SCAMPER is a creative thinking technique that helps individuals and teams generate innovative ideas and solutions by encouraging them to think differently about existing products, services, or processes. The acronym SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Each of these prompts serves as a lens through which you can view a problem or challenge, leading to new and creative solutions.

• Definition: Replace one part of the product, service, or process with another to see if it generates a new idea or improvement.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What materials or resources can be substituted?
  • Can I change the rules or processes?
  • Can I use other ingredients or components?

• Definition: Merge two or more elements of the product, service, or process to create something new.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What ideas or processes can be combined?
  • Can I combine different resources or talents?
  • What if I combined purposes or objectives?

• Definition: Adjust or tweak the product, service, or process to fit a different context or purpose.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What else is like this?
  • What other ideas could I adapt to this?
  • How can I change the context or environment?

• Definition: Change the size, shape, or other attributes of the product, service, or process.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What can be magnified or made larger?
  • What can be minimized or made smaller?
  • Can I change the color, shape, or appearance?

• Definition: Use the product, service, or process for a different purpose than originally intended.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What other uses can this product have?
  • Can I use this idea in a different market?
  • What else can it be used for?

• Definition: Remove parts of the product, service, or process that are unnecessary or redundant.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What can be removed or simplified?
  • What is unnecessary or redundant?
  • How can I achieve the same outcome with fewer resources?

• Definition: Rearrange or invert the product, service, or process to see if it leads to new ideas.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What if I reversed the order of the process?
  • Can I turn it upside down or inside out?
  • What if I did the opposite of what I am doing now?

1. Choose a Product or Service: Select a product, service, or process that you want to improve or innovate.
2. Apply Each SCAMPER Prompt: Use the SCAMPER prompts (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) to brainstorm new ideas.
3. Document Your Ideas: Write down all the ideas generated for each prompt.
4. Evaluate and Select: Review the ideas and select the most promising ones for further development.

1. Substitute:

   • Replace the plastic parts with eco-friendly materials.
   • Use a different heating element for faster brewing.

2. Combine:

   • Combine the coffee maker with a grinder for fresh coffee.
   • Integrate a timer to start brewing automatically in the morning.

3. Adapt:

   • Adapt the design to fit into smaller kitchens.
   • Use the coffee maker for brewing tea as well.

4. Modify:

   • Change the size to make it more compact.
   • Modify the color and design to match modern kitchen aesthetics.

5. Put to Another Use:

   • Use the coffee maker to heat water for other beverages.
   • Repurpose the coffee maker as a hot water dispenser.

6. Eliminate:

   • Remove unnecessary buttons or features to simplify the design.
   • Eliminate the need for disposable filters by using a reusable filter.

7. Reverse:

   • Reverse the order of operations to grind coffee beans after brewing.
   • Invert the water reservoir to make it easier to fill.

The SCAMPER technique is a powerful tool for fostering creativity and innovation. By systematically applying each of the SCAMPER prompts, you can explore new possibilities and generate a wide range of ideas. Whether you are working on a product, service, or process, SCAMPER can help you think outside the box and come up with original solutions to problems.

• SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse.
• Each prompt encourages you to look at a problem or challenge from a different perspective.
• Practical exercises help reinforce the application of SCAMPER in real-world scenarios.

By mastering the SCAMPER technique, you will enhance your ability to propose innovative ideas and original solutions, making you a valuable asset in any professional environment.