Do you need a new methodology to kick start your innovative mind and adaptability?
The SCAMPER technique is a widely used creativity tool that can help individuals and teams generate new ideas, improve existing ones, and solve problems in a structured and systematic way. The technique is based on the idea of asking a series of questions related to the problem or idea at hand, using the acronym SCAMPER as a guide:
Substitute: What can you substitute in the current idea or problem?
Combine: What can you combine with the current idea or problem?
Adapt: How can you adapt or modify the current idea or problem?
Modify/Magnify: What can you modify or magnify in the current idea or problem?
Put to other uses: What other uses can you think of for the current idea or problem?
Eliminate: What can you eliminate from the current idea or problem?
Rearrange/Reverse: How can you rearrange or reverse the current idea or problem?
By asking these questions, you can challenge assumptions, break fixed patterns of thinking, and generate new insights that can lead to innovative solutions.
Here's an example of how the SCAMPER technique can be used to generate ideas for improving a product:
Let's say we're brainstorming ways to improve a coffee mug.
Substitute:
Can we use a different material for the mug to make it lighter or more durable?
How can we use a different shape or design to make it more ergonomic or visually appealing?
Combine:
Can we combine a mug and a thermos to make a travel-friendly coffee mug that keeps the coffee hot for longer?
What else can we combine with the mug to create something unique yet practical?
Adapt:
How can we adapt the handle of the mug to make it easier to hold or fit different hand sizes?
Imagine if we adapted the shape of the mug to fit in different cup holders or to stack better in cabinets - what would happen?
Modify:
Imagine if we modify the size of the mug to offer different serving options or to fit different brewing machines - what would happen?
Can we modify the lid of the mug to make it easier to open or close, or to prevent spills?
Put to other uses:
How can we repurpose the mug to be used for other drinks or purposes, such as a soup bowl or a plant pot?
Eliminate:
What needs to change so that we can eliminate the handle altogether for a more modern, handle-less design?
Can we eliminate the need for disposable coffee cups by creating a reusable, eco-friendly option?
Reverse:
How can we create a mug that pours coffee from the bottom to prevent spills or splashing?
Can we create a mug with a double-walled design to keep the coffee cold instead of hot?
By using the SCAMPER technique, we can come up with a variety of creative and innovative ideas for improving a simple product like a coffee mug.
Here is an example of how the SCAMPER technique can be used to generate ideas for innovation in thinking just by using 'can' questions as a kick starter:
Substitute:
Can we substitute the traditional brainstorming process with a more structured and organized approach to generate more innovative ideas?
Can we substitute our current problem-solving methods with more creative and unconventional techniques to approach problems from new angles?
Combine:
Can we combine different fields of knowledge to create innovative solutions to complex problems?
Can we combine different perspectives and ideas from diverse individuals to come up with more creative and effective solutions?
Adapt:
Can we adapt existing technologies or processes from one industry to another to create new opportunities and applications?
Can we adapt our current mindset to be more open and receptive to new ideas and ways of thinking?
Modify:
Can we modify our current education system to foster more creativity and innovation in students?
Can we modify our current decision-making processes to incorporate more diverse perspectives and ideas?
Put to other uses:
Can we repurpose existing resources or materials for new and innovative applications?
Can we put our current knowledge and expertise to use in different fields or areas to create new and innovative solutions?
Eliminate:
Can we eliminate existing constraints or limitations to open up new possibilities for innovation?
Can we eliminate our fear of failure and embrace experimentation and risk-taking to foster more innovation and creativity?
Reverse:
Can we reverse our current assumptions and beliefs to challenge our existing ways of thinking and generate new perspectives and ideas?
Can we reverse the way we approach problem-solving to start with the solution and work backwards, to come up with more innovative and creative solutions?
Now try again using 'what', 'how; and 'imagine' questions and see what happens
By using the SCAMPER technique for innovation in thinking, we can generate a wide range of ideas for approaching problems and challenges in new and innovative ways