making necessary adjustments along the way.

6. Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, the more you practice using the SCAMPER technique, the better you’ll become at generating creative ideas. Make it a habit to apply SCAMPER to various problems and scenarios, both in your personal and professional life.

How to Facilitate Group Brainstorming Sessions with the SCAMPER technique

As a facilitator , you can use the SCAMPER brainstorming method in different ways for creative problem solving , to catalyze the imagination development of team members, leading to original ideas for new products or improving the current product. Employ SCAMPER as a problem solver for specific problems, allowing team members to explore creative ways of generating ideas. This simple technique can provoke thought-provoking questions, enhance critical thinking, and stimulate new insights.

Remember that like any ideation technique, SCAMPER is a brainstorming process, so no idea is bad at this stage. Encourage a safe space for all contributions, let the creative juices flow, and remember that the best ideas often come from the hard work of refining and iterating.

Here is a variety of other options for you to consider.

SCAMPER to Challenge the Status Quo

Begin your session with a holistic approach to the existing process or current situation. Use the SCAMPER template as a starting point and guide for your team members, asking them to view the problem or product through different lenses. This provides a different perspective and a design thinking approach, challenging the status quo and opening the path for new ways of thinking.

Thomas Edison once said, “There’s a way to do it better – find it.” The same philosophy drives SCAMPER methodology. By using the SCAMPER mnemonic, team members can dig deeper into the product features, its different techniques, and how they can be improved, leading to new things that were not considered before.

Prompt Great Ideation Questions

Use the action verbs from the SCAMPER acronym to prompt different questions, ensuring you cover all elements of the product or parts of the process. The Substitute prompt, for example, can be used to explore how parts of the product can be replaced to achieve a fresh product. Take the digital camera as a great example. Traditional film cameras were substituted with digital technology, giving birth to an entirely new market segment.

The Combine prompt is another powerful part of your process. Like Ray Kroc, who combined fast food with franchising to form the McDonald’s we know today, your team can look for unrelated ideas that, when combined, form a compelling new product or business model. The Combine prompt also serves as an idea manipulation tool, helping team members to look at the problem from different angles.

Focus on the Human Factor

Ensure you adopt a human factor into the design thinking process. The best way to develop a product’s success is to keep your target group in mind at all times. Apple’s decision to introduce the magnetic plug is an effective way to illustrate this. The design idea not only offered utility but also kept user safety at the heart of the innovation.

Use SCAMPER on Specific Elements

Encourage your team to consider different elements of their concept, and identify the most important parts. Breaking down your initial idea into smaller pieces will help your team focus on each design element individually, fostering a different context for each feature, which in turn encourages a thorough examination of the overall process.

Keep Everyone On Track

Lastly, to keep track of these sessions, use PowerPoint presentations or a similar tool to record the progress and the series of questions and ideas that arise. This provides an effective visual aid for team members and keeps the focus sharp. In the end, your role as a facilitator is to steer the creative thinking meeting and ensure that the SCAMPER methodology is followed effectively to derive maximum benefits.

Review the Results

As the process ends, review the results. Remember that SCAMPER isn’t just about creating new products; it is a great way to challenge and improve your existing process. Like any design process, SCAMPER should be part of your concept, consistently pushing boundaries and opening up paths for innovation. This is the beauty of this tool – it offers endless possibilities for any creative problem-solving scenario.

Challenges and limitations of the SCAMPER technique

While the SCAMPER technique is a valuable tool for creative problem-solving, it’s important to be aware of its limitations and potential challenges. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Limited by existing knowledge: The effectiveness of the SCAMPER technique heavily relies on the individual’s knowledge and experiences. If you’re not exposed to a wide range of ideas, it may be challenging to generate truly innovative solutions using SCAMPER alone.

2. Overemphasis on novelty: While the SCAMPER technique encourages thinking outside the box, it’s important not to prioritize novelty at the expense of practicality or feasibility. Ensure that your ideas are not only creative but also viable and aligned with your goals.

3. Lack of structure: The SCAMPER technique is a flexible and open-ended approach, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Some individuals may find it challenging to navigate the absence of a strict structure and may require additional guidance or frameworks.

4. Not a one-size-fits-all solution: The SCAMPER technique may not be suitable for all types of problems or situations. It’s essential to assess the context and consider alternative problem-solving methods that may better align with specific challenges.

The SCAMPER technique is a powerful tool for creative problem-solving, offering a structured approach to thinking outside the box and generating fresh ideas. By applying the Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse prompts, individuals and teams can unlock their creative potential and level-up their problem-solving skills. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, workshop facilitator, or simply someone looking to enhance your creativity, the SCAMPER technique can help you approach problems from new perspectives and uncover innovative solutions. Embrace the SCAMPER technique, break free from conventional thinking, and unleash a world of possibilities.

For more insights and tips on advancing your creative problem solving and facilitation skills, take a look at my articles here, Design Thinking 101 and 10 Top Design Thinking Tips .

About the Author

Founder & CEO of The Big Bang Partnership Ltd & Idea Time. Innovator. Author. Business Coach. International Keynote Speaker & Facilitator. Director Technology & Transformation at Port of Tyne. Leader of the UK’s Maritime 2050 Innovation Hub. Non-Executive Director.  Associate in Business Innovation and Creativity at University of York and Lancaster University.

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Scamper: How to Use the Best Ideation Methods

The SCAMPER method helps you generate ideas for new products and services by encouraging you to ask seven different types of questions, which will help you understand how you can innovate and improve existing products, services, problems and ideas. Here, you’ll learn how to use the method. SCAMPER is surprisingly easy to start using and very efficient in innovation and ideations sessions.

SCAMPER Method

SCAMPER refers to a series of thought sparkers or provocations which help you to innovate on an existing product, service or situation by looking through different lenses . There are seven provocation lenses in the SCAMPER method:

S ubstitute

M odify (Also M agnify and M inify)

P ut to another use

How to Use SCAMPER

First, take an existing product or service. It could be an existing product, service or idea which you want to improve or which could be a great starting point for future development.

Then, simply go down the list and ask questions regarding each of the seven elements. Please see our step-by-step guide below.

Apply the questions to values, benefits, services, touch points, product attributes, pricing, markets and essentially any other related aspect you might be able to think of that has relevance to your ideation needs.

Look at the answers that you came up with. Do any of the answers stand out as viable solutions? Could you use any of them to create a new product, or develop an existing one?

Take the good ideas and explore them further.

Example – McDonald’s

McDonald’s would come to be a larger-than-life household name; it may seem hard to see in the 21st century, but the philosophy behind its ‘formula’ revolutionised the old style of restaurant experience.

Take, for example, McDonald’s founder, Ray Kroc. As he’s already done all the hard work, it’s now easy for us to identify some of the ideas he used in the SCAMPER method:

Put to other uses: Selling restaurants and real estate instead of just simply hamburgers.

Eliminate: Letting customers serve themselves and thereby avoiding the use of expensive waiters.

Rearrange: Having customers pay before they eat.

Step-by-step Guide

Overall, the question to think about here is this: What can I substitute or change in my product, problem or process? You should think about substituting part(s) of your product or process for something else .

Guiding questions:

What can I substitute so as to make an improvement?

How can I substitute the place, time, materials or people?

Can I substitute one part for another or change any parts?

Can I replace someone involved?

Can I change the rules?

Should I change the name?

Can I use other ingredients or materials?

Can I use other processes or procedures?

Can I change its shape, colour , roughness, sound or smell?

Can I use this idea for other projects?

Can I change my feelings or attitude towards it?

Use these instead of starting with: ‘I can ...’

The overall question to think about here is: How can I combine two or more parts of my product, problem, or process so as to achieve a different product, problem, or process to enhance synergy? Creative thinking involves combining previously unrelated ideas, products, or services in order to create something new and innovative.

What ideas, materials, features, processes, people, products, or components can I combine?

Can I combine or merge this or that with other objects?

What can I combine so as to maximize the number of uses?

What can I combine in order to lower the costs of production?

Which materials could I combine?

Where can I build synergy?

Which are the best elements I can bring together so as to achieve a particular result?

Overall, the question you need to think about is: What can I adapt in my product, problem, or process? Think about which parts of the product or process you could adapt so as to solve your problem.

Which part of the product could I change?

Could I change the characteristics of a component?

Can I seek inspiration in other products or processes, but in a different context?

Does the history offer any solutions?

Which ideas could I adapt, copy, or borrow from other people’s products?

What processes should I adapt?

Can I adapt the context or target group?

What can I adapt in this or that way in order to make this result?

Modify (Also Magnify and Minify)

Overall, the question you need to focus on is this: What can I modify or put more or less emphasis on in my product, problem, or process? Can I change the item in some way? Can I change meaning, colour, motion, sound, smell, form, or shape? It’s time to magnify or exaggerate your idea, product, problem, or process—or to minify it. These questions will give you new insights about which components are the most important ones. Think about changing part or all of the current situation or product. Alternatively, distort the product in an unusual way.

What can I magnify or make larger?

What can I tone down or delete?

Could I exaggerate or overstate buttons, colours, size…?

Could I grow the target group?

What can be made higher, bigger, or stronger?

Can I increase its speed or frequency?

Can I add extra features?

How can I add extra value?

What can you remove or make smaller, condensed, lower, shorter or lighter—or streamline, split up or understate?

What can I change in this way or that way so as to achieve such and such a result?

Put to Another Use

The overall question to consider here is this: How can I put the thing to other uses? What are new ways to use the product or service? Can I reach out to other users if I modify the product? Is there another market for the product? It’s time to work out how you may be able to put your current product or idea to other uses and purposes.

What else can it be used for?

How would a child use it?—an older person?

How would people with different disabilities use it?

Which other target group could benefit from this product?

What other kind of user would need or want my product?

Who or what else may be able to use it?

Can it be used by people other than those it was originally intended for?

Are there new ways to use it in its current shape or form?

Would there be other possible uses if I were to modify the product?

How can I reuse something in a certain way by doing what to it?

Your overall question to consider here is: What can I eliminate or simplify in my product, design, or service? Think of what might happen if you were to eliminate, simplify, reduce, or minimise parts of your idea. If you continue to trim your idea, service, or process—you can gradually narrow your challenge down to that part or function that is most important.

What can I remove without altering its function?

Can I reduce time or components?

What would happen if I removed a component or part of it?

Can I reduce effort?

Can I cut costs?

How can I simplify it?

What’s non-essential or unnecessary?

Can I eliminate the rules?

Can I make it smaller?

Can I split my product into different parts?

I can eliminate what by doing what?

Overall, you have to ask yourself this question: How can I change, reorder, or reverse the product or problem? What would I do if I had to do this process in reverse?

What can I rearrange in some way – can I interchange components, the pattern, or the layout?

Can I change the pace or schedule?

What would I do if part of your problem, product or process worked in reverse?

I can rearrange what in what way such that this happens?

Historical Background

Alex Osborn, the originator of the brainstorming method, originally came up with many of the questions used in the SCAMPER technique. However, it was Bob Eberle, an education administrator and author, who organised these questions into the SCAMPER mnemonic .

The Take Away

The SCAMPER method helps you generate ideas for new products and services by encouraging you to ask seven different types of questions, which will help you understand how you can innovate and improve existing products, services, problems and ideas. SCAMPER is an acronym formed from the abbreviation of: S ubstitute, C ombine, A dapt, M odify (Also magnify and minify), P ut to another use , E liminate, and R everse. SCAMPER is a lateral thinking technique which challenges the status quo and helps you explore new possibilities.

You can download and print the template where we’ve described the best practice for the SCAMPER method:

References & Where to Learn More

Hero Image: Author/Copyright holder: Damgood AVLien. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-SA 2.0

SCAMPER – Improving Products and Services .

Luciano Passuello, Creative Problem Solving with SCAMPER

SCAMPER at CreatingMinds.org

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The SCAMPER Technique

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Ideas are not often plucked out of thin air. The SCAMPER brainstorming technique uses a set of directed questions to resolve a problem (or meet an opportunity). It can also turn a tired idea into something new and different.

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In a Word Ideas are not often plucked out of thin air. The SCAMPER brainstorming technique uses a set of directed questions to resolve a problem (or meet an opportunity). It can also turn a tired idea into something new and different.

A problem is a situation, condition, or issue that remains unresolved and makes it difficult to accomplish a desired objective. A problem is perceived when an individual, group, or organization becomes aware of a significant difference between what is desired and what actually is. Trying to find a solution to a problem is known as problem solving .

Problem solving is the process by which a situation is analyzed, a workable solution is determined, and corrective action is taken. The common milestones of problem solving are to:

Define (or clarify) the problem.

Analyze causes.

Generate ideas (identify alternatives).

Weigh up ideas (assess alternatives).

Make a decision (select an alternative).

Determine next steps to implement the solution.

Evaluate whether the problem was solved or not.

Every problem invites a solution and, needless to say, there are numerous problem-solving techniques. Footnote 1 The SCAMPER technique, for one, uses a set of directed, idea-spurring questions to suggest some addition to, or modification of, something that already exists. Footnote 2 It has also received much attention as a learning tool that fosters awareness, drive, fluency, flexibility, and originality. The stimulus comes from being asked to answer queries that one would not normally pose. The changes that SCAMPER stands for are:

S—Substitute (e.g., components, materials, people)

C—Combine (e.g., mix, combine with other assemblies or services, integrate)

A—Adapt (e.g., alter, change function, use part of another element)

M—Magnify/Modify (e.g., increase or reduce in scale, change shape, modify attributes)

P—Put to other uses

E—Eliminate (e.g., remove elements, simplify, reduce to core functionality)

R—Rearrange/Reverse (e.g., turn inside out or upside down)

The SCAMPER Technique is used to produce original ideas. The creative process thrives on preparation, concentration, incubation, illumination, and verification (production testing). In organizations, its fruitful application depends on the existence of an enabling environment. There are, of course, personal blocks Footnote 3 to creativity but these can often be removed. Supervisors who do foster creativity listen, are willing to absorb the risks borne by their subordinates, are comfortable with half-developed ideas, do not dwell on past mistakes, expect subordinates to succeed, capitalize on the strengths of subordinates, enjoy their jobs, and can make quick decisions. They must then help sell ideas to senior management . This involves assessing the “sellability” of ideas Footnote 4 and developing persuasive arguments. Footnote 5

They include Affinity Diagrams (organizing ideas into common themes); the Ansoff Matrix (understanding the different risks of different options); Appreciation (extracting maximum information from facts); Appreciative Inquiry (solving problems by looking at what is going right); the Boston Matrix (focusing effort to give the greatest returns); Brainstorming (generating a large number of ideas for the solution of a problem); Cause-and-Effect Diagrams (identifying the possible causes of problems); Core Competence Analysis (get ahead, stay ahead); Critical Success Factors (identifying the things that really matter for success); the Five Whys Technique (quickly getting to the root of a problem); Flow Charts (understanding how a process works); The Greiner Curve (surviving the crises that come with growth); Lateral Thinking (changing concepts and perception); the Marketing Mix and the 4 Ps (understanding how to position a market offering); the McKinsey 7Ss (making sure that all the parts of an organization work in harmony); PEST (Political, Economic, Sociocultural, and Technological) Analysis (understanding the big picture); Porter's Five Forces (understanding where power lies); the Reframing Matrix (examining problems from distinct viewpoints); Risk Analysis; Systems Diagrams (understanding the way factors affect one another); Root Cause Analysis (identifying the root causes of problems or events); SWOT Analysis (analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats); and USP (Unique Selling Propositions) Analysis (crafting competitive edge).

The principles of the SCAMPER technique were first formally suggested by Alex Osborn and later arranged by Bob Eberle as a mnemonic in 1991 to increase interest in the perceptive, imaginative, and creative abilities of children.

I do not want to look foolish. I do not want to fail. I am not creative. This is not my area (e.g., skill, style, job, etc.). I am not paid to have fun!.

Will the idea work? Will people accept it? Is it timely?

This requires that the proponents relate the idea to a recognized need, appeal to positive values, anticipate objections, get others involved, and advertise their credibility.

Litemind (2015) Creative problem solving with SCAMPER

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WHAT IS SCAMPER?

The SCAMPER idea generation technique is founded on the belief that everything new is an alteration of something already in existence. The term ‘SCAMPER’ is actually an acronym. The full form of the individual letters is given below:

• S – Substitute
• C – Combine
• A – Adapt
• M – Modify
• P – Put to another use
• E – Eliminate
• R – Reverse

These are seven prompts forming a general-purpose checklist that can be utilized to trigger questions pertaining to existing products. Each letter indicates a different manner by which you can play with the features of the object (the product/service) of the challenge for new ideas.

An advertising executive by the name of Alex Osborn, who gained credit with inventing the brainstorming technique , originally thought up a lot of the questions utilized in the technique. Having said that, it was an author and education administrator by the name of Bob Eberle who arranged these questions to form the SCAMPER mnemonic. Answering those questions with the specific situation or problem in mind would help in triggering new ideas.

HOW TO APPLY IT TO YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE

To start with, you should take an existing service or product . This may be a product that you wish to enhance, which you think would be a favorable starting point for later development or which you presently have problems with. You can then pose questions pertaining to the service or product you identified, utilizing the mnemonic for guidance. Brainstorm questions – as many as you can.

Then, you would have to take a look at the answers that were brainstormed. Does any of them appear as practical solutions? Could any of them be utilized to develop a new product or improve an existing one? Should any of the ideas appear to be viable, they can be explored further. The seven steps in the SCAMPER technique are explored in detail in the next paragraphs.

Step 1: “S” for Substitute

Take away a part of the selected thing, concept or situation and replace it with something else. Anything can be an item for substitution. The possibilities include steps in a process, product parts, the people or the place. Substitution is a technique of trial and error, of replacing one object with another till you are able to determine the correct idea.

Some of the kinds of questions you can ask are given below:

• What resources or materials can you swap or substitute to enhance the product?
• What process or product could you utilize?
• Can you utilize other materials or ingredients?
• Can you change its color , sound, smell or roughness?
• Can you modify its shape?
• Which rules can you substitute or change?
• Is it possible to replace someone involved?
• Can you utilize the idea in another place?
• What would happen if you modified your attitude or feelings towards the product?

Trigger words and example:

Some examples of trigger words for ‘Substitution’ are: colorize, alternate, rename, proxy, reposition, stand in, replace, surrogate, fill in, relieve and repackage.

An example for ‘Substitution’ would be Boeing utilizing new composites in their aircraft so that they are lighter and fuel efficient to a greater degree.

Step 2: “C” for Combine

The next step is to contemplate combining elements of the situation or problem you’re facing so as think up something new. This is in line with the view of many creativity experts that creativity has to do with combining already existing things in a fresh way.

So join, force together or affiliate two or more elements pertaining to your subject matter and contemplate routes by which such a combination could possibly take you to a solution.

Some questions:

• What parts, ideas or materials could be possibly combined?
• What could they be combined with to optimize uses?
• What could be the result of combining the product in question with another, to develop something new?
• What could be the result of combining objectives or purposes?
• How to combine resources and talent to develop a new way of thinking directed at the product?
• Can different elements be combined to enhance it?

Some examples of trigger words for ‘Combine’ are: become one, bring together, come together, conjoin, intermix, link, mingle, package, unite, amalgamate, link, relate, and commingle.

The Gutenberg printing press is a great example of something that was the product of “combining.” Gutenberg came up with the movable type printing press by way of combining a coin punch with the grape press mechanism.

Step 3: “A” for Adapt

Think if there’s a solution for another problem that you may mold to suit your situation.

• Is there a solution you can take from somewhere else and mold it to suit this one?
• Is there a similarity between the current situation and something else?
• Is there another context you can position your product in?
• What or who could you imitate to adapt this product to fulfill another use or purpose?
• What else does the product resemble?
• What other ideas or products can you utilize for inspiration?
• Are there any ideas outside your field that you can incorporate?

Some examples of trigger words for ‘Adapt’ are: acclimatize, adopt, alter, become, accustomed, change, conceptualize, emulate, find your fit, get a feel for, incorporate, match, readjust, revise, settle in, vary, amend, bend, conform, familiarize, make suitable, refashion, transform, revise, modify.

Facebook was created for laptop and desktop browsers but rapidly adapted for utilization on mobile phones.

Step 4: “M” for Modify/Magnify

Pose a question to yourself about which ideas you can produce if you magnify or modify your situation or problem. Magnifying parts of or the whole of your idea may enhance its perceived worth or furnish fresh insight pertaining to which components are most significant.

Modify questions:

• Can you change an aspect of your process or product to enhance it?
• Can you think of any ways to modify the shape, feel, appearance, color or form of your product?
• What can you add to change this product?
• What can you highlight or emphasize to produce more value?
• What aspect of the product can you make stronger to develop something new?
• What would happen if you modified the process in some way?
• Is there a fresh twist?

Magnify questions:

• Is there anything you can make bigger, higher or larger?
• What can you overstate or exaggerate?
• Can you increase the frequency?
• What can you duplicate? Is it possible to create multiple copies?
• Is it possible to include additional features or otherwise add extra value?
• What would be the outcome of exaggerating a component?
• Is it possible to raise the price by increasing value?

Some examples of trigger words for ‘Modify/Magnify’ are: amplify, boost, expand, grow, increase, lengthen, multiply, overstress, strengthen, augment, enlarge, heighten, raise and stretch out.

Fancy hands altered the virtual assistant model by developing a system to facilitate an expansive distributed team to cope with the tasks, rather than making all to be seated in an office.

Step 5: “P” for Put to another use

Contemplate how you can put your current idea to different uses or what could be reused from elsewhere so as to fix your own problem. Frequently, an idea only turns out to be great when applied in a different manner than first imagined.

Modify the goal of the subject. Contemplate why it exists, its purpose of use and what it is assumed to do. Confront all of these suppositions and propose new and strange purposes.

A classical manifestation of this step is to discover a substitute market for a manufactured good when a specific market dries up, or to find a new buyer following the termination of the agreement with one buyer.

• Is it possible to utilize this product elsewhere, maybe in another industry?
• Who else can utilize this product?
• Would this product function differently in a different setting?
• Is it possible to recycle the product’s waste to create something new?
• What else could it be utilized for?
• How could a child or older person utilize it?
• Is it possible for people other than the intended target market to be able to use it?
• Can you utilize this idea in an alternative place?
• Can people with various disabilities utilize it?
• Are there other ways to utilize it in its present form and shape?
• Could it be utilized in another context?
• Can you utilize this idea in other industries or markets?
• Would the manufactured good work in different places?
• If you didn’t know anything about it, would you be able to comprehend the objective of this idea/product?
• Is there some other problem that your product may be a solution for?
• What are the many diverse ways that the product finds use?

Some examples of trigger words for ‘Put to another Use’ are: abuse, avail yourself of, bring into play, deplete, employ, exercise, expand, get through, luxuriate, manage, mistreat, reposition, spend, take pleasure in, use up, waste, work, apply, behave, contextualize, employ, exhaust, handle, take advantage of, utilize, work, wear out and treat.

Food waste from grocery stores and restaurants would usually end up in landfills, and putrefy. However, Ecoscraps converts food waste into compost. This is a good example of putting something to another use.

Step 6: “E” for Eliminate (or Minify)

Contemplate what would happen if you eliminated components or elements of your idea or if you minimized, reduced or simplified aspects of it. By way of repeated elimination or trimming of ideas, processes and objects, it is possible to steadily constrict your challenge to that function or part of the most significance.

Some questions :

• How can you simplify or streamline this product?
• What can you tone down or understate?
• What components can be taken out without changing function?
• What would be the outcome should you take away a component of the product? What would replace the component/part?
• Is it possible to eliminate the rules?
• What features, rules or parts can you eliminate? Or can you remove extraneous details?
• How can you minimize cost, effort or time?
• How can you make it lighter, faster, smaller or more fun?
• What is unnecessary or non-essential?
• Should you break it into different parts?

Some examples of trigger words for ‘Eliminate (or Minify)’ are: abolish, curb, disregard, eradicate, excrete, exterminate, jettison, lessen, liquidate, moderate, pass, purge, reject, restraint, simplify, throw out, underemphasize, wipe out, control, destroy, exclude, temper and waste.

Microsoft invented Windows 8 to do away with requiring a mouse.

Step 7: “R” for Rearrange or Reverse

Rearrange – Contemplate whether you can do some kind of rearranging whether changing the sequence, pattern or layout; interchanging components; changing schedule; changing pace; or interchanging cause and effect. Contemplate changing the order of processes or other hierarchy involved.

Reverse – Contemplate what you would do if a portion of your process/product/ probortunity was done or worked in another order, or in reverse. Reverse the orientation or direction. Turn it inside-out, upside-down, or backwards – just make it go against the direction it was meant to be used or to proceed.

• Can you interchange components?
• Can you transpose cause and effect?
• Can you transpose negatives and positives?
• Can you interchange the patterns or layout?
• What is the best way to interchange the patterns or layout?
• What other sequence, layout or patterns can you use? Can you think of any?
• Can you modify the schedule of delivery or pace?
• How can you reorganize this product?
• Can you modify the order of steps in your process?
• What other arrangement may be better?
• What would be the outcome of process reversal?
• What if you turned it upside down?
• How can you reverse roles?
• Can you rearrange or reverse the concept you already have?
• What if you engaged in the exact opposite of what you originally intended?
• How could you accomplish the opposite effect?

Some examples of trigger words for ‘Rearrange’ or ‘Reverse’ are: adjourn, back up, change, drive backward, invalidate, move backward, overturn, put off, readjust, relocate, reorder, repeal, reschedule, retreat, switch, turn around, withdraw, annul, delay, postpone, quash, rearrange, reposition, swap and undo.

Lyft and Uber have rearranged the process by which people search for a taxi. The latter don’t really have to search for one – they just order a ride using their application.

Every bicycle has typically the following components: Pedals, Frame, Chain, Drive Sprocket, Tires, Handlebars, and Brakes. When the SCAMPER technique would be applied to a bicycle, the ideas below, for improving it, could be generated:

• Pedal grips that strap for the feet to be better secured
• Frames of a much lighter weight founded on new materials
• Stronger chains having special clamps to make changing easier
• Better derailleur gears for the rear sprocket
• New materials for the rear wheel to replace spokes
• Racing handlebars to make the racing position more ergo dynamic

Let’s imagine another example, where you want to devise a new kind of pen. By applying the SCAMPER technique, below is one potential output of new ideas for a new version of pen :

• Substitute – replace nib with knife, ink with iron
• Combine – holding with opening, writing with cutting
• Adapt – use the pen top as a container
• Modify – body can be made flexible
• Put to other uses – utilize for writing on wood
• Eliminate – clip utilizing Velcro
• Rearrange – make the nib flow outwards

In addition to its application for generating ideas to improve a product or services, SCAMPER may also be utilized for things like triggering ideas if you’re writing a book or plan to write a blog post, coming up with a number of probable solutions for a current political or social problem or determining methods to make a marketing campaign better.

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Scamper as a Design Thinking Tool (with example)

SCAMPER is an ideation technique commonly used in Design Thinking. It triggers creative thinking and problem-solving. The acronym SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse.

It’s an easy technique that uses the mnemonic system in which each word is used to describe something to help remember it as a whole. For example, SCAMPER stands for substitute, combine, adapt, put to another use, eliminate, and reverse.

How Does SCAMPER Work?

Each step of SCAMPER involves asking specific questions to explore different aspects of a problem and generate new ideas. Below are the detailed steps and questions for each SCAMPER component:

1. Substitute

a. Is there a substitute that we can use instead?

b. What other substitutes we can use?

c. What will happen if we change our feelings towards the problem?

d. What will happen if the underlying conditions of the problem at hand are changes?

a. What will happen if we add or subtract from the problem?

b. What will happen if we combine some of the problems and redefine them?

c. Should we combine talent and resources to take a new fresh approach to the problem? If yes, then how?

a. How can we adapt the issue to our context?

b. Is there another context to this problem that we should consider?

c. Are there others who already adapted to this problem?

a. How can you modify the problem?

b. What aspects hold more value and thus shouldn’t change?

c. How we might change so that our idea is perceived differently?

5. Put to another use

a. Can we use this product somewhere else?

b. Where can we use this product differently?

c. Who would like to use this product?

d. Who might be interested in our original idea?

e. Can we recycle and put it to another use?

6. Eliminate

a. What parts, or aspects can be eliminated?

b. What will be the impact if we eliminate some features?

c. How will people react to this change?

a. What would it look like if we changed the sequence or attempted the opposite of what was suggested earlier?

b. How would this product be recognized after such a change?

To understand these questions better, now we will use an example to answer some of these questions in sequence. Let’s assume we want to figure out how to drive more audience to our social media page and we are using the SCAMPER method to navigate us through this issue.

Problem: Lack of audience on Website

Context: Using LinkedIn to drive the audience toward the website

• Substitute: Here we need to ask if we can substitute LinkedIn with another such as Facebook or Instagram and thus experiment with different social media channels.

• Combine: Here we have the option to combine the content published on LinkedIn with the content published on another social media channel such as Facebook.

• Adapt: Here we need to consider if there is another side to our problem. For example, our content might not be interesting or we might not be using the platform to its full potential. We are presenting LinkedIn as our main social media channel and whatever is published there constitutes our brand appearance. Thus, these factors can encourage or discourage our audience to visit our website.

• Modify: We might need to change our approach towards LinkedIn and the content published on it.

• Put to another use: We can consider developing LinkedIn as a learning platform for our audience rather than just a channel to promote our website.

• Eliminate: We might need to eliminate linking, and posting a certain type of content to stay focused on our theme.

• Reverse: We should consider reversing our approach and using our website as the main media channel thus curating specific material for that approach.

Thus, by using this technique one will be able to experiment and consider several alternative ideas to solve the problem at hand just like we did in this example!

Would you like to learn more about prioritising features when creating new products/services with Design Thinking? If yes, visit our other blog on the Kano Model! https://www.thefirstloop.com/post/innovation-tools-and-methods-kano-model

Book a discovery call  to explore how we can help you or your team become more innovative.

Mastering SCAMPER for Enhanced Creativity & Innovation

SCAMPER, a powerful creativity tool and brainstorming technique have been a cornerstone in design thinking and innovative problem-solving processes. This blog post will delve into the various facets of the SCAMPER model, exploring examples, tools, and strategies to help you effectively employ this technique in your creative endeavors. Throughout the discussion, we will maintain an academic tone while adhering to the principles of clear, concise, and readable content.

Understanding the SCAMPER Model

SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Each element represents a distinct approach to generating new ideas or improving existing ones by encouraging critical and creative thinking. The SCAMPER model is essential for brainstorming and idea generation, particularly in design and innovation.

Exploring SCAMPER Technique Examples

To illustrate the power of the SCAMPER technique, let us consider a few examples that demonstrate its effectiveness in various contexts:

Substitute: Replacing a product or service element with another can lead to innovative solutions. For instance, substituting disposable plastic straws with reusable metal or bamboo straws contributes to environmental sustainability.

Combine: Merging two or more elements can result in unique and innovative products. An example is the smartphone, which combines a phone, camera, and computer into a single device.

Adapt: Adjusting a product or service to fit a new context or purpose can foster innovation. For example, adapting traditional classroom teaching methods to online learning platforms has revolutionized education.

Modify: Altering an aspect of a product or service can lead to improved functionality or appeal. An example is modifying a car's design to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Put to another use: Repurposing a product or service can generate novel solutions. For example, using shipping containers as affordable housing units is an innovative approach to tackling housing shortages.

Eliminate: Removing unnecessary components can streamline a product or service. An example is the elimination of physical buttons on smartphones, which has led to sleeker, more intuitive designs.

Reverse: Changing the order or arrangement of elements can reveal new perspectives. For instance, reversing the traditional hierarchy in a company by giving employees greater decision-making power can foster a more collaborative and innovative culture.

Utilizing the SCAMPER Tool for Design Thinking

Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that prioritizes empathy, experimentation, and iteration. The SCAMPER tool can seamlessly integrate into the design thinking process as it helps ideate and refine solutions. The SCAMPER model fosters creative problem-solving and innovative design by challenging conventional assumptions and promoting out-of-the-box thinking.

Enhancing Creative Thinking with SCAMPER

Creative thinking is the ability to generate novel and valuable ideas. The SCAMPER model is a valuable framework for stimulating creativity by prompting individuals to consider various perspectives and question the status quo. Furthermore, by systematically working through each element of the SCAMPER technique, individuals can develop diverse ideas and approaches to tackle complex problems.

SCAMPER as a Brainstorming Catalyst

Brainstorming  is a collaborative process that encourages the free flow of ideas to identify innovative solutions. The SCAMPER technique can be employed as a structured brainstorming approach, guiding participants through each element to explore potential solutions comprehensively. Brainstorming sessions can become more focused and fruitful by leveraging the SCAMPER model.

Generating SCAMPER Ideas for Effective Problem Solving

SCAMPER idea generation involves actively seeking new perspectives and identifying opportunities for improvement. This process canSCAMPER Method Example: A Case Study

To further illustrate the power of the SCAMPER method, let us consider a case study involving a hypothetical company seeking to improve its customer support services:

Substitute: The company could substitute a traditional call center with a chatbot or an AI-powered customer support system to enhance efficiency.

Combine: Integrating customer support with social media platforms can allow the company to respond more promptly and effectively to customer queries and feedback.

Adapt: Adapting support services to accommodate different time zones and languages can expand the company's reach and improve customer satisfaction.

Modify: Modifying the customer support interface to be more user-friendly and accessible can enhance the customer experience.

Put to another use: The company could utilize customer support data to identify patterns and trends, informing product development and marketing strategies.

Eliminate: Removing unnecessary steps in the customer support process can streamline the experience and reduce response times.

Reverse: The company could implement a proactive customer support approach, anticipating and addressing issues before they escalate.

SCAMPER Creativity Tool: Tips for Implementation

To maximize the benefits of the SCAMPER creativity tool, consider the following tips:

Encourage open-mindedness and a willingness to challenge assumptions.

Foster an environment that supports risk-taking and experimentation.

Maintain a focus on the end-user or target audience.

Iterate and refine ideas through multiple rounds of the SCAMPER process.

Collaborate with diverse team members to leverage a variety of perspectives and expertise.

SCAMPER Strategy: Best Practices for Success

To optimize the effectiveness of the SCAMPER strategy, keep the following best practices in mind:

Clearly define the problem or opportunity before beginning the SCAMPER process.

Establish clear objectives and evaluation criteria for potential solutions.

Allow ample time for reflection and contemplation throughout the SCAMPER process.

Document and organize ideas for future reference and analysis.

Utilize visual aids and other brainstorming tools to facilitate idea generation and collaboration.

SCAMPER Analysis: Evaluating and Refining Ideas

After generating a range of ideas using the SCAMPER technique, evaluating and refining these concepts through analysis is crucial. Consider the following steps:

Assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of each idea.

Identify potential challenges, limitations, and opportunities associated with each concept.

Prioritize ideas based on their alignment with strategic objectives and target audience needs.

Iterate and refine selected ideas, incorporating feedback and insights from the SCAMPER process.

Develop action plans and timelines for the implementation of chosen solutions.

The SCAMPER model is a versatile and powerful tool for creative problem-solving and idea generation. By incorporating this technique into design thinking, brainstorming sessions, and innovation initiatives, individuals and organizations can unlock new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and ultimately develop more effective and innovative solutions. Furthermore, by employing the SCAMPER method and adhering to best practices, you can unlock the full potential of this creativity tool in your problem-solving endeavors.

How does the SCAMPER model enhance creative thinking?

SCAMPER promotes creative thinking by encouraging individuals to explore multiple perspectives, challenge assumptions, and consider alternative solutions through its seven distinct approaches (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse).

Can SCAMPER be used in various industries and fields?

Yes, SCAMPER is a versatile technique that can be applied across various industries and fields, including product design, marketing, education, technology, and more. Its focus on idea generation and problem-solving makes it a valuable tool for diverse contexts.

How can the SCAMPER model be integrated into brainstorming sessions?

SCAMPER can be employed as a structured brainstorming approach, guiding participants through each element (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) to ensure a comprehensive exploration of potential solutions. This focus can lead to more productive and focused brainstorming sessions.

What is the significance of each step in the SCAMPER technique for enhancing innovation?

Understanding the Significance of SCAMPER Steps The SCAMPER technique significantly boosts innovation by promoting critical thinking through seven distinct stages. Substitute: Importance and Execution The 'Substitute' stage facilitates innovative thinking by challenging the status quo. Here, elements of a product, idea, or process undergo substitution to improve overall quality or add unique characteristics. Thus, it sprouts innovation by assuming a unique perspective. Combine: Role and Effectiveness 'Combine' has immense significance as it encourages the fusion of different elements. By merging various parts or ideas, creative solutions emerge, fostering the innovative process. Adapt: Utility and Impact Adapting holds considerable worth as it enables the transformation of a product or process to suit novel situations. Thus, it engenders innovation by enhancing flexibility and applicability. Modify: Relevance in Innovation 'Modify' provides a platform for tweaking elements to boost performance. It endorses innovation by pushing boundaries, thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Put to Other Uses: Application and Importance The step of ‘Put to Other Uses’ demonstrates the versatility of a product, triggering development. It accentuates innovation by highlighting unseen potentials and initiating groundbreaking use cases. Eliminate: Function and Contribution 'Eliminate' causes an effective pruning of unnecessary elements. This essential step stirs up innovation by prompting simplicity and fostering focus on indispensable components. Rearrange: Impact and Contribution Finally, 'Rearrange' offers the possibility of reordering elements to optimize efficiency, thus fanning the flames of innovation by fostering an open-minded approach to restructuring. Consequently, SCAMPER's every step acts as a powerful catalyst, expediting the process of innovation in a systematic, structured manner.

In what ways can the SCAMPER process be tailored to specific sectors or disciplines for optimal creative problem-solving?

Adapting SCAMPER to Different Disciplines The SCAMPER method, despite its universality, can be highly tailored to fit specific sectors or disciplines. For the uninitiated, SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate and Reverse. It's a tool for creative thinking and problem solving, with each letter acting as a prompt to trigger innovative ideas. A key strength of SCAMPER lies in its flexibility. In the field of technology development, for example, 'substitute' might imply switching to a new software tool to augment efficiency. In the marketing domain, 'combine' could refer to synergizing different promotional strategies for maximum market reach. 'Adapt' in an environmental context might mean adjusting policies to respond proactively to climate change. 'Modify' in an educational setting may involve restructuring course content for better student engagement. A manufacturing process can 'put to another use' waste material, thus promoting sustainable practices. 'Eliminate' in the administration could mean optimizing processes, removing unnecessary steps to streamline workflow. Lastly, 'reverse' could be used in a strategic planning setting to reevaluate goals and realign resources. Therefore, SCAMPER proves adaptable to diverse sectors, effectively improving problem-solving outcomes. This wide adaptability sets SCAMPER apart, rendering it a valuable tool for sectors ranging from business management to environmental conservation. It's thus important for individuals and organizations to interpret SCAMPER relative to their unique contexts and challenges. Through such a tailored application, the full creative potential of the SCAMPER process can be harnessed.

Are there empirical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the SCAMPER technique in psychology or other fields?

Evidence of SCAMPER Effectiveness SCAMPER, as a creativity enhancement tool, has empirical support from various domains. In the field of education, Yousefi and Tabrizi (2012) demonstrate its impact on increasing creativity among elementary school students. The researchers found significant differences in creativity scores of students who employed the SCAMPER method compared to those who did not. Application in Business Enterprises Moreover, in business studies, Jesus and Costa (2016) avowed the effectiveness of the method in fostering innovation. Their research underscored an increased number of novel ideas generated by decision-makers using SCAMPER over conventional brainstorming methods. Usage in Psychological Disciplines In psychology, while direct empirical evidence is sparse, indirect associations exist. Peră (2015) outlined how SCAMPER, as a problem-solving process, maps onto various cognitive processes - a fundamental concept in psychological research. This gives the indication that our cognitive functions align well with SCAMPER, suggesting potential effectiveness. Reflection of Findings In sum, while the empirical studies specifically demonstrating the effectiveness of the SCAMPER technique in psychology are limited, there is sufficient evidence from related fields to support its effectiveness. Given its alignment with cognitive processes and demonstrated success in other fields, it stands to reason that its application would be beneficial in psychological contexts as well, necessitating further research to firmly establish this claim.

Pia Prebensen is a personal growth expert who helps people identify and overcome their limiting beliefs. She has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elite Daily and The Huffington Post.

Born and raised in Denmark, Pia has always been fascinated by human behavior and the inner workings of the mind.

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• Substitute (some aspect or feature with something else);
• Combine (it with something else);
• Adapt (it or what it is doing);
• Modify (it in some way, in particular in respect of Magnify or Minimise);
• Put to a different use;
• Eliminate (some aspects of its structure or functionality);
• Reverse (e.g. turn it upside down or inside out).

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