SCAMPER technique challenges the probortunity with a set of directed questions. After Substitute and Combine, we look at Adapt.
The design process always brings in elements from existing objects around us. And it is for the better usually, as the user is not forced upon something that’s completely alien. So, adaptability is always present. SCAMPER allows you to think more concrete on what to adapt to, and how much.
Key questions:
- What else is like it?
- Is there something similar to it, but in a different context? (Example: Desktop)
- Can I learn something from the past in case of similar idea?
- Does this suggest any other ideas?
- What could I copy, borrow or steal?
- Can I put my concept in different context?
- Can I put in ideas from outside my field?
- What other process I can adapt to?
- Whom could I emulate?
Drawing parallels and adapting your software design to something that’s real world, gives an instant connect with the intended user. Steve Jobs thought of a “desktop” as closest to a physical workstation/office that the user would be comfortable with. And decades later, the concept of Desktop remains with unanimous acceptance. Past few years, another concept that’s become very popular is the Dashboard. This also is a successful case of Adaptability. Car dashboards (a quick and completely functional interface of everything that needs to be controlled or read) as a concept has gone into the first screens of so many successful business/enterprise software products.
Files, folders, wallpapers, trash, mail, etc…there are so many successful, yet transparent adaptions in the software world from the real world, that we don’t even realize.
Do share any examples that fit the premise.
Vishal Mehta is a usability professional who loves to play chess and has a strong eye for details. He’s also the CEO of IDYeah Creations, a UX practice in Pune, India. Vishal is also a guest blogger on UXBooth, Technorati, BlogCritics, and SAP Community Network.
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