SCAMPER

SCAMPER - is an acronym which stands for questions relating to the following:

S - substitute

C - combine

A - adapt

M - modify

P - put to other purposes

E - eliminate

R - rearrange/reverse

SCAMPER are questions used when we need to create something new.

Example:

I want to invent new a type of pen.

S - ink with iron, nib with knife

C - writing with cutting, holding with opening

A - pen top as container

M - body to be flexible

P - use to write on wood

E - clip by using velcro

R - nib to fold outwards

As an example, imagine that you are a manufacturer of nuts and bolts, and you were looking for new products. SCAMPER would give you:

• Substitute - use of high tech materials for niche markets, such as high speed steel? Carbon fiber? Plastics? Glass? Non-reactive material?
• Combine - integrate nut and bolt? Bolt and washer? Bolt and spanner?
• Adapt - put Allen key or Star head on bolt? Countersink head?
• Modify - produce bolts for watches or bridges? Produce different shaped bolts (e.g. screw in plugs)? Pre-painted green bolts?
• Put to another use - bolts as hinge pins? As axles?
• Eliminate - Eliminate nuts, washers, heads, thread, etc.
• Reverse - make dies as well as bolts, make bolts that cut threads for themselves in material, etc.

Using SCAMPER here has helped you define possible new products. Many of the ideas may be impractical or may not suit the equipment used by the manufacturer. However some of these ideas could be good starting points for new products.

SCAMPER is an effective brainstorming tool used most commonly by groups in process and product improvement projects. It is beneficial both when a group is having trouble coming up with new ideas and as a starting point for brainstorming in a new area. The name is an acronym which stands for seven techniques : Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put To Other Use, Eliminate and Rearrange. The SCAMPER framework is credited to Bob Eberle and publicized in Michael Michalko's book "Thinkertoys".

SCAMPER is a checklist that helps you to think of changes you can make to an existing product to create a new one. You can use these changes either as direct suggestions or as starting points for lateral thinking.