What is the SCAMPER technique?

SCAMPER is a creative thinking technique that provides seven different lenses for innovation: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse/Rearrange. Developed by Bob Eberle based on Alex Osborn's brainstorming methods, SCAMPER helps inventors and designers systematically explore different ways to improve existing products or create new innovations.

Who invented SCAMPER?

SCAMPER was developed by Bob Eberle in 1971, building upon the creative thinking work of Alex Osborn, the father of brainstorming. Osborn originally created a checklist of questions to stimulate creative thinking, which Eberle refined into the memorable SCAMPER acronym that is widely used today in innovation and design thinking.

How do you use SCAMPER for product innovation?

To use SCAMPER for product innovation: 1) Start with an existing product or idea. 2) Work through each letter systematically: Substitute materials or components, Combine features or products, Adapt ideas from other fields, Modify size or attributes, Put to another use, Eliminate unnecessary elements, Reverse or rearrange the design. 3) Ask specific questions for each lens. 4) Document all ideas without judgment. 5) Evaluate and refine the most promising concepts. Professional designers often cycle through SCAMPER multiple times to generate breakthrough innovations.

What's an example of SCAMPER in real product development?

A classic example is the development of cordless power tools. Using SCAMPER: ELIMINATE - removing the power cord; SUBSTITUTE - replacing wall power with battery power; MODIFY - increasing battery capacity and motor efficiency; ADAPT - applying rechargeable battery technology from other industries; COMBINE - integrating battery management systems with tool motors. This systematic approach led to the cordless tool revolution that transformed the power tool industry. Richard Jones used SCAMPER extensively in developing 100+ patents across power tools, medical devices, and consumer products.

Is SCAMPER better than brainstorming?

SCAMPER is a structured form of brainstorming that often produces better results than free-form brainstorming. While traditional brainstorming can lead to random ideas, SCAMPER provides seven specific directions to explore, ensuring more comprehensive ideation. It's particularly effective for improving existing products because it forces you to examine the product from multiple angles. Many professional inventors and design engineers prefer SCAMPER because it's systematic, repeatable, and consistently generates patentable ideas. However, SCAMPER works best when combined with other techniques like TRIZ and Design Thinking for comprehensive innovation.

Can SCAMPER help me get a patent?

Yes, SCAMPER can help generate patentable innovations. Many of the 100+ patents developed by Richard Jones started with SCAMPER-based ideation. The technique is particularly effective for creating novel combinations (Combine), new applications (Put to another use), and non-obvious modifications (Modify, Adapt) - all key criteria for patent eligibility. However, not every SCAMPER idea will be patentable. The innovation must be novel, non-obvious, and useful. Use SCAMPER to generate ideas, then validate patentability through prior art searches and consultation with a patent attorney.

SCAMPER Technique: Creative Brainstorming Tool

What is SCAMPER? The Professional Inventor's Creative Thinking Method

SCAMPER is one of the most powerful and widely-used creative thinking techniques in professional product development. Developed by Bob Eberle in 1971 based on Alex Osborn's brainstorming methods, SCAMPER provides seven systematic lenses through which inventors, designers, and entrepreneurs can examine existing products or concepts to generate innovative improvements and breakthrough ideas.

As a design engineer with over 100 patents across power tools, medical devices, and consumer products developed during 30+ years at companies like DeWalt, Black & Decker, Stanley, and ResMed, I've used SCAMPER extensively throughout my career. It's not just a creative exercise - it's a professional methodology that consistently produces patentable innovations when applied systematically.

The SCAMPER acronym stands for: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse/Rearrange. Each letter represents a different approach to innovation, and by working through all seven lenses systematically, you can explore your product or idea from every possible angle.

The Seven SCAMPER Questions: Deep Dive with Real Patent Examples

S - SUBSTITUTE: What Can You Replace?

The Question: What components, materials, people, processes, or places can be substituted to create something new or better?

Real-World Application: In power tool development, one of our most successful patent families came from asking "What if we substitute metal with advanced polymers?" This led to lightweight power tool housings that reduced user fatigue while maintaining impact resistance. The substitution wasn't just about materials - we had to redesign internal structures, modify mounting points, and rethink heat dissipation. That single SCAMPER question led to 12 related patents.

SCAMPER Technique: The Complete Guide to Creative Innovation

What is SCAMPER? The Professional Inventor's Creative Thinking Method

The Seven SCAMPER Questions: Deep Dive with Real Patent Examples

S - SUBSTITUTE: What Can You Replace?