QR Codes

What Are QR codes?

They look like this:

They come to us from Japan where they are very common. QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a cell phone). They are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your cell phone. You may soon see QR Codes in a magazine advert, on a billboard, a web page or even on someone’s t-shirt. Once it is in your cell phone, it may give you details about that business (allowing users to search for nearby locations), or details about the person wearing the t-shirt, show you a URL which you can click to see a trailer for a movie, or it may give you a coupon which you can use in a local outlet.

The reason why they are more useful than a standard barcode is that they can store (and digitally present) much more data, including url links, geo coordinates, and text. The other key feature of QR Codes is that instead of requiring a chunky hand-held scanner to scan them, many modern cell phones can scan them.


QR Code Uses

1. SWAG and Self Branding

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Users can embed code with text or links to their favorite images, music and sites. Upon creating a QR code, Snappr then offers you a chance to transfer the bar codes to hats, mugs and even baby gear. Because the point of the code is to provide additional info to passersby, there are a ton of potential uses for it.  You can proactively provide speed dates with background info, fundraise on-site during charity events, or simplyadvertise.

I’d avoid any permanent tattoos, but these temporary ones could be cool promo pieces. 

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2. Geo-Based Reviews and Tours

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A pilot program between CitySearch and Antenna Audio began in Spring 2008. Reviews and audio snippets were embedded into codes on San Francisco historical landmarks and restaurants. Foodies and tourists enjoyed self-guided tours of the Bay.

In a year, despite the fact that the same codes will remain posted on the same landmarks and restaurants, tours may evolve into something drastically different. If a QR code is linked to a public review site, a wiki, or a forum, anyone can lend a hand in chronicling a site’s history. Obviously this has its pros and cons.

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3. Green Ticketing

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This summer Eventbrite, tested a QR code program for concert and party registration. Meant to increase efficiency and reduce waste, this type of registration will likely become more popular as camera and scanner technology improves.  In the future, codes could be used to signify race checkpoints with sports fans tracking their favorite cyclists and motorists in real time from their phones.

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4. Geek Chiq Fashion

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Lendorff.Kaywa produced only 500 high-end limited edition Space Invaders QR code scarves . Meanwhile,QRCode Commando Nerd p8tch offers a slightly more affordable “p8tch” to sew to bags and clothing. The patches are less likely to be used for branding than the Snappr merch as they link to a URL on the Swiss domain p8t.ch and users must then redirect. That being said, you’ve always got the opportunity to elegantly Rickroll your unsuspecting public.

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5. Secrets & Acts of Defiance

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In 2007, the Pet Shop Boys released a single criticizing the British national identity card concept. The single came complete with a QR code linked to the critique. Fine, you don’t like the Pet Shop Boys. Still, it’s interesting to see that the codes can be used to subvert regimes.

Environmentalists can sticker products and link to corporate crimes, artists can satirize the man by postering government buildings, and Kevin Bacon can finally organize a footloose dance-off free of oppressive townies. The potential for activism and buffoonery is limitless. You are the master of your QR Code Destiny!