Protected: SCAMPER
SCAMPER is a versatile tool that provides a systematic approach for manipulating processes, parameters, and ideas. It is a mnemonic device developed by Bob Eberle, based on the original series of questions developed by Alex Osborn, the father of brainstorming. It can generate both improvements and novel concepts.
1. Identify all processes, parameters and parts of the existing task at hand. If you have a set of ideas already generated, add them to the list.
2. For each process, parameter, part, and idea identified, conduct a SCAMPER analysis by running through as many of the questions as it takes to trigger new thinking and ideas. It may be helpful to create a matrix, with processes etc. listed in the rows and each of the SCAMPER questions listed in the columns.
SCAMPER questions:
- What can we SUBSTITUTE? Who or what else? Other ingredients? Other materials? Other process? Other power? Other place? Other approach? Other tone of voice?
- What can we COMBINE? What can we blend? An alloy? An assortment? An ensemble? Combine units? Combine purposes? Combine appeals? Combine ideas?
- What can we ADAPT? What else is like this? What other idea does this suggest? Does the past offer a parallel? What could we copy? Whom could we emulate?
- What can we MODIFY? Magnify - what to add? Minify - what to subtract? New twist? Change meaning, color, motion, sound, order, form, shape? Greater frequency? Stronger? Longer? Omit? Streamline? Split up?
- What can we PUT TO OTHER USES? Does its form, weight, or structure suggest another use? What other ways can we use it? What other uses if modified? Change context?
- What can we ELIMINATE? What can we leave out? Fewer parts? Condensed? Lower? Shorter? Lighter? Understate? How can we make less more? What can we do without?
- What can we REARRANGE/REVERSE? What can we turn upside down? How about opposites? Reverse roles? Turn tables? Interchange components? Other sequence? Change pace? Change schedule? Transpose cause and effect?
You may recognize elements in these questions from other creative thinking tools. SCAMPER acts in part as a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for innovators, something to grab when you need one comprehensive tool.
