Stuck with the same three ideas? SCAMPERA 7-lens creativity checklist: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse. Click term for full definition turns the process around seven times, and each turn shows you something new. Watch the short video, then work with the toolkit PDF: it explains the method, shows a worked example and gives you a blank template to fill in.
Tool video
The short tool video will appear here.
SCAMPER in short
- Pick the target. One process step or one root causeThe fundamental, underlying reason a problem occurs, as distinct from its symptoms. If you remove the root cause, the problem does not come back. Click term for full definition, not the whole process.
- Go letter by letter. Spend 3 to 5 minutes on each question.
- Write every answer. Even odd ones. One idea per line or sticky note.
- Mark the surprises. Which ideas would you never have had otherwise?
- Add to the Long ListThe comprehensive, unfiltered list of potential solutions generated for each root cause, before any evaluation. Click term for full definition. Merge with your other ideas for evaluation in I2.
Key points
- Seven lenses on one process step.
- A prompt when ideas run dry.
- Eliminate often wins.
- Everything goes on the Long List.