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One among my favourite brainstorming frameworks is the SCAMPER method. It stands for Substitute, Mix, Adapt, Modify, Put to a different use, Remove, and Reverse. Promoting government 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 ebook, Scamper: Games for Imagination Development.
Many individuals consider that creative thinking is an innate means. Which may be true for some individuals, however the remainder of us might be artistic too, with instruments like SCAMPER. Let's dive in.
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Outline the issue to unravel
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. As an example the method, let's contemplate the shift from vehicles 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 elements. What individuals, supplies, processes or different parts is it comprised of? What individuals may you substitute into the method to get a distinct final result, and why? What occurs when you swap out a fabric, course of or one thing else?
When you had been brainstorming methods to enhance upon gas-powered vehicles, you would possibly ask your self what to substitute. Finally, you would possibly 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 part 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 final result? Are there features or options that you would be able to mix to make your thought higher in a roundabout way? What concerning the course of?
The underbody of ordinary vehicles is often composed of a whole bunch of elements which might be assembled collectively throughout manufacturing. Tesla simplified the underbody of their car 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 bunch of elements which might be required for a similar goal in gas-powered vehicles.
Adapt
As you dive deeper into the SCAMPER method, contemplate the way you would possibly adapt your thought. Are you able to rework a course of or part of your thought to make it better? Is it doable to make your thought operate in a different way?
In our instance, do not simply take into consideration adapting the car or its energy supply. Take into consideration the driving force. How did individuals have to adapt to make EVs fashionable? A method was that they wanted to be snug with slow-charging their automobiles at residence or discovering charging stations somewhat than counting on the huge community of fuel stations. This led to improvements in learn how to 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 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 elements and adaptation as totally different types of modification. Now, assume by 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 supply a distinct impact? Strive zooming in and zooming out to determine different issues to change.
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 end result was a decrease middle of gravity, bettering 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 differently. How are you going to 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 give attention to "coolness" of their advertising and marketing, somewhat than utility. They've put EVs to a brand new use with the Cybertruck, which appears to be like 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.
Remove
Take one other have a look at all the parts of your idea. What would occur when you eliminated one in all 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 decreased elements whereas rising flexibility.
Reverse
What would occur when 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 automotive. By definition, drivers drive vehicles. With the arrival of self-driving cars, the automotive successfully "drives" the "driver." You could possibly additionally attempt trying on the manufacturing course of in reverse as a solution 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 take a look at changing them with a product, course of or thought that you just're engaged on. Educate this methodology to your crew, and see the way it makes your group more innovative and enjoyable.
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