The Strengths of Scamper

SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for "Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate and Rearrange." It is a technique that can aid those looking for creative ways to solve problems and generate new ideas. This method was formulated by Alex Osborn and later summarized into its current acronym by Bob Eberle. While it is simple, it can prove very effective.

Possibility

• Many people get stuck in a rut because they get so caught up in the problem and their current perspective that they are unable to see the solution right in front of them. SCAMPER worksheets come with several questions for each of the acronym letters that you can ask yourself. These questions will help you take your mind off the problem and give you the perspective to come up with a variety of solutions.

Creativity

• This is an excellent tool for those who want to nourish their inner creativity and foster the ability to think in a variety of ways. For example, the individual who has too many posters for his wall space may find himself regretful that he has to put the unused ones into storage. However, the "Rearrange" option might inspire an individual to create a collage effect by overlapping posters or even putting some on the ceiling.

Efficiency

• SCAMPER can prove to be very useful to those who are trying to make their lives or a project more efficient. This can help people get more done while they are working and minimize unproductive efforts. For example, a woman may only have one hour of free time each night and be torn between working out and leisure reading. The "Combine" option may help her realize she can get the book she is reading on audio and listen to it while she runs on a treadmill.

Accessibility

• SCAMPER can be used by almost anyone, whether she is a mathematician, a creative fiction writer or a house painter. This technique has even been taught extensively to children to encourage adaptability and ingenuity. It does not require any special skills or education and you do not have to read a lengthy book to grasp the concepts. If you are able to remember the seven main words of the acronym, you can take the technique with you wherever you go.