SCAMPER is a brainstorming technique introduced by Bob Eberle in his 1971 book “SCAMPER: Games for Imagination Development”. The method consists of seven questions designed to encourage teams to approach problems through unique filters. By guiding your team to explore a problem using these different perspectives, SCAMPER unlocks fresh and innovative ways to understand and solve the challenge at hand.
What does SCAMPER stand for?
- Substitute
- Combine
- Adapt
- Modify (also Magnify and Minify)
- Put to another use
- Eliminate
- Reverse
These seven keywords form the foundation of SCAMPER, a set of thought-provoking questions aimed at inspiring creativity during brainstorming sessions. By applying these filters, teams can dig deeper into problem-solving, break through creative barriers, and explore innovative approaches. SCAMPER helps uncover new strategies and solutions to the challenges your team or company may face.
When to Use the SCAMPER Model
Is your team feeling stuck or facing a persistent problem that’s hard to solve? Are you starting a new initiative at work? SCAMPER is an excellent tool for breaking free from stagnant ideas and moving toward fresh, innovative solutions. It encourages teams to explore outside conventional thinking by using seven different perspectives.
SCAMPER is known for being one of the simplest and most straightforward brainstorming methods. It operates on the concept that new ideas often stem from existing ones. All responses are encouraged, no matter how unconventional or seemingly illogical.
How to Use the SCAMPER Method
Starting a SCAMPER-based brainstorm, even remotely, is simple with tools like FigJam’s pre-populated template. The SCAMPER method isn’t linear, so feel free to jump between questions as your brainstorming session unfolds. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Align Your Team with the Problem
Before diving in, set clear goals for what you’re trying to solve. This is crucial for any brainstorm.
Step 2: Work Through Each SCAMPER Letter
Substitute
Ask: What can be substituted or changed in the product, problem, or process? Could something be replaced entirely?
Combine
Explore ways to combine two or more aspects of the product or process to create something new. For example, could combining two features lead to a more efficient customer experience?
Adapt
Consider what can be added or tweaked to improve the product or process. Ask: How can we adjust the product to make it more flexible or better suited to the problem?
Modify
Think about modifications. Could changing the product, process, or problem lead to better results? Is there a way to make the process more efficient?
Put to Another Use
Can the product or process be applied differently? Explore how using it in another context could offer new benefits.
Eliminate
Identify what can be removed or simplified. Ask: What’s unnecessary, and how can we achieve the same results without it?
Reverse
Think about rearranging or reversing elements. Would flipping the product or process improve outcomes? Don’t hesitate to turn ideas upside down for fresh insights.
With SCAMPER, the goal is to keep ideas flowing and explore unconventional solutions, so encourage creativity throughout the process!
