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Considered one of my favourite brainstorming frameworks is the SCAMPER method. It stands for Substitute, Mix, Adapt, Modify, Put to a different use, Get rid of, and Reverse. Promoting govt Alex Faickney Osborn developed the unique rules in 1953. Then, Bob Eberle turned them right into a memorable acronym and expanded on the idea in 1971 when he wrote the guide, Scamper: Games for Imagination Development.
Many individuals consider that creative thinking is an innate potential. Which may be true for some individuals, however the remainder of us may 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 need to enhance upon. You possibly can even use it to disclose new alternatives to compete. For instance the method, let’s take into account the shift from vehicles powered by combustion engines to electrical autos (EVs) as we discover every element of the SCAMPER method.
Substitute
The primary element of SCAMPER is Substitute. Have a look at your thought and break it down into its elements. What individuals, supplies, processes or different components is it comprised of? What individuals might you substitute into the method to get a unique consequence, and why? What occurs in the event you swap out a fabric, course of or one thing else?
If you happen to have been brainstorming methods to enhance upon gas-powered vehicles, you may ask your self what to substitute. Finally, you may ask your self whether or not you could possibly substitute its energy supply. Transferring from fuel to electrical energy is the substitution that sparks the concept of electrical vehicles and units off the chain response of imagining each element changed with an digital equal.
Mix
Now take your current parts, in addition to your substitute objects, and picture combining them in new methods. Are you able to produce a greater consequence? Are there features or options you can mix to make your thought higher not directly? What concerning the course of?
The underbody of ordinary vehicles is usually composed of a whole lot of elements which might be 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 mix of the a whole lot of elements which might be required for a similar objective in gas-powered vehicles.
Adapt
As you dive deeper into the SCAMPER method, take into account the way you may adapt your thought. Are you able to remodel a course of or element of your thought to make it better? Is it potential 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 have to adapt to make EVs in style? A method was that they wanted to be comfy with slow-charging their autos at residence or discovering charging stations reasonably than counting on the huge community of fuel stations. This led to improvements in how one can energy EVs. For instance, we discover charging stations at buying malls and different locations the place individuals spend time doing different issues. One other instance of adaptation was the event of a technique to fast swap weak batteries with recent ones, reasonably than requiring drivers to attend for charging to finish.
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Modify
You possibly can consider substitution, combining elements and adaptation as completely different types of modification. Now, suppose by means of different methods you’ll be able to change issues up that do not match into these classes. What occurs in the event you make this transformation? Are you able to improve or lower one thing to provide a unique impact? Attempt zooming in and zooming out to determine different issues to switch.
One modification Tesla made was to flatten the battery and use it to bolster the ground of the automobile. Distinction this with putting in the battery within the again or entrance of the automobile just like the Prius and different earlier autos. The end result was a decrease heart of gravity, enhancing security and dealing with, amongst different advantages.
Put to a different use
Now take into consideration the way you may 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 concentrate on “coolness” of their advertising, reasonably 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 vans are able to carrying heavy payloads. Over time, we might even see much more methods to place this know-how to a different use.
Get rid of
Take one other have a look at all the parts of your idea. What would occur in the event you eliminated one in every of its elements? What about different elements or processes? Are there pointless parts?
One radical innovation was for Tesla to digitize their EV’s dashboard. This transfer eradicated analog dials, mechanical odometers and different elements and changed them with a 17-inch LCD. The change simplified the design and diminished elements whereas growing flexibility.
Reverse
What would occur in the event you flip your thought round, flip it the other 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 automobile. By definition, drivers drive vehicles. With the arrival of self-driving cars, the automobile successfully “drives” the “driver.” You might additionally strive trying on the manufacturing course of in reverse as a method to determine waste and optimize manufacturing.
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You possibly can apply the SCAMPER method to nearly any business. Take the EV examples all through this text, and check out changing them with a product, course of or thought that you just’re engaged on. Train this technique to your staff, and see the way it makes your group more innovative and enjoyable.