If we ask the question “How might this be different?” we can trigger many potential
solutions. We can ask the question in terms of size and scale; function and scope; roles
and responsibilities; sequence and flow.

The mnemonic SCAMPER can aid this thinking process: (Substitute; Combine; Adapt;
Magnify/Minify; Put to other uses; Eliminate/elaborate; Rearrange / reverse).

PURPOSE
To generate ideas by challenging various aspects of a situation, e.g. (Adapt time) “What
if we were constructing this building 200 years ago?” (Magnify numbers) “What if this
aircraft were to carry 2000 people instead of 200, what would we do then?”

PROCESS
How you use it depends on the topic. A simple way to tackle it is:

1. Take one of the categories (e.g. Substitute)
2. Use the 5Ws and H technique, that is: “Who, What, Why, Where, When and How” to generate questions

E.g.: What materials might we use instead? Who might use this building other than
aircrew? How might we use this room for other purposes? When could different groups
use this area of the building? How could we obtain access from a different way?

BENEFITS

• It is a systematic method to generate ideas
• It can also be used to find alternative ways to use existing materials and processes

DISADVANTAGES

• It can become a little too rigorous in use and so a little dull

TIPS

• You might generate a useful checklist of questions for projects