THE SCAMPER TECHNIQUE (IDEATE FASTER)

The SCAMPER technique is a creative thinking tool used to generate new ideas or solutions by asking questions that prompt different ways of looking at a problem or product. Each letter in SCAMPER stands for a different kind of questioning or manipulation:

1. S — Substitute: What can be substituted or replaced?
2. C — Combine: What elements can be combined or merged?
3. A — Adapt: How can the idea be adapted or modified?
4. M — Modify or Magnify: How can the idea be changed or enhanced?
5. P — Put to another use: How can the idea be used in a different context or applied to a different purpose?
6. E — Eliminate or Minimize: What can be removed or reduced?
7. R — Reverse or Rearrange: How can the idea be reversed or rearranged?

Now, let’s look at examples from the real world where companies have applied each aspect of the SCAMPER technique:

1. Substitute:

• Example: Coca-Cola substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners in its diet soda products to cater to health-conscious consumers.

2. Combine:

• Example: The iPhone combines the functionalities of a phone, camera, music player, and internet browser into one device, revolutionizing the smartphone industry.

3. Adapt:

• Example: Netflix adapted its DVD rental business model to the streaming era, offering on-demand video streaming services, thus transforming the way people consume entertainment.

4. Modify or Magnify:

• Example: Apple continuously modifies and magnifies its iPhone lineup by introducing new features, improving performance, and enhancing user experience with each new product iteration.

5. Put to another use:

• Example: Post-it Notes were originally developed as a failed attempt to create a super-strong adhesive but were later put to another use as removable sticky notes, becoming a wildly successful product.

6. Eliminate or Minimize:

• Example: Tesla eliminated the traditional dealership model and sold its electric vehicles directly to consumers, minimizing the need for intermediaries and offering a unique customer experience.

7. Reverse or Rearrange:

• Example: Airbnb reversed the traditional hospitality model by allowing individuals to rent out their homes or spare rooms to travelers, disrupting the hotel industry.

By applying the SCAMPER technique, companies can stimulate creativity, explore new possibilities, and innovate their products, services, or business models to stay competitive.