SCAMPER is a technique used to generate innovative ideas. It is based on the idea that everything new is a modification of something that already exists. The term is an acronym for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Magnify/modify/minimise, Put to other uses, Eliminate, and Rearrange/reverse. These represent categories of questions that can be asked regarding a product, service, or process through which its characteristics can be evaluated, modified, and improved.
Using ‘SCAMPER’
Questions are presented to knowledgeable staff members under each of the SCAMPER categories. The questions detailed below are examples and are not intended to be exhaustive.
Step 1: Substitute: Can somebody involved be replaced?; Can the rules be changed?; Can the product/service be used somewhere else, or as a substitute for something else?
Step 2: Combine: What can be combined to maximise the number of uses?; Can different talents be combined to improve the product/service?; Can the product/service be combined or merged with other objects?
Step 3: Adapt: Can lessons be learned from similar ideas in the past?; Is there something similar in another context?; Are there any changes that could be borrowed or copied?
Step 4: Magnify/modify/minimise: What elements of the product/service can be increased?; Can frequency be increased?; Can elements be duplicated?; Can extra features or value be added?
Step 5: Put to other use: What else can the product/service be used for?; Can it be used by groups other than those for whom it was intended originally?; Can this idea be used in other markets or industries?
Step 6: Eliminate: How can the product/service be simplified?; What parts can be removed without altering its function?; Can it be split into separate parts?
Step 7: Rearrange/reverse: Are its components interchangeable?; Can components be switched or their direction inverted?
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