A "Verb List" is a systematic technique that can be used to develop new or alternate solutions based primarily on existing ideas. An engineer uses this technique by asking questions such as:

• Can the product be modified?
• Can the product be larger? Smaller?
• Can the product be used for something else?
• Can materials be substituted?
• Can components be rearranged?
• Can the product be combined with another idea?
• Can the product be made less costly?
• Can the product be packaged differently?
• Can the product be made safer?
• Etc.