Scamper

Definition

Scamper is a creative thinking technique that encourages individuals to generate new ideas by asking a series of questions that prompt innovation. It involves using a set of prompts that stimulate thinking around modifying or improving existing products, services, or processes. By exploring various avenues of thought, scamper aids in uncovering potential innovations that can lead to effective solutions in nonprofit organizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scamper is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse.
2. Using scamper can help nonprofit organizations overcome challenges by fostering a culture of creativity and open-mindedness.
3. The technique promotes collaboration among team members, allowing diverse perspectives to contribute to the innovation process.
4. Scamper can be applied in workshops or meetings, making it an interactive way to engage stakeholders in brainstorming sessions.
5. By regularly using scamper, nonprofits can continuously evolve their services and better meet the needs of their communities.

Review Questions

• How can nonprofit organizations utilize the scamper technique to enhance their innovative capacity?
  • Nonprofit organizations can utilize the scamper technique by organizing brainstorming sessions where team members are encouraged to ask questions related to each element of the acronym. For example, they might consider what can be substituted in their existing programs or how they might combine resources with other organizations. This structured approach helps teams think creatively and collaboratively, leading to innovative solutions that better serve their mission.
• Discuss the role of collaboration in the scamper technique and its impact on generating innovative ideas.
  • Collaboration is crucial in the scamper technique as it brings together diverse viewpoints and expertise from team members. When individuals share their insights during the scamper process, they create a richer pool of ideas that can lead to unique solutions. This collaborative environment not only enhances creativity but also builds team cohesion, making members more invested in the innovative outcomes that result from their collective brainstorming efforts.
• Evaluate how regular implementation of the scamper technique can transform a nonprofit's approach to problem-solving and innovation.
  • Regular implementation of the scamper technique can significantly transform a nonprofit's approach by embedding innovation into its organizational culture. By routinely engaging in this creative process, nonprofits become more agile and responsive to community needs. This proactive stance on problem-solving not only leads to effective solutions but also positions the organization as a leader in innovation within the sector, enhancing its ability to attract funding and support for its initiatives.

Related terms

Innovation: The process of introducing new ideas, methods, or products to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Brainstorming: A group creativity technique aimed at generating a large number of ideas to solve a problem or develop new concepts.

Design Thinking: A problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding the needs of users to develop innovative solutions.