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What is the best way to innovate? If finding innovative ideas is part of your daily missions, this question probably sounds familiar. In that case, the SCAMPER technique could be of great help.
This methodology designed for creative thinking and problem solving is known to help generate more qualitative ideas. It allows you to explore possibilities related to a product, service or any situation thanks to a series of questions aimed at challenging your perspective.
What are the principles of the SCAMPER methodology? How to use it to facilitate innovation? Discover this framework in detail and learn how to integrate it into your projects and streamline your brainstormings and creative process!
SCAMPER is an idea generation technique geared towards innovation and designed to extend your outlook. It can be used to:
💡 This approach was created by Alex Osborn, who also invented other creative brainstorming techniques. His method was then developed further and formalised by Bob Eberle.
This “drill down” philosophy consists of breaking down the elements of the problem, situation or object into smaller pieces to analyse them from every angle.
SCAMPER is an acronym that represents a guide through the transformation process. Each letter corresponds to a verb associated with a series of questions. SCAMPER stands for:
These action triggers can be used systematically or at random to generate fresh ideas. We’ll now see how to make the most out of this tool.
The Substitute part means replacing one element of the object with another while considering different aspects.
This series of questions is aimed at associating and mixing different elements to form only one.
This step should inspire you to look outward and see which good ideas could be adapted to improve your product or service. This external approach helps you switch to a broader context and consider existing products made by others.
This phase invites you to reflect on what changes could be made to improve your product or make it a more enticing offer on the market. You could amplify (magnify) or reduce (minify) some of its features and characteristics.
Try and imagine new uses for your object: how would it perform if it were to evolve in a different context? What situations could it be useful for?
Your task is to decide what could be eliminated or simplified without hurting the value of your project or concept. Sometimes less is more, so take your time to trim down whatever isn’t essential to your vision. The goal isn’t to skimp on important features, but merely to ensure everything serves a valuable purpose.
This part of the process can help you produce something more original. By reversing the concept and turning it upside down, something unexpected could happen.
☝️ The R can also stand for Rearrange:
The SCAMPER technique is even more effective when brainstorming in a team. To make it even easier for team members to interact, you can use it in conjunction with other tools. Be creative! Agile tools such as a Kanban board can be useful, but so can unconventional objects like a deck of cards or a game, which also yield great results.
This method is easy to grasp and can allow everyone to bounce off the ideas of each other, streamlining the flow of ideas. Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate and Reverse! The resulting output can then be used to improve your concept.
Are you ready to unleash your creativity and let the flow of ideas going? Has the SCAMPER mnemonic helped you come up with original concepts and change your perspective? Feel free to share your inspiring experiences below!