What is SCAMPER?
SCAMPER is a creative thinking and problem-solving technique that uses a set of directed questions to come up with new ideas. The acronym SCAMPER stands for:
Substitute
Combine
Adapt
Modify (Also: Magnify, Minify)
Put to another use
Eliminate
Reverse (Also: Rearrange)
Each letter represents a different way of thinking about a problem or idea:
Substitute: Replace a part of your product, service, or process with something else.
Combine: Merge ideas, products, or services to create something new.
Adapt: Alter something to fit a new use or purpose.
Modify: Change an attribute of your product or service (e.g., size, shape, color).
Put to another use: Find new ways to use existing products or services.
Eliminate: Remove elements of your product or service to simplify it.
Reverse/Rearrange: Change the order or sequence of elements.
Benefits of SCAMPER:
Encourages divergent thinking
Provides a structured approach to creativity
Can be applied to various fields (business, education, arts)
Helps overcome creative blocks
How to use SCAMPER:
Identify the problem or object to improve
Ask questions based on each SCAMPER prompt
Brainstorm and record all ideas
Evaluate and refine the generated ideas
SCAMPER is widely used in education to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s also valuable in business for product development and process improvement. By systematically considering different aspects of a problem or idea, SCAMPER helps generate innovative solutions and improvements.