Why do I want to fit Principles into SCAMPER approaches?
In a recent post (check it here first) I explore how SCAMPER can embrace the 40 Principles of Inventive Problem Solving. The goal is to wrap the complexity of the Principles in the approachability of SCAMPER.
Modify defined in Applied Imagination
Under the category of Modify, Alex Osborn proposed the following questions in his book Applied Imagination:
Modify
- New twist?
- Change meaning, colour, motion, odour, taste, form, shape?
- Other changes?
Magnify
- What to add?
- More time?
- Greater frequency?
- Stronger?
- Higher?
- Larger?
- Longer?
- Thicker?
- Heavier?
- Extra value?
- Plus ingredient?
- Duplicate?
- Multiply?
- Exaggerate?
Minify
- What to subtract?
- Smaller?
- Condensed?
- Miniature?
- Lower?
- Shorter?
- Narrower?
- Lighter?
- Omit?
- Streamline?
- Split up?
- Understate?
- Less frequent?
40 Principles within Modify
The following Principles modify a component, process, direction, method of interaction, method of construction or atmosphere.
- Principle 15 – Dynamics: Can we make this product or service modify itself to suit its environment or circumstances?
- Principle 18 – Mechanical Vibration: Can vibration be used to separate, propel, loosen?
- Principle 19 – Periodic Action: Are there advantages to going in spurts? Can we cache the process? Can the product store and use energy, materials?
- Principle 29 – Pneumatics and Hydraulics: Can the system act on itself or its environment with liquids or gases?
- Principle 20 – Continuity of Useful Action: Instead of a seasonal process can we run year round? Instead of store-and-forward can we run on a conveyor. Instead of delivering bottles or tanks can we flow through a pipe?
- Principle 21 – Rushing Through: Can sudden impact improve the result?
- Principle 27 – Cheap Short-Living Objects: Can making it disposable improve the overall economics or convenience?
- Principle 31 – Porous Materials: Can holes or voids be used to make the item lighter or hold other materials?
- Principle 32 – Colour Changes: Can a colour change make the item more appealing, easier to identify, more appealing, change how it is affected by light?
- Principle 33 – Homogeneity: Can the system or process be made more internally consistent?
- Principle 35 – Parameter Changes: What if we made it hotter, colder, larger, smaller etc.?
- Principle 36 – Phase Transitions: What role can phase transitions play?
- Principle 37 – Thermal Expansion: Can thermal expansion and contraction be used as a trigger or a force?
- Principle 38 – Accelerated Oxidation: Can we make the item rust or burn faster with a strong oxidant?
- Principle 4 – Asymmetry: Does it need to be symmetrical?
- Principle 1 – Segmentation: Can breaking up a single component into multiple let it work more smoothly or with greater capability?
- Principle 3 – Local Quality: Can part of it be made to function differently or of different materials for improved performance?
