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2d barcodes

What is a QR code & why you should know

by Todd Lucier on January 24, 2009

2D Bar Codes, sometimes referred to as QR codes (quick response) look like the black and white speckled image. They will become an important tool for those looking to grow business with the web-aware cell phone toting traveler.

“91% of cell phone users keep them within one meter, 24-7.” ~ Mary Meeker, Web2Summit

How do QR Codes Work?

Anyone can set up a free account at Snappr.net , Icandy , SnapMaze or use the QR generator to created a personalized QR code.

Each code is linked to one of many different types of content like those shown in the QR Code Generator image below.

This act of linking from physical world objects is known as a hardlink or physical world hyperlinks.

The Generators create one of a kind 2-dimensional bar code symbols like mine below (Anyone can create as many as they would like):

Once created, the bar code can be printed on just about anything.

Anyone want a t-shirt?
qr code t shirt
or a mug? (click on the mug for an audio treat)
qr code mug

QR Tags don’t need to be a dominant part of a design of an ad or brochure. Small QR codes can be put on signs or packages in indiscreet ways.

How QR Codes can be used?

When a person takes a photo of a 2D bar code with their cell phone using one of a handful of applications, they can be shown anything you choose!

LG and Samsung digital camera manufacturers have already announced plans to include QR code identification capabilities in upcoming camera phones. Expect others to follow suit.

Iphone apps such as Snappr, NeoReader and 2D Sense promise the ability to read and provide hyperlinks to QR Codes. Other cell phones can use similar applications.

“In 5 years, the iphone will create many winners and many losers as iPhone is destined to become the dominant cell phone in the marketplace” ~ Mary Meeker, Web2Summit

Try it. Take a photo of this bar code using a QR code reading application. On your cell phone you will be redirected to my Twitter page, as shown below:
what you might link to with a 2d code, my twitter page.

Other Websites like http://www.microsoft.com/tags provide a different sort of QR system using colorcoded tags for tagging just about anything. Get the Microsoft Code reader for iphone and snap the icon at left to be transported on your phone (of course, you could put both types of tags on a poster or sign). Even if other coding systems evolve in the future, your QR Web content could be linked to multiple types of tags or bar codes and it’s likely that multiple code reading applications will soon be developed.

Microsoft Tag has a built in control for date sensitive tags (start and end dates) and as with QR tags it can link to a URL or connect you by phone through your phone’s dialer.

Imagine the Future

Paul Otellini, of Intel, showcased some unbelievable technology at the Web2Summit in SanFrancisco, this past November. At the time, the things he showed after his chat with John Battelle seemed outrageous and indeed unbelievable. However, QR codes are like peaking behind the curtain and finding the Wizard of Oz. They make many of the amazing ‘tricks’ shown toward the end of this video possible today.

Start a QR Project

For tourism industry, it isn’t a question of whether or not QR tags will create visitor engagement. It’s more a question of who will be the winners in QR travel by innovating and creating new experiences that make use of QR technology.

There are opportunities for new enriched tourism product development, marketing, packaging, projects and more.

What will your community or individual business project look like?

  • location by location guided tour with maps
  • link to mobile handset versions of Web sites
  • location specific web-hosted audio guides
  • podcast links so visitors can watch current video or hear current audio news from your podcast feed.
  • special offers and promotions on print advertising or rack cards
  • en route traveller entertainment
  • links to online handheld-ready rich media content
  • virtual concierge
  • cell phone enabled adventure tours and trail guides
  • links to toll free planning assistance
  • community walking / heritage tours
  • support for advertising by placing QR codes in print advertising
  • get feedback or stimulate interaction with your guest, letting them contribute text, photos, audio, video and more to your Web presence.
  • encourage travelers to write reviews on Web sites such as TripAdvisor by providing direct link to the appropriate pages.
  • link to translations of Tourism Info for guests who don’t speak your language

The most interesting question for QR Travel planning is, “How will this type of project be different from existing marketing efforts?” The best content will not simply be prepackaged, recycled content from previous marketing initiatives, but something new and exciting that takes advantage of the location-based opportunities available in your community.

My guess is that you’ll start to notice these QR codes popping up in the most unexpected of places. Will travelers to your region be able to take advantage of this unique opportunity?

Links:

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