Scamper Method: Its Phases And Its Use To Solve Problems In The Company
The Scamper method is a technique that consists of bringing out creativity in groups of people , in terms of finding solutions to specific problems. Scamper is an Anglo-Saxon acronym, made up of several words in order to be easily remembered, and whose initials show the phases of this process. It is an idea that began to be implemented in the mid-20th century and that is now increasingly presented as essential in any type of organization.
It must be taken into account that creativity is a phenomenon that depends greatly on the context. Some people have it as an innate quality, a natural gift, but for a large part of society this element is very hidden or underdeveloped. Thus, the Scamper method is nothing more than a useful tool to organize and enhance that flood of ideas that can help us solve a problem, usually in the context of companies and the resolution of tasks professionally
The Scamper Method It is a concept derived from a previous one, the “barinstorming” or “brainstorming” strategy by American author and publicist Alex Osborn, a pioneer in the world of modern marketing. His technique was developed through observation, monitoring and writing down people’s daily habits, as well as the exchange of ideas between them. Without a group, this activity cannot be carried out.
So successful was Mr. Osborn’s work that it earned him recognition from such important multinational companies as General Electric, DuPont, American Tobacco or the famous sports tire company BF Goodrich. After achieving so many achievements, he decided to create his own International Center for Creativity Studies, teaching classes on “Creative Problem Solving”. In this way, it was Bob Eberle who in the middle of the 20th century created the Scamper method derived directly from the idea of Alex Osborn, with the aim of perfecting the technique in the pragmatic sense.
Before developing the idea, we must have knowledge of what each letter that makes up the concept means. Thus, Scamper responds to: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Propose other uses, Delete, Reorder
What is the technique?
Although it may seem like something dedicated to groups of intellectuals, commercial companies or complex organizations, the truth is that the Scamper method can be applied in any social sphere or field. Even in emergency or survival situations. It is especially easy to make. Below you will find the steps to follow.
1. Identify the problem to solve
It is the previous step to resolving a conflict. It is highly important to know how to identify what is not preventing growth or progress. Many companies fail because they ignore this point and simply increase expenses on tasks normally carried out.
2. Ask the SCAMPER questions
Once the anomaly or the desire to create ideas is detected, we apply the SCAMPER questions to answer them among the group. No assessment should be dismissed. In this phase, there is no discard.
In this case we will compile the answers we have obtained. All this without censoring or discrediting any no matter how unproductive it may seem to us on a personal level.
4. Evaluate ideas
Now yes, in this step you have to determine which are priority ones, which are valid for solving the problem and which are less important. We will focus on discarding as well, but those invalid ideas can serve another future problem.
5. Select them
This last point is the most important. We must choose the ideas that best fit to resolve the conflict through written justification, exposing the reasons why these ideas should be applied.
The effectiveness of the Scamper method
As we have seen in the previous points, the Scamper method is easy to apply, intuitive to a certain extent, and does not entail any additional expense beyond a certain opportunity cost in case of failure. Yes, people’s creativity plays a determining role, it is evident, but you have to make an effort to implement it regardless of the nature of the people.
In a study carried out recently by ESADE, it is shown that in an overwhelming 80% of the cases in which it is applied, the productive results of the company are improved It should be noted that the more we use the Scamper method, the more mechanical and easier it will be to apply.
We will start by taking a piece of paper, a pen and a protocol to implement it, but over time we will do it intuitively and mentally. This does not imply that with each problem that arises, a new challenge will arise, which will mean developing Scamper in a more complex way.
