As a business owner, you would most likely be interested in improving your products and services. One way to do that is to generate ideas that you will implement. But, coming up with good ideas can be difficult sometimes. Not to worry. Read on to find out how to use the SCAMPER technique to generate business ideas.
What is the SCAMPER technique?
SCAMPER is a tool used to generate ideas. It could be implemented for new products and services. In addition, you can use it to generate ideas to improve existing products and services. Basically, you can consider SCAMPER as a quick and easy form of creative brainstorming.
Specifically, with SCAMPER, you can Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse ideas. You may even begin by asking questions about your existing products based on each of the seven prompts. Thereafter, you discover more creative ideas to develop and improve your products.
Interestingly, the use of the term “products” covers not just physical goods but also processes and services.
How to Use the SCAMPER technique
Initially, you can identify your existing product or service. It could either be a problematic product or a potential product. Thereafter, you can begin the brainstorming process. Simply ask as any questions as you can using the mnemonic. Some of the ideas may even seem outlandish or impractical.
Lastly, choose the viable ideas or solutions from the whole lot. You can go ahead and explore them further.
The SCAMPER Technique
Substitute
Here, you may think about what materials or resources you could swap to improve your product. This could include processes, rules, implementation, and intent.
Combine
In addition, you could consider the result of combining the product, objectives, uses, talent and resources. You could just discover a new approach.
Adapt
Perhaps, there are ways to readjust your product to serve another purpose. Also, you may explore changes to the product, items to emulate, similar products, alternative context, and ideas for inspiration.
Modify
Similarly, you could brainstorm on how to change the shape or feel of the product. Think along the lines of what to add, what to highlight, and what to strengthen.
Put to Another Use
Meanwhile, you could go on to consider other applications of the product. For example, could it be used in another industry or setting? Furthermore, you could see what recycling options are there for the product.
Eliminate
In the same vein, you could try to simplify or streamline your product. Explore what features or rules to eliminate. Perhaps, you can tone down certain aspects or make it lighter.
Reverse
Probably, you may get some interesting ideas when you reverse your process or sequence. Think about doing the opposite. You may even consider touching up certain components to change the product order.
In conclusion
Surely, there are other great creative brainstorming techniques you could use. However, knowing how to use the scamper technique to generate business ideas can be of great benefit. Of course this is the case if you implement it properly. So, do you want to squeeze out an additional seven concepts from your idea? Go ahead and start SCAMPERing!
