Tool 174: SCAMPER

AKA

SCAMPER Questions

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

The SCAMPER tool is an outcome of the creative facilitation work performed by Alex F. Osborne in the 1950s. Consisting of a checklist of simple questions, this tool can be used by a team to explore the issues and question everything to formulate new, fresh ideas. Problem-solving teams often produce many solution ideas when responding to the SCAMPER questions asked.

Typical application

• To question and identify improvement opportunities for processes, products, and services.

• To formulate alternative ideas for problem solving or process change.

• To produce a large number of solution ideas.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
1	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
3	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Brainstorming

• Checksheet

• Defect Map

• Pareto Chart

• Events Log

after

• Starbursting

• Countermeasures Matrix

• Problem Analysis

• Process Analysis

• Solution Matrix

Notes and key points

• The mnemonic SCAMPER (developed by Bob Eberle) stands for:

  • S - Substitute?

  • C - Combine?

  • A - Adapt?

  • M - Modify? Magnify?

  • P - Put to other uses?

  • E - Eliminate? Minimize?

  • R - Reverse? Rearrange?

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 Assemble a representative team with knowledge of the topic, issue, or problem to be analyzed. See example Defective Flashlight Switch.

• STEP 2 One by one, the idea-spurring SCAMPER questions are presented to the team.

• STEP 3 Participants discuss the questions and formulate ideas. Responses are recorded as the SCAMPER checklist or questions are completed.

Example of tool application

Defective Flashlight Switch

SCAMPER Questions—Defective Switch	Date xx/xx/xx
S - Can we substitute a more reliable switch?
C - Combine slide switch assembly with the signaling button?
A - What ideas or concepts can be adapted from other similar switches?
M - Modify the switch to have fewer parts?
P - Can the switch be put to other uses?
E - Can the switch be eliminated or exchanged?
R - How can we rearrange the components of the switch to a more robust design?