A structured creativity toolkit using seven prompts to rethink and remix existing ideas.
Creativity is a Process, Not Magic
We often think innovation requires a "Eureka!" moment from a genius. In reality, most new ideas come from remixing old ones. The iPhone, for example, combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator.
The SCAMPER Model, proposed by Alex Osborn (the father of brainstorming) and arranged by Bob Eberle, provides a structured checklist to force this kind of remixing. It stops you from staring at a blank whiteboard and gives you 7 specific angles to attack any problem.
What is the SCAMPER Method
SCAMPER is an acronym that prompts you to ask seven specific types of questions about an existing product or process. It operates on the principle that "everything new is just a modification of something that already exists."
The 7 Techniques of SCAMPER
The SCAMPER consists of the initials of the seven strategies.
S - Substitute
This factor involves replacing one part of a product, process, or idea with something else. You can improve functionality, reduce costs, or meet new needs by substituting.
Example 1: A company could substitute traditional plastic packaging with biodegradable material for their products, reducing environmental impact.
Example 2: In a mobile app, replace a manual photo upload feature with a cloud-syncing option, allowing users to automatically upload their images.
