SCAMPER Technique
Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other use, Eliminate, Reverse.
Explanation
SCAMPER is a creative thinking technique that uses seven different approaches to modify existing ideas or products. Each letter represents a different way to transform something: Substitute elements, Combine with other things, Adapt from elsewhere, Modify or magnify, Put to other uses, Eliminate parts, or Reverse/rearrange elements.
Real-World Example
Improving a coffee shop: Substitute: Plant-based milk options. Combine: Co-working space. Adapt: Subscription model from Netflix. Modify: Larger sizes, stronger coffee. Put to other use: Evening wine bar. Eliminate: Paper cups. Reverse: Customers make their own coffee (self-serve premium).
How to Apply
Take your challenge and systematically apply each SCAMPER prompt. Ask: What could I substitute? What could I combine this with? What can I adapt from other industries? How could I modify this? What other uses could this have? What could I eliminate? How could I reverse or rearrange this? Each prompt often generates 5-10 new possibilities.