Combine. The second element of the SCAMPER.
For any problem, “combining” concepts, bringing something together, a blend, an ensemble – leads to interesting solutions. Think about combining units, components, purposes, ideas, processes, appeals! It is all about building synergy and enhancing it, from various parts. Creative output often demands combining several unrelated items to create something new and fresh.
Think aloud how to use “combine” technique in your design:
- Can I combine the registration and login elements inline?
- Can I combine individual industries into a cluster of verticals?
- Can I combine these textual data into a flow chart or infographic?
- Can I combine the marketing messages into a media file (video) that’s easy to share and download?
- Can I combine social media, blog and news as one functional block?
- Can I combine success stories or testimonials on home page?
- What if I link my content page with an industry expert article?
- Can I merge these two colors as a gradient and shadow?
- Can I combine a thin font with a bold thick font, within the same word for relative readability and emphasis?
“Combine” technique can quickly bring in simplicity to your design if done carefully; else it can turn into a very complex and inconsistent group of elements – combined to confuse. Let us join, fuse, merge, mingle, mix, package and unite with care. It’s a great exercise, really.
Join us to discuss the next element: ADAPT.
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.
Related posts:
- SCAMPER – Introduction
- Adapt To Something
- What Role Does User Interface Play In Your App Decisions?
- Substitute Something
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