TOOLS FOR CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

1.4. Technique: SCAMPER

The SCAMPER method is a creative thinking and problem-solving tool designed to help individuals or teams generate innovative ideas and solutions. SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse—seven different approaches to thinking about an existing product, process, or problem in new ways.

The SCAMPER framework

How SCAMPER works

The SCAMPER method encourages a structured yet flexible approach to brainstorming, offering prompts that guide the user to consider various angles and possibilities. It’s particularly effective when trying to innovate existing products, services, or processes, as it systematically explores changes that could lead to improvements.

Here’s how to apply the SCAMPER technique:

• Select an item or problem: identify the product, service, or process that you want to improve or explore.
• Apply each of the SCAMPER prompts: ask questions based on each SCAMPER category (e.g., What can I substitute? What can I eliminate?) and write down all potential ideas, without judgment.

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• Review and evaluate: after brainstorming using the SCAMPER prompts, evaluate the ideas you generated. Some may lead directly to viable solutions or innovations.

Benefits of SCAMPER

• Versatile: SCAMPER can be used for brainstorming new ideas or improving existing products, processes, or services.
• Easy to use: it provides a structured yet creative framework for generating ideas, making it accessible for individuals or teams.
• Boosts innovation: by systematically exploring alternatives, SCAMPER encourages out-of-the-box thinking and can lead to novel solutions.

In essence, the SCAMPER method is a simple yet effective tool to stimulate creative thinking and solve problems by prompting users to view challenges from new and diverse angles.

Do some practice. Practical task. SCAMPER Technique

Objective of the task: to use the SCAMPER technique to creatively brainstorm new and practical features.