SCAMPER Creative Thinking Method

💡 What is the SCAMPER Method?

The SCAMPER method is a structured creativity tool that helps generate new ideas by asking systematic questions.

It consists of seven techniques:

• Substitute
• Combine
• Adapt
• Modify (magnify/minify)
• Put to another use
• Eliminate
• Rearrange

In simple terms: When you face a problem or need creativity, go through these seven angles one by one to spark new ideas.

For example: If you design a chair—can you replace the material (Substitute)? Combine it with storage (Combine)? Adapt it for kids (Adapt)?

📜 Origin & Key Figures

• Background: Rooted in mid-20th century creativity research.
• Founder: Inspired by Alex Osborn’s “Checklist Technique” and later formalized by Bob Eberle in 1971 as SCAMPER.
• Usage: Widely applied in design thinking, advertising, product development.
• Example: LEGO applies SCAMPER frequently—e.g., “Can bricks become mechanical devices?” (Put to another use), leading to LEGO Robotics.

🛠️ How to Use SCAMPER

1. Define the object/problem
   • Choose a product, service, or idea.
   • Example: “A ballpoint pen.”
2. Apply the SCAMPER checklist
   • S (Substitute): Can materials be replaced?
   • C (Combine): Can it be combined with other functions?
   • A (Adapt): Can it be adjusted for new contexts?
   • M (Modify): Can parts be enlarged/reduced?
   • P (Put to another use): Can it serve another purpose?
   • E (Eliminate): What can be removed?
   • R (Rearrange): Can the structure/order be changed?
3. Collect & filter ideas
   • Write down every idea.
   • Select the most promising for testing.

📚 Case Studies

• Case 1: Apple iPod

  Old MP3 players lacked innovation. Apple used SCAMPER:

  • Combine (C): music player + iTunes store
  • Eliminate (E): reduced buttons, added scroll wheel
  • Put to another use (P): device as a “fashion accessory”Insight: SCAMPER not only improves products but redefines value.
• Case 2: Learning Vocabulary

  Students reimagined word memorization with SCAMPER:

  • Substitute (S): images instead of plain text
  • Combine (C): words with storylines
  • Rearrange (R): group by scenarios, not alphabeticallyInsight: Even learning methods can be reinvented with SCAMPER.

✅ Pros & Limitations

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• Provides a structured approach to divergent thinking
• Works for both individuals and teams

Limitations

• Produces many ideas, but not all feasible
• Doesn’t guarantee disruptive innovation immediately

📖 Recommended Resources

Books

• SCAMPER: Creative Games and Activities for Imagination Development — Bob Eberle
• Applied Imagination — Alex Osborn

Other resources

• IDEO case studies on design thinking
• TED talk: How simple questions can lead to creative breakthroughs

🎯 Key Takeaway

One-line summary of the method:

“SCAMPER: Seven angles to spark creativity everywhere.”