5 inventive uses for QR codes
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 10:00AM Slowly but surely, quick response codes (QR codes) are making their way into the mainstream. As mentioned in a post on QR codes from last fall, Best Buy is using them on their in store fact tags. Real estate brokers are using them on real estate signs outside properties to provide virtual tours of the home for sale. A recent article in Mashable actually argued that QR code acceptance in the mainstream is really inevitable, especially as the world turns more and more into a mobile society. The QR code is linking the real world with the virtual world.
According to JumpScan (see infographic below), QR code usage has risen 1200% from July to December of 2010. Apple users scan the most, even though, according to a recent Business Insider article, they are currently third in the smart phone market with a 25% share (Android owns 33% and Rim has 29%).
I thought it might be fun to take a look at some inventive uses for QR codes that show, just a small amount, the potential for these curious little digital portals. Here are 5 inventive uses for QR codes.
1. Provide instant feedback at a restaurant
Restaurants routinely hand out comment cards at the end of your meal. They usually arrive with your bill. On a rare occasion you might actually fill one out. This restaurant provides you the option, via a QR code, to link directly to Yelp where you can provide feedback on an online comment card.
2. Plug your product on a talk show
The staple of the TV talk show is to hold up whatever album, book or product a guest is trying to promote. I assume it is either to prove that, yes, this artist or guest actually has created something. Or maybe to get us familiar with what the product, book or album looks like. Recently, Jimmy Fallon did something while introducing a band on his show that Todd Wasserman & I think will become a trend. Instead of holding up the album, he held up a large QR code, which linked to the band's homepage and a video. The QR code could have easily linked to Amazon to buy the album. I think we will see a lot more of this by Fallon and his like in the future (although I can't see David Letterman doing this).
3. QR codes on building permits
New York City recently instituted the use of QR codes on all building permits. Scanning the code allows users to learn details about the project like the approved scope of work and identities of the property owner and job applicant, among other information. The QR code will also link to the Department of Buildings Information System and provide the option to initiate a call in case they want to register a complaint about noise, safety or other concerns.
4. An interactive tour of NYC parks
The World Park Campaign describes itself as a mobile-interactive experience that creates engagement and raises awareness for our NYC parks. Using QR codes at various NYC park locations, participants are able to create a virtual experience and learn more about such locations. As a Boston native, I think of how this could be used on the Freedom Trail. Imagine being in front of Paul Revere's house, clicking a QR code and receiving information. It would be like a guided tour.
Sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, A Box Life encourages the reuse of shipping boxes by engaging with customers. Today, there are 14 other brands that also use this shipping method. The way it works is relatively simple. When ordering online, customers are provided with the option of using a used box with a QR code sticker on it. When you receive your shipment, you can scan the QR code and see all the places that box has been in the world. It also brings you to a site to add the box's latest stop. Not only does this enhance the "green" aspect for brands that use this, but it also encourages the receivers to re-use the box themselves.
What are some unique uses for QR codes that you've seen?
Kevin Duffy is the Creative Director for The Duffy Agency's Boston office.
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