How to Generate Ideas with the SCAMPER Technique

Summary

In this video, Michael from Bizarre Design Lab demonstrates the SCAMPER technique for generating creative ideas. He uses a peanut butter product as an example and walks viewers through the seven SCAMPER steps: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. With a playful approach, Michael brainstorms innovative ways to promote peanut butter, such as shaving with it. The video emphasizes thinking outside the box, encouraging viewers to use SCAMPER for their own projects, and even offers a wall graphic to keep the method handy.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Michael from Bizarre Design Lab introduces the SCAMPER technique to generate ideas.
• 📝 The SCAMPER technique is an acronym for seven different idea generation strategies.
• 🥜 The assignment is to find an innovative way to promote a small-town peanut butter company's product.
• 🔄 S stands for Substitute, suggesting to replace the main ingredient, like using almonds instead of peanuts.
• 🥪 C stands for Combine, like combining peanut butter with jelly to create a popular sandwich.
• 💡 A stands for Adapt, proposing a low-fat peanut butter option to adapt to health trends.
• 🛠️ M stands for Modify, discussing changes in product size to cater to different consumer needs.
• 🔄 P stands for Put to Another Use, exploring unconventional uses for peanut butter, like shaving.
• ❌ E stands for Eliminate, considering removing certain elements to increase efficiency or reduce waste.
• 🔄 R stands for Reverse, which involves reversing the product's direction or process for a new perspective.
• 🎨 Michael decides on the idea of using peanut butter for shaving to create an unusual advertisement.
• 🖼️ The chosen concept is developed into a retro-style graphic with a play on words, including the product's name.
• 📈 SCAMPER is a valuable resource for quickly and easily generating design concepts.

Q & A

What is the SCAMPER technique, and why is it used in the video?

The SCAMPER technique is a creative thinking process used to generate innovative ideas by looking at a product from seven different perspectives. It helps in brainstorming new ways to improve or reimagine products or services.

What does the letter 'S' in SCAMPER stand for, and how is it applied in the video?

'S' stands for 'Substitute.' In the video, the presenter suggests substituting peanuts, the main ingredient in peanut butter, with almonds to generate new ideas.

How does the video illustrate the 'C' for Combine in the SCAMPER technique?

The 'C' for Combine is shown by combining peanut butter with other ingredients, such as jelly, to create a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

What does 'A' represent in the SCAMPER method, and what example is given in the video?

'A' stands for 'Adapt.' The example provided is adapting peanut butter to meet an industry demand by creating a healthier, low-fat option like powdered peanut butter.

How is the 'M' for Modify applied to peanut butter in the video?

'M' stands for 'Modify,' and the video suggests modifying the size of the peanut butter container to make it suitable for large families or creating a smaller, portable version for on-the-go use.

What is the 'P' in SCAMPER, and how does the video explore this concept?

'P' stands for 'Put to another use.' The video explores using peanut butter in unexpected ways, such as baking cookies, making a bird feeder, or even shaving with it.

What does the 'E' for Eliminate involve in the SCAMPER technique?

'E' stands for 'Eliminate.' The video suggests eliminating the traditional method of spreading peanut butter on bread and instead eating it directly with a fork. Another example is repurposing the jar for storage once the peanut butter is gone.

How does the video explain the 'R' for Reverse, and what example is provided?

'R' stands for 'Reverse,' and the video offers the idea of toasting bread and dipping it into peanut butter instead of spreading it. Another humorous example involves reversing the threads on the jar lid so it screws on in the opposite direction.

What idea did the presenter ultimately choose for the ad concept, and why?

The presenter chose the idea of using peanut butter for shaving because it was unusual and innovative, aligning with the client's request for a unique way to promote the product.

How does the presenter recommend using the SCAMPER technique for future projects?

The presenter suggests keeping a SCAMPER wall graphic at your workstation as a visual reminder of the technique, making it easy to refer to when generating ideas for future projects.