You may have seen many of these strange dotty looking codes in magazines / billboards etc. So what’s behind this latest fad in advertising and how can you use the codes to your benefit?
The technology
QR codes (Quick response codes) originate from Japan where they have formed a popular part of their technological/media led culture. With a quick scan of the code on a mobile your transported from print to a digital world.
The technology behind the QR is pretty rudimentary, just a basic 2D barcode. 2D barcodes have been used in manufacturing and the medical industry for over 15 years, as they are good at holding large amounts of text content in a relatively small area. Advances in camera technology on web-enabled mobile phones are the force that has propelled the QR Code technology into the mainstream. All you need is a simple app installed on a mobile device. After scanning the code with a camera the user can be directed to either a website, email address or a phone number. Asian and European countries have embraced this technology, with North America following slowly behind.
How could you utilise QR codes?
As this medium is still relatively new, the design industry is still exploring what can be achieved. This technology is a useful asset whether you’re a big or a small company. A simple application is adding a code to a business cards. Once scanned and decoded the information from the card can be inputted directly in the contacts on the mobile phone.
What could you use a QR code on?
Add them to any print advertising, flyers, posters, invites, TV ads etc containing:
• Product information
• Contact details
• Offers
• Event details
• Entry into a competition
• A coupon
