Methodologies: Engineering, Quality

SCAMPER

Agile Methodology, Brainstorming, Continuous Improvement, Creativity, Design Thinking, Ideation, Innovation, Problem Solving Techniques, User-Centered Design

SCAMPER

Agile Methodology, Brainstorming, Continuous Improvement, Creativity, Design Thinking, Ideation, Innovation, Problem Solving Techniques, User-Centered Design

Objective:

A checklist-based brainstorming technique to spark creativity and generate new ideas by prompting different ways to think about an existing product, service, or problem.

How it’s used:

Uses a set of directed questions based on the acronym: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify (or Magnify/Minify), Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse (or Rearrange).

Pros

Provides a structured framework for idea generation; encourages looking at a problem from multiple perspectives; can be applied to a wide range of challenges.

Cons

Can feel a bit formulaic or restrictive to some; the quality of ideas still depends on the users' creativity; may not always lead to radical innovations.

Categories:

Ideation, Problem Solving, Product Design

Best for:

Generating new ideas or improving existing ones by systematically considering different modifications and approaches.

The SCAMPER methodology is frequently applied in various sectors, including product design, technology development, and marketing, as it enables teams to systematically interrogate and explore enhancements or alternative solutions for existing products or processes. For instance, in the consumer electronics industry, teams might use substitute questions to consider alternative materials that can reduce production costs or improve functionality. In the pharmaceutical sector, combination techniques can inspire new drug formulations by merging active compounds from different medications, thereby improving efficacy or reducing side effects. This methodology is particularly effective during brainstorming sessions in early design phases or in iterative cycles of product development, where innovation and responsiveness to market needs are essential. Typically, it can be initiated by project managers, product developers, or design thinkers and involves interdisciplinary collaboration among designers, engineers, marketers, and end-users. Using SCAMPER allows for the encouragement of a diverse range of thoughts, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving in product development initiatives, while the structured nature of the methodology helps teams maintain focus and clarity in discussions.

Key steps of this methodology

Substitute: Identify elements of the product or process to replace with alternatives.
Combine: Merge different components or ideas to create something new.
Adapt: Alter existing solutions to suit new contexts or requirements.
Modify: Change attributes such as size, shape, color, or function.
Put to other uses: Explore new applications for current products or ideas.
Eliminate: Remove unneeded elements to simplify or enhance performance.
Reverse: Rethink processes or components by changing their order or direction.

Pro Tips

Challenge assumptions during the Substitute phase by questioning the necessity of each component in the product or process.
Utilize cross-disciplinary perspectives during the Combine step to identify synergies that may not be immediately apparent.
In the Reverse phase, consider the end-user experience to identify negative aspects that can be flipped into positive features.

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