5 New Ways to Use QR Codes

A few weeks back, we looked at some innovative uses for QR codes. And it got us thinking. What are some other places we'd like to see QR codes that would add value, as opposed to just for promotional use.

So here are our five things we wish had QR codes.

Museum exhibits

Borrowing the idea from what NYC did for their parks, if museum exhibits had QR codes, you could link to more information about the exhibit you are looking at.

 

Owner's manual

Some of the things you own either need maintenance or trouble-shooting every now and again. Your computer, for example. Or your lawnmower. Even a TV remote. How many times have you searched for an owner's manual for an appliance or piece of technology. It would be great just to scan a QR code on the product and be taken directly to a PDF of the owner's manual.

Commonly replaced parts

QR codes were originally developed by a subsidiary of Toyota and used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing. Let's bring QR codes full circle and put them on parts that you need to reorder, such as filters for your vacuum cleaner, or grill parts (I'm always replacing burners, etc.). 

Infomercials

Not that infomercials need more ways to attract your attention, but the whole time they are trying to sell you on the combination dessert topping and floor polish, they could have a QR code displayed that would allow you to purchase the product just by scanning the code.

Movie promotions 

I can image seeing a really cool print ad for an upcoming film with a QR code that brought me to the trailer for the movie. Or add a QR code to the print or TV ad, and you could either buy tickets right there, or sign up for a reminder email for when the film comes out.  

As a side note, this list was originally six items long. The sixth entry was going to be to add QR codes to plant tags. In this way, you could find out exactly how to take care of the plants you buy. Maybe it could even link to information like companion plants, etc. Then I went to my local garden center and found something like this:

Where would you like to see QR tags? Where do you think they could add value?

Kevin Duffy is the Creative Director for The Duffy Agency's Boston office.

Comments

[Nancy Anastasi]

Great post. Another idea: include a QR Code on a textbook or a reference book so you can access updates or errata.

[Jan Dirk]

Great post maybe we should have QR code on your T-Shirts to :)...don't steal my Idea :D

[Chris Schwalb]

I'm currently in an app-challenge of German Telephone company Deutsche Telekom with a similar idea.

Have a look here:

http://www.appfahren.de/idee/1032.html

The idea is to find out how to change your car's broken lights. By screening the car's head- or rearlights with the camera of your mobilephone you get the information what bulbs you need and how to fix it.

This could either work with a qr code in the car's manual or by capturing the specific car lights.

Please, don't hesitate to vote for my entry.

Thank you!

[The Duffy Agency]

Great ideas all. QR codes hold a lot of promise and I believe they are just the first steps to connecting offline and online.

[burner]

Great post. Another idea: include a QR Code on a textbook or a reference book so you can access updates or errata.