SCAMPER DESIGN ACTIVITY Form

What is the SCAMPER design activity?

The SCAMPER design activity is a creative thinking technique used to enhance problem-solving and innovation. It encourages individuals or teams to think differently about existing products, services, or processes by using a structured approach. SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Each component prompts users to explore various angles and possibilities, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

How to use the SCAMPER design activity

To effectively use the SCAMPER design activity, begin by identifying the focus area, such as a product or service. Gather a team to brainstorm ideas based on each of the SCAMPER components:

• Substitute: Consider what elements can be replaced.
• Combine: Think about merging different aspects or ideas.
• Adapt: Explore how existing solutions can be adjusted for new applications.
• Modify: Look for ways to change or enhance features.
• Put to another use: Identify alternative applications for the product or service.
• Eliminate: Determine what can be removed to simplify or improve.
• Reverse: Consider what would happen if you flipped the process or concept.

Document the ideas generated during this process for further evaluation and development.

Steps to complete the SCAMPER design activity

Completing the SCAMPER design activity involves a series of steps to ensure thorough exploration of ideas:

1. Define the objective: Clearly outline what you aim to achieve with the SCAMPER activity.
2. Assemble a team: Gather individuals with diverse perspectives to enhance creativity.
3. Facilitate brainstorming: Encourage open discussion and idea sharing based on the SCAMPER components.
4. Document ideas: Record all suggestions for review and analysis.
5. Evaluate and prioritize: Assess the feasibility and impact of each idea, selecting the most promising for further development.
6. Implement: Develop a plan to bring the selected ideas to fruition.

Legal use of the SCAMPER design activity

When utilizing the SCAMPER design activity, it is essential to consider legal implications, especially when developing new products or services. Ensure that any ideas generated do not infringe on existing patents or copyrights. Conduct thorough research to confirm that the concepts are original and compliant with relevant regulations. Additionally, if the activity involves collaboration with external partners, establish clear agreements to protect intellectual property rights.

Examples of using the SCAMPER design activity

Examples of the SCAMPER design activity can be found across various industries. For instance:

• Product development: A company might use SCAMPER to redesign a kitchen appliance by substituting materials, combining features, or modifying its size.
• Service enhancement: A restaurant may adapt its menu by eliminating certain dishes and reversing the order of service to improve customer experience.
• Marketing strategies: A business could apply SCAMPER to create a new advertising campaign by combining different media platforms and adapting messaging for various audiences.

These examples illustrate how SCAMPER can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in diverse contexts.