SCAMPER Technique - Creative Problem Solving for Inventors

Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Other Uses, Eliminate, Reverse

Master the SCAMPER technique, one of the most effective brainstorming and innovation methods used by professional inventors and product designers. Developed by Bob Eberle in 1971, SCAMPER builds on Alex Osborn's creative thinking principles to help you systematically generate breakthrough ideas.

What is SCAMPER?

SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for seven creative thinking techniques:

• Substitute: What materials, components, or processes can you replace?
• Combine: What elements can you merge together for better results?
• Adapt: What can you copy or modify from other contexts?
• Modify: How can you change size, shape, color, or attributes?
• Put to Other Uses: What new applications or markets exist?
• Eliminate: What can you remove to simplify or improve?
• Reverse: What happens if you flip, invert, or do the opposite?

The History of SCAMPER:

Alex Osborn, the "father of brainstorming," first introduced creative thinking questions in his 1953 book "Applied Imagination." In 1971, Bob Eberle organized these questions into the memorable SCAMPER acronym, making the technique accessible to educators, inventors, and problem-solvers worldwide.

Why SCAMPER Works:

Unlike random brainstorming, SCAMPER provides structured prompts that force your brain to think differently. Each letter represents a different lens through which to view your problem or product. This systematic approach helps you:

• Break through creative blocks and mental barriers
• Generate more ideas in less time
• Explore angles you wouldn't naturally consider
• Transform existing products into innovative solutions
• Develop patentable variations and improvements

Real-World SCAMPER Examples:

• iPhone: Combined phone + music player + internet (Combine)
• Velcro: Adapted from burrs sticking to clothes (Adapt)
• Dyson Vacuum: Eliminated bags entirely (Eliminate)
• Post-it Notes: Put failed glue to another use (Put to Other Uses)
• Convertible Cars: Modified roof to be removable (Modify)
• Swiss Army Knife: Combined multiple tools in one (Combine)

Who Should Use SCAMPER?

• Inventors developing new product concepts
• Product designers improving existing designs
• Engineers solving technical challenges
• Entrepreneurs looking for business innovations
• Students learning creative thinking
• Marketing teams developing campaigns
• Anyone stuck on a problem needing fresh perspectives

From a Design Engineer with 100+ Patents:

I've used the SCAMPER technique throughout my 30+ year career developing products for DeWalt, Black & Decker, and Stanley. It's one of the fastest ways to generate patentable variations and breakthrough improvements. Whether you're working on a simple gadget or complex machinery, SCAMPER helps you see possibilities you'd otherwise miss.

How to Use SCAMPER Effectively:

1. Start with your product or problem: Clearly define what you're trying to improve or solve
2. Work through each letter: Don't skip any—even if one seems irrelevant, it might spark your best idea
3. Ask multiple questions: Each SCAMPER letter has 5-7 guiding questions to explore
4. Write down everything: Even "bad" ideas can lead to breakthrough concepts
5. Combine ideas: Your final innovation might blend insights from multiple SCAMPER categories
6. Don't judge too early: Generate first, evaluate later

SCAMPER vs Other Ideation Methods:

SCAMPER works brilliantly alongside other techniques like TRIZ, mind mapping, and Six Thinking Hats. While TRIZ focuses on technical contradictions and SCAMPER explores creative modifications, using both methods together gives you comprehensive innovation coverage.

Interactive SCAMPER Tool Features:

• All 7 SCAMPER categories with color-coded tabs
• 35+ guided questions to spark creativity
• Save multiple answers per category
• Progress tracking to see your completion
• Download your SCAMPER analysis
• Copy all results for documentation
• Mobile-friendly interface
• Real examples for inspiration

SCAMPER Success Stories:

Companies worldwide use SCAMPER for product innovation. From Fortune 500 corporations to solo inventors, this technique has generated billions of dollars in new products. The beauty of SCAMPER is its simplicity—anyone can learn it in minutes but spend a lifetime mastering its applications.

Public Domain Innovation Method:

SCAMPER is a public domain technique, freely available for everyone to use. No licensing required. This interactive tool makes it even easier to apply SCAMPER systematically to your innovation challenges.

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