Quick Response codes: What is a QR code?

Quick Response (QR) codes originate in Japan where they are very common. QR is the abbreviation which is often used publicly to show that a Quick Response code is available.

QR codes are used to take a piece of information from media, be it printed or digital, and add the details to a mobile phone.

QR codes will soon be seen in magazine adverts, posters, web pages and even people’s t-shirts. This is what’s happening with QR codes in Japan right now.

Once the QR code has been scanned by a mobile phone it provides details about that business or organisation – or even personal details about the person wearing the t-shirt. The QR codes can bring up a website, a YouTube video or they can provide digital coupons to be used in a local store.

The reason why QR codes are more useful than a standard barcode is that they can store and digitally present much more data, including web site links, geographic coordinates and text. The other key features of QR codes are that instead of requiring a chunky hand-held scanner, many modern mobile phones are able to scan them. QR codes can, however, be read more quickly by newer mobile phones.

A mobile phone first needs to have a QR reader. There are usually downloadable for free from the provider of the mobile. It can take as little as one minute for someone with an iPhone, Android phone or other types of Smartphone to find and install the reader, which is usually available as an app.

QR codes can easily be generated by using a site such as Kaywa.com. Google also has a QR generator tool.

Simply input all of the information that you’d like to be available. The generator then creates a QR code that translates into all the data. This can then be shared digitally or printed onto a leaflet, a sign or virtually anything else.

We are only just scratching the surface if how QR codes will be used. The imaginations of creative people like yourselves are the only limit to how far they will be taken. Here are a few examples of how other people are using QR codes

-A business card with details that automatically creates a contact with all the company’s information in somebody’s phone.
-Promoting a website in a shop window
-Opening hours and contact numbers in a magazine advertisement
-More detailed information about a product or service
-You could even put a personalised message on greetings cards

One of the main benefits for businesses is that it will allow them to target their customers very quickly. Rather than rely on people remembering a web address to type in when they get home, or for those with a more modern phone, typing it into their browser, they will be able to scan the code and immediately be provided with detailed information.

Today, few people use QR codes in their current form. But those few that do, will certainly appreciate the retailer’s technologically advancement and are likely to feel like ‘they’re one of us’. These people who already use QR codes will be more receptive to your presence on the web.

Even those customers who have no idea what a QR code is are likely to be curious. This could be a great conversation starter and it will show to them that you are at the cutting edge of technology so they can place their trust in you to deliver them the very best and most up-to-date product.

Businesses small and large can use QR codes in a number of ways. They might like to generate QR codes to place next to products on a website containing all the details and the URL link so that the product can be easily shared among friends.

QR codes containing contact details or service information can also be added to a business card. This will allow potential customers to quickly store information in their phones. This means that when they need somebody quickly they will simply search their address book and find your service from the QR code.

QR codes can be added to any printed media such as advertising, flyers, posters, invites and much more.

Although QR codes are in their infancy, they have the potential when used ethically to be a lively addition to a business and a useful aid for a customer. There are some concerns, however, that such codes could be used wrongly by governments for the purposes of identification of people. We would urge QR codes to be used responsibly and only for the higher good of mankind.