Introduction
SCAMPER is an acronym standing for:
- Substitute
- Combine
- Adapt
- Modify
- Put to another user
- Eliminate
- Reverse
It’s a way to help think outside of the box about an idea and to understand it from a multitude of different viewpoints. In other words, it’s a great way to avoid tunnel visioning into a particular thing, taking a step back, and keeping a holistic view of the matter at hand.
How do I SCAMPER?
Brainstorming with the SCAMPER method’s as straightforward as understanding what each of the letters stand for.
Substitute
What aspects of the subject can be replaced? I.e. if the topic is a what database should an application use, then you could potentially pick from MySQL, NoSQL, MongoDB, etc.
Combine
What aspects of the subject can be combined? I.e. a smartphone combines phone features with texting features, a calculator, a calendar, Internet access, etc.
Adapt
What could you add to the subject? I.e. you may add a built-in pedometer to your shoes.
Modify
How could the subject be customized? I.e. clothing could change size, shape/fit, color, material, etc.
Put to other use
Are there alternative ways to use the product beyond its intended use? I.e. you could use a Customer Relationship Management tool as an Asset Management tool.
Eliminate
What aspects of the subject could be simplified, if not removed? I.e. the removal of headphone jacks from smart phones in favor of the simplicity of using the charging port that doubles as an audio port
Reverse
What could happen if you reverse the product’s production process? I.e. sit down restaurants are eat then pay, fast food restaurants are pay then eat.
Conclusion
Implementing SCAMPER into your brainstorming sessions can help get your brain juices flowing, especially when you feel as if your mind is blocked. SCAMPER, as a tool, provides a structured strategy to thinking about an idea (or ideas) from end-to-end, which in turn, can help you refine strategy, priorities, and also even identify risks ahead of time. Give it a go next time you need to think through a particular idea; maybe even consider drawing out SCAMPER via Mind Mapping, too.