Scan with your smart phone
QR codes have been around for more than 10 years and are widely used in countries such as Japan. These codes are just now starting to make their way into the North American market.
What is a QR Code?
A QR Code, also known as a two-dimensional bar code consists of black and white modules in a square pattern. These barcodes are unique because they are readable by smart phones and are capable of storing encoded information such as text, contact information, URL’s and data.
More and more smart phones are incorporating QR code readers into their operating systems. Google’s mobile Android system and Nokia’s Symbian system are equipped with QR code readers and while Apple’s iOS does not include a pre-loaded reader, there are over 50 free Apps available to choose from.
Some Interesting Facts:
- QR codes were first created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994 for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing
- The QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional bar codes
- QR stands for Quick Response as it allows for stored content to be decoded at high speeds
QR Codes for Marketing
QR codes are becoming more and more popular in commercial applications targeting smart phone users, this is known as mobile tagging. It is now possible to embed vCard contacts, compose an email or text message and direct people to a URL.
QR codes storing URL’s have been popping up in magazines, guerilla marketing campaigns, billboard signs, product packaging and on business cards. These campaigns are proving to be very successful because of their ability to generate intrigue and curiosity. This can be achieved by allowing certain demographics access to exclusive information or the opportunity to win prizes.
Some Notable Marketing Campaigns
- In January 2011, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum launched a clothing line featuring a QR code on the right back shoulder directing people to the museum’s web site or artist interviews
- LBP.me has created a QR code for all user generated levels in LittleBigPlanet 2 for the PlayStation. If you print that QR code and hold it in front of the PlayStation 3’s camera while the game is running, the game will automatically take you to that level on the community page
- In 2011, the U.S. Army in Seoul, South Korea became the first Army organization to use QR codes for official media campaigns
- At the 2009 Oscars, QR codes were used in artwork for prizes and access to exclusive online content
- In Lviv (Ukraine), Lviv Tourism Movement put QR codes on more than 80 tourism objects. These QR codes are in several different languages, helping tourists find information about the city
Generate your own QR Code with Kaywa.
Hello,
we believe that QR codes will make the connection between offline and online worlds easier. That’s why we created our QR code generator with social features – YouScan.me. You can add all your info like Facebook profile or fan page, twitter, youtube, etc. and connect with others.
Cheers
Am interested in how to use QR codes on a passport photo with name and contact info for our public event ID programs. Would be delighted to be pointed to where I can get such help.