Revamp Your Creative Process With This Powerful Brainstorming Technique

Considered one of my favourite brainstorming frameworks is the SCAMPER method. It stands for Substitute, Mix, Adapt, Modify, Put to a different use, Eradicate, and Reverse. Promoting govt Alex Faickney Osborn developed the unique ideas in 1953. Then, Bob Eberle turned them right into a memorable acronym and expanded on the idea in 1971 when he wrote the e book, Scamper: Games for Imagination Development.

Many individuals consider that creative thinking is an innate means. That could be true for some individuals, however the remainder of us might be inventive too, with instruments like SCAMPER. Let’s dive in.

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Outline the issue to resolve

Earlier than you get began, define the problem clearly. You possibly can apply SCAMPER to merchandise, processes, concepts or the rest you wish to enhance upon. You possibly can even use it to disclose new alternatives to compete. For example the method, let’s think about the shift from automobiles powered by combustion engines to electrical automobiles (EVs) as we discover every part of the SCAMPER method.

Substitute

The primary part of SCAMPER is Substitute. Have a look at your thought and break it down into its components. What individuals, supplies, processes or different parts is it comprised of? What individuals might you substitute into the method to get a special final result, and why? What occurs when you swap out a fabric, course of or one thing else?

For those who have been brainstorming methods to enhance upon gas-powered automobiles, you would possibly ask your self what to substitute. Ultimately, you would possibly ask your self whether or not you possibly can substitute its energy supply. Shifting from fuel to electrical energy is the substitution that sparks the concept of electrical automobiles and units off the chain response of imagining each part changed with an digital equal.

Mix

Now take your current elements, in addition to your substitute objects, and picture combining them in new methods. Are you able to produce a greater final result? Are there features or options that you would be able to mix to make your thought higher ultimately? What in regards to the course of?

The underbody of normal automobiles is often composed of a whole lot of components which are assembled collectively throughout manufacturing. Tesla simplified the underbody of their automobile with a course of known as gigacasting, the place they die-cast it as a single unit. You possibly can consider this as the mixture of the a whole lot of components which are required for a similar objective in gas-powered automobiles.

Adapt

As you dive deeper into the SCAMPER method, think about the way you would possibly adapt your thought. Are you able to remodel a course of or part of your thought to make it better? Is it attainable to make your thought perform otherwise?

In our instance, do not simply take into consideration adapting the automobile or its energy supply. Take into consideration the driving force. How did individuals must adapt to make EVs fashionable? A technique was that they wanted to be comfy with slow-charging their automobiles at house or discovering charging stations somewhat than counting on the huge community of fuel stations. This led to improvements in the right way to energy EVs. For instance, we discover charging stations at procuring malls and different locations the place individuals spend time doing different issues. One other instance of adaptation was the event of a way to fast swap weak batteries with contemporary ones, somewhat than requiring drivers to attend for charging to finish.

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Modify

You possibly can consider substitution, combining components and adaptation as totally different types of modification. Now, suppose via different methods you may change issues up that do not match into these classes. What occurs when you make this transformation? Are you able to improve or lower one thing to provide a special impact? Strive zooming in and zooming out to establish different issues to switch.

One modification Tesla made was to flatten the battery and use it to strengthen the ground of the automotive. Distinction this with putting in the battery within the again or entrance of the automotive just like the Prius and different earlier automobiles. The outcome was a decrease middle of gravity, enhancing security and dealing with, amongst different advantages.

Put to a different use

Now take into consideration the way you would possibly use your product, course of or thought another way. How will you put it to a different use? Take into consideration adjoining markets that you have not explored.

A part of Tesla’s success has been their deal with “coolness” of their advertising, somewhat than utility. They’ve put EVs to a brand new use with the Cybertruck, which appears like one thing out of Mad Max. It is cool. They’ve put their know-how to different makes use of, too. EV semi vehicles are able to carrying heavy payloads. Over time, we might even see much more methods to place this know-how to a different use.

Eradicate

Take one other have a look at the entire elements of your idea. What would occur when you eliminated one in every of its components? What about different components or processes? Are there pointless elements?

One radical innovation was for Tesla to digitize their EV’s dashboard. This transfer eradicated analog dials, mechanical odometers and different components and changed them with a 17-inch LCD. The change simplified the design and decreased components whereas rising flexibility.

Reverse

What would occur when you flip your thought round, flip it the wrong way up or reverse the order of issues? What about flipping it forwards and backwards? Will one thing change?

One apparent reversal amongst EVs was the connection between the driving force and the automotive. By definition, drivers drive automobiles. With the appearance of self-driving cars, the automotive successfully “drives” the “driver.” You could possibly additionally strive trying on the manufacturing course of in reverse as a option to establish waste and optimize manufacturing.

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You possibly can apply the SCAMPER method to just about any trade. Take the EV examples all through this text, and take a look at changing them with a product, course of or thought that you simply’re engaged on. Train this methodology to your group, and see the way it makes your group more innovative and enjoyable.