<aside> đźš© The SCAMPER method is a relatively well-known, qualitative method to think about current designs to look for opportunities to innovate.
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The SCAMPER method was invented by Alex Faickney Osborn in 1953. Osborn also invented brainstorming. It is a method of focus one's attention on specific ways one can change existing designs to create something new.
The task of creating something new, even if based on existing products, is daunting due to its scope. “Quick! Be creative! Right now! This rarely ends well. The reason is that “being creative” is just too broad a task for virtually anyone to carry out without assistance.
The purpose of SCAMPER (and of most creativity methods) is to focus one's attention on particular aspects of a problem. Solving focussed problems is far easier for the human brain.
SCAMPER applies to ideation where the current situation is well understood, and where an innovative solution is desirable. SCAMPER seems to work best in group settings, where individual team members can build on each other's ideas.
“SCAMPER” is an acronym; each letter stands for one of seven verbs representing ways of thinking about improving a design situation:
These are described in detail below.
The result of a successful application of SCAMPER is a new Design Concept.
This section includes the general steps used to execute a SCAMPER. Subsequently, each of the seven aspects of SCAMPER are explained in more detail.