One of the best ideation framework - SCAMPER

Most product enthusiasts or mid-career professionals I talk to, are either looking to build the next cool feature for the product they’re working on; or their startup.

But here’s the thing they all say — “But I just don’t know what I should build!”. Well, it’s not like they don’t possess enough knowledge to do it.

It probably is the creative thinking and the opportunity space fit. It is difficult to bridge the gap or a problem, with a creative solution.

Fortunately, we have something called a SCAMPER technique for this.

So, what on earth is the SCAMPER technique?

The SCAMPER technique is a creative thinking tool that can be used to generate new product feature ideas. SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Other uses, Eliminate, and Reverse/Rearrange.

How to use the SCAMPER technique?

Now that we know what the acronym refers to, let’s see how we can put it to use.

Substitute

Consider substituting an existing feature with a new one. For example, could you replace a manual process with an automated one? Could you replace a physical product with a digital one?

Combine

Consider combining two or more features to create a new one. For example, could you combine two existing features to create a new one that solves a customer problem?

Adapt

Consider adapting an existing feature to better meet customer needs. For example, could you modify an existing product feature to make it more user-friendly?

Modify

Consider modifying an existing feature to create a new one. For example, could you modify an existing product feature to make it more versatile or add new functionality?

Put to other uses

Consider using an existing feature in a new way. For example, could you repurpose an existing product feature to solve a different customer problem?

Eliminate

Consider eliminating an existing feature that is not adding value to the product or is causing problems for customers.

Reverse/Rearrange

Consider reversing the order of steps in a process or rearranging the product features to create a new one. For example, could you reverse the order of a product feature to create a new one that solves a customer problem?

Summary

To use the SCAMPER technique, start by identifying the product feature or problem you want to improve. Then, go through each of the SCAMPER steps and brainstorm ideas for how you could apply each step to the product feature or problem.

Finally, evaluate the ideas and select the ones that have the most potential to add value to the product and meet customer needs.

If you want to read more such product frameworks in a simplified way, let me know in the comments section on the website version of this post.