The SCAMPER definition describes a creative thinking technique that uses seven specific prompts to generate new ideas by examining existing products, services, or processes from different angles. Developed by Bob Eberle in 1971, this method builds on Alex Osborn’s earlier work on creative problem-solving.
SCAMPER meaning extends beyond simple brainstorming. It represents a systematic approach to innovation that anyone can learn and apply. Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike randomly, you actively pursue creative solutions through structured questioning.
The beauty of this framework lies in its accessibility. You don’t need special training or innate creative talent. The method provides specific questions that trigger different thinking patterns, helping you see familiar things in unfamiliar ways.
Table of contents
What Is the SCAMPER Technique?
SCAMPER is a creative thinking checklist that forces you to look at problems, products, or processes from seven fresh angles. It’s not random brainstorming. It’s structured chaos — a framework that guarantees new ideas every time.
The SCAMPER acronym stands for:
- Substitute
- Combine
- Adapt
- Modify (or Magnify/Minify)
- Put to another use
- Eliminate
- Reverse (or Rearrange)
Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for your brain. Each letter is a prompt. You pick one, apply it to your challenge, and watch ideas multiply.
Definition of SCAMPER: A brainstorming method that uses seven action verbs to generate innovative solutions by modifying existing ideas.
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Who Created SCAMPER?
In 1971, Bob Eberle, a teacher and creativity trainer, published SCAMPER: Games for Imagination Development. He adapted it from Alex Osborn — the “O” in BBDO advertising and father of brainstorming. Osborn had a 73-question checklist. Eberle boiled it down to seven punchy prompts kids could remember.
Fast-forward 50+ years: SCAMPER lives in design thinking, ideation methods, and business innovation. It’s taught in MBA programs, used in Fortune 500 war rooms, and printed on workshop walls worldwide.
Why SCAMPER Works?
Your brain loves patterns. It defaults to “what worked before.” SCAMPER disrupts that loop.
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (of Flow fame) says creativity needs divergent thinking — generating many options fast. SCAMPER delivers exactly that. A 2023 study in Creativity Research Journal found teams using SCAMPER produced 42% more unique ideas than free brainstorming.
It works because:
- It forces perspective shifts
- It lowers idea fear (you’re just answering prompts)
- It builds on what exists — no need to invent from scratch
SCAMPER Acronym Breakdown
1. Substitute – Swap Parts for Fresh Results
Definition: Replace materials, people, processes, or rules. Key Questions:
- What can I swap out?
- Can I use a cheaper material?
- Who else could do this step?
Example: Starbucks substituted paper cups with reusable tumblers (with discounts). Result? Eco-friendly brand + loyal customers.
2. Combine – Merge Ideas for Magic
Definition: Blend two things into one. Key Questions:
- What can I mix together?
- Can I combine features from different products?
Example: Smartphone = phone + camera + computer + GPS. Apple didn’t invent any part — they combined brilliantly.
3. Adapt – Borrow from Other Worlds
Definition: Steal ideas from nature, history, or other industries. Key Questions:
- What else works like this?
- How does nature solve this?
Example: Velcro came from burrs sticking to a dog’s fur. Swiss engineer George de Mestral adapted nature.
4. Modify (Magnify/Minify) – Change Size, Shape, or Strength
Definition: Make it bigger, smaller, louder, softer, longer, shorter. Key Questions:
- What if I made it 10x bigger?
- What if I removed 90% of it?
Example: Mini Cooper took a classic car and minified it for city parking. Sales exploded.
5. Put to Another Use – Repurpose with Purpose
Definition: Use it for something totally different. Key Questions:
- Who else could use this?
- What new problem does it solve?
Example: Post-it Notes were a failed glue. 3M repurposed weak adhesive into removable bookmarks.
6. Eliminate – Subtract to Simplify
Definition: Cut out steps, features, or waste. Key Questions:
- What can I remove without breaking it?
- What do users never use?
Example: Netflix eliminated late fees and DVD mailers — instant streaming was born.
7. Reverse (or Rearrange) – Flip It Upside Down
Definition: Do the opposite. Change order. Invert assumptions. Key Questions:
- What if I did it backward?
- What if the customer paid after using it?
Example: Uber reversed taxis — riders rate drivers, not vice versa. Trust soared.
Also Read: Delphi Technique
SCAMPER Technique Examples
Let’s see SCAMPER in action with famous innovations.
| Product | SCAMPER Letter | How It Was Used |
| Airbnb | Put to Another Use | Homeowners rent spare rooms (like hotels, but personal) |
| Dyson Vacuum | Eliminate + Modify | Removed bags + magnified suction power |
| Spotify | Substitute + Combine | Swapped CDs for streaming + combined radio + playlists |
| GoPro | Adapt + Minify | Adapted film cameras for extreme sports + made tiny |
| IKEA | Reverse | Customers assemble furniture (saves shipping cost) |
These weren’t accidents. Teams used SCAMPER ideation to challenge norms.
How to Use the SCAMPER Method?
Ready to run a session? Follow this 5-step SCAMPER process.
Step 1: Pick Your Challenge
Write it clearly:
“How might we improve our onboarding process?”
Step 2: Gather Your Team (or Solo Brain)
3–7 people. Diverse roles = better ideas.
Step 3: Run Through Each SCAMPER Prompt
Spend 5 minutes per letter. Use a SCAMPER chart (template below). Example for onboarding:
- Substitute: Replace in-person training with VR?
- Combine: Merge onboarding with buddy system?
- Adapt: Copy Disney’s cast member training?
Step 4: Capture Every Idea — No Judging
Write on sticky notes. Quantity > quality.
Step 5: Vote & Prototype Top 3
Use dot voting. Build quick mocks.
Pro Tip: Time-box it. 45 minutes total = high energy.
SCAMPER Activities for Teams, Classrooms, and Kids
For Teams: “SCAMPER Your Coffee Break”
Challenge: Improve the office coffee station. Result? One team invented a subscription bean box — now a startup.
For Teachers: “SCAMPER a Pencil”
Kids list 20+ ideas (pencil as drumstick, backscratcher, etc.). Builds divergent thinking.
For Designers: “SCAMPER a Chair”
Result? Foldable, stackable, glowing, edible (yes, really) chairs.
SCAMPER in Design Thinking and Business Strategy
SCAMPER isn’t just a toy. It powers serious innovation.
- IDEO uses it in empathize → ideate phases.
- Procter & Gamble applied SCAMPER to diapers → Pampers Pure (plant-based).
- Tesla reversed car sales (online direct) → disrupted dealers.
In business, use SCAMPER for:
- Product redesign
- Cost cutting
- Customer experience
- Marketing campaigns
Common SCAMPER Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Fix |
| Skipping letters | Force all 7 — best ideas hide in “weird” ones |
| Judging too soon | Wait until the end |
| Solo use only | Teams spark 3x more ideas |
| Vague challenge | Be specific: “Reduce packaging waste by 30%” |
Also Read: PERT: Program Evaluation Review Technique Explained
SCAMPER vs. Other Ideation Methods
| Method | Best For | SCAMPER Edge |
| Brainstorming | Open ideas | SCAMPER gives structure |
| Mind Mapping | Visual thinkers | SCAMPER is faster |
| Six Thinking Hats | Decision making | SCAMPER is pure ideation |
Use SCAMPER when you’re stuck on “how”.
SCAMPER Tool
No paper? Try these:
- Miro / Mural – Drag-and-drop SCAMPER boards
- Notion – SCAMPER database template
- Canva – Printable SCAMPER worksheets
- ChatGPT – Prompt: “SCAMPER this: [your idea]”
Final Words
The SCAMPER technique isn’t magic — but it feels like it. Seven simple words unlock ideas you didn’t know you had. From Bob Eberle’s classroom to Tesla’s boardroom, it proves: You don’t need genius. You need a system.The world doesn’t reward the smartest. It rewards the most creative. And now, you hold the key.
FAQs About the SCAMPER Technique
What does SCAMPER stand for?
Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse.
What is the SCAMPER method used for?
To generate creative ideas by modifying existing products, processes, or services.
Who created the SCAMPER technique?
Bob Eberle in 1971, based on Alex Osborn’s brainstorming checklist.
Can SCAMPER be used in business?
Yes — for product innovation, cost reduction, marketing, and strategy.
What’s a simple SCAMPER example?
Substitute: Replace plastic straws with paper → eco-friendly drinks.
Is SCAMPER part of design thinking?
Yes — it’s a core ideation tool in the “Ideate” phase.
