Scamper for ideas
Next time you are struggling in a brainstorming process, try using the SCAMPER method to increase the flow of ideas. Each letter in the word stands for a different way to think about your challenge. “S” means to substitute ideas as you examine a challenge, “C” means to combine parts of the problem, and so on.
- S Substitute: Think about a way to substitute part of your product/process for something else.
- C Combine: Think about combining two or more parts of your problem to achieve a different product/process.
- A Adapt: Think about which parts of the product/process could be adapted to remove the problem or change the nature of the product/process.
- M Modify: Think about modifying part or all of the current situation, or to distort it in an unusual way. This process often prompts you to think of an alternative product/process.
- P Put to other purposes: Think of how you might be able to put your current solution/product/process to other purposes. You might think of another way of solving your own problem or finding another market for your product.
- E Eliminate: Think of what might happen if you eliminated various parts of the product/process and consider what you might do in that situation.
- R Reverse/rearrange: Think of what you would do if part of your product/process worked in reverse or happened in a different order. You can use this to see your problem from different angles and come up with new ideas.
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