How Is SCAMPER Used as a Creative Problem Solving Tool?

What is SCAMPER?

SCAMPER is a mnemonic for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse. It’s a creative thinking technique to explore new ideas or improve existing ones.

Use in Product or Process Innovation

Ask SCAMPER-based questions:

• Substitute: What can be replaced?

• Combine: Can we merge ideas?

• Adapt: What can we borrow from elsewhere?

• Modify: Can we change form or process?

• Put to another use: Can we repurpose it?

• Eliminate: What can we remove?

• Reverse: Can we do the opposite?

Example

In product design, SCAMPER may lead to innovations like modular furniture or portable workstations.

Conclusion

SCAMPER is ideal for innovation and problem-solving during product development or service design phases.