QR Codes - gimmick or the gap between printed and online content?

There is probably a good chance you will have seen a QR codes recently. These small squares of pixels may look like random nonsense... 
However, they are actually a 2D barcode matrix that use a very clever method of encoding text, phone numbers, web addresses and other data into a small area.
They can be read by special QR code readers, as well as most new smart phones and mobile devices with the addition of a reader application installed.

They were initially designed in Japan in 1994 and was initially used by vehicle manufacturers to track components. Other sectors then began to adopt them because of their high data capacity, accuracy and speed of use.

Today, they have been adopted by many businesses. They enable people who use "smart phone" technology to scan a printed image (the QR code) using the built in camera. The software then automatically decodes the data within the image and takes the relevant action, depending on the type of information.

This means that QR codes can be encoded to allow mobile devices to scan a code and:

• Visit a website.
• Download an MP3 track.
• Buy tickets for any event.
• Automatically dial a mobile phone number.
• Send an email; as well as much more.

By the very nature of design, QR codes can be printed virtually anywhere you see text or images. This means you can place a direct link to your website or product on limitless formats - t-shirts, business cards, posters, advertising boards, in newspapers etc.

This provides new and exciting ways for businesses to market themselves, utilising cross-platform marketing tools.

However, this is not a new technology. It has been around since 1994, and has only started to catch on in a big way. Even then, it appears that technologically advances countries, such as Japan and Korea tend to be the leaders in using QR codes.

There are issues with this technology unfortunately. These include:

• Not everybody has a compatible smart phone or mobile device that can be used to scan the codes.
• The mobile devices do not come pre-installed with a QR code reader, so it is up to the individual to install the app on their device.
• Not everybody know what a QR code is, or how to use it.
• There are several different standards of QR codes, which means sometimes you have an incompatible reader.
• If the code is connected to a website, you might not have access to internet services when you scan it.

I personally think QR codes are quirky and slightly cool, if you are a bit geeky (I certainly am!) I was at a bus stop the other day, and noticed a poster for an alcoholic beverage. Out of curiosity I scanned it on my iPod.

Once I got home I loaded the URL contained within the QR code and looked through the website.

Now, if the poster only had the website address, I don't think I would've bothered, which goes to show they can attract potential visitors who wouldn't otherwise visit the website.

So, as far as being a bit of a gimmick, I agree they can be, however gimmicks can lead to successful marketing in business and for this reason I believe QR codes are the perfect gap between printed and online multimedia!

What are your thoughts on QR codes? 

Have you ever scanned a QR code? 

Please leave your comments below!

- TheLittlerich