SCAMPER Framework
It is a creative thinking and innovation tool used to generate ideas and solve problems by exploring seven different angles.
What is SCAMPER Framework?
The SCAMPER Framework is a creative thinking and innovation tool used to generate ideas and solve problems by exploring seven different angles: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Developed by Bob Eberle and based on the work of Alex Osborn (the inventor of brainstorming), SCAMPER encourages teams and individuals to approach challenges systematically and imaginatively by asking a series of prompting questions related to each component.
This framework is widely used in product development, marketing, business strategy, and even education. Its simplicity makes it accessible for teams of all sizes and experience levels, especially in startup environments where innovation and rapid iteration are essential. By structuring ideation in a methodical way, SCAMPER often leads to breakthrough insights that unstructured brainstorming might overlook.
Why use SCAMPER Framework?
The SCAMPER Framework is ideal for startups and innovation-driven teams because it stimulates structured creativity. Unlike traditional brainstorming sessions that can be chaotic or directionless, SCAMPER provides a focused way to explore alternatives, rethink assumptions, and unlock new possibilities. Each SCAMPER prompt helps challenge the status quo and encourage lateral thinking.
Some key benefits of using SCAMPER include:
- Fast idea generation with a structured format
- Encourages team collaboration
- Helps break creative blocks
- Can be applied to products, services, or internal processes
When to use SCAMPER Framework?
SCAMPER is best used during the early stages of idea development or when a team hits a creative roadblock. It's especially effective when you're refining a product concept, troubleshooting a customer pain point, or looking to improve a process. For startups, it’s a powerful tool during MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development, allowing you to explore variations before committing resources.
You can also use SCAMPER when:
- Redesigning an existing feature or service
- Developing marketing strategies
- Looking for differentiation in a competitive market
- Brainstorming improvements after customer feedback
Pros and Cons of SCAMPER Framework
SCAMPER is often best combined with other tools like customer journey mapping or SWOT analysis for deeper insight.
SCAMPER Framework on My Startup Studio
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Frequently Asked Questions
No - while SCAMPER is popular in product development, it can be applied to marketing campaigns, service design, organisational processes, and even personal productivity. Its versatility makes it a great general-purpose ideation tool.
Yes, our SCAMPER Framework can be generated automatically. The system leverages all available information about your business and idea to generate a draft.
It depends on when and how you trigger it. If you expand on your business details between each generation, then it will be different. If you adjust the target audience and other input parameters, then it will be different. If you don't change anything, then it will be comparable
Related tools
A strategic planning framework used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a business venture or project.
It is a tool, platform, or methodology designed to spark creativity and generate new concepts across various domains, such as business, product development, marketing, or content creation
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