Need more info? Look for a QR code

If you have a smartphone, give this QR bar code a try. If you like it, leave us a message!  

As consumers become increasingly mobile, they have come to expect instant access to product information. At the same time, companies are facing greater customer and government demands to make more product information readily available. Adding to this, some companies also are working to shrink package sizes to meet sustainability goals, significantly reducing the amount of space available to convey information.

Enter the QR bar code.

The 2D bar code is readable by smartphones with code readers installed. Consumers simply use their phone’s camera to take a picture of the bar code, and the reader software redirects them to a website with more information about the product. The technology is currently being used in Europe, Asia and the United States in conjunction with promotional activities. Businesses are using these codes not only on packaging, but also on movie posters, books, vehicles and scoreboards. New York City is currently using the codes on sanitation trucks to help promote recycling, and Dick’s Sporting Goods used the technology to offer discounts to fans at a college football game.

QR bar codes are ideal for businesses to share information with consumers for several reasons. Not only are they easier for cell phone cameras to read than traditional UPC codes, they also allow more information to be shared. For example, in the food industry, this technology may enable businesses to provide consumers with access to a product’s supply chain history, recipes ideas, or ingredient and allergy information, just by scanning a bar code. Essentially, QR bar codes can turn smartphones into information kiosks to provide consumers with information they want regarding a product they are considering for purchase.

In what other ways have you seen businesses use QR codes?

Comments

[John Parsons]

Entertainment companies seem to be the leaders in the QR Code trend -- probably because they typically have content that is readily adaptable to mobile use. Check out Warbasse Design's (http://www.warbassedesign.com) very cool campaigns for the Iron Man 2 movie and the HBO series Trueblood. I'd say the fashion industry is a close second. Nordstrom did a campaign here in Seattle, although the target site was NOT mobile optimized. (See http://2d-code.co.uk/nordstrom-seattle-qr-code/ for an overview.)

[Carder]

Another cool site is http://www.businesscardqrcode.com

[Andrea Bolyard]

Thanks for the links! Another fascinating application was shared by a commenter on our Facebook page: http://veryspatial.com/2010/01/tokyos-n-building-augmented-reality-architecture/

[Rose Ehrecke]

Great article! We have done extensive research into QR Codes at AccuLink. We are incorporating them into pURLs and other marketing pieces for our clients. Uses for the codes are endless! We have a site that allows the user to create vCards with QR Codes/Microsoft Tags on the back side that upload your vCard profile instantly to the address book on your smart phone - www.b2vcards.com.

[Larry Engel]

Access to more indepth information about a product's care and use at the point of purchase can add value for the novice consumer. We're planning to use the snap tag technology for Burpee Home Gardens vegetable and herb plants, so novice gardeners can have quick access to planting and care information on their mobile device, at the point of sale. We're hoping this will help build more confidence in their purchase and gardening experience and provide additional distinction from other options available.