QR Codes Introduction and Case Studies
What are they? • QR = “Quick Response” • An advanced, 2D barcode - scans horizontally & vertically
• Capable of storing: – 7,089 numeric characters – 4,296 alphanumeric characters
How do they work? • A code is produced on any surface with sufficient contrast. • That 2D barcode is encrypted with a service type that directs the contained information. e.g.: - tel: +12124483282 — phone number - mailto:ideas@globalthinking.com — email address - http://www.digg.com — browse to website
How do they work? • A camera phone enabled with a QR reader snaps a picture of the code.
• Based on the specific reader/phone/user, the code is interpreted and executed.
How are they used? • Originally used to track vehicle parts in manufacturing, QR codes have become widely used for marketing purposes.
DICK’S Sporting Goods Promoted their new mobile site with a QR-driven campaign displayed on the jumbotron in the new Cowboys Stadium. The code takes them to the DICK’s mobile site
Continental Airlines Enables travelers to check in with a QRcoded boarding pass, saving time and paper.
Starbucks Allows customers to pay with their Starbucks card via a QR coded displayed on their iPhone The code simply stores their Starbucks card number
Editoras • Created a “living book” of QR codes • Used quotes from Twitter users relating to the terms “love” and “hate.” • Each week the static QR codes point to a different quote, creating endless content in the same book.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4thXVM2qk
Some others The small town of Manor, TX installed QR codes throughout their government property. The cost-friendly initiative earned them the Most Innovative Use of Technology award. A game of laser tag played with QR codes that send SMS messages to let players know they’ve been killed.
Applications in Development at Global Thinking • Mobile marketing opportunities – Invites direct response and involvement – Adds to customizing, targeting abilities – Inherently cross-media
• Extension to PURLs (personalized URLs) • An area to innovate (see Editoras)
Drawbacks to Consider • • • • •
Relatively foreign concept in U.S. Not all phones are enabled Privacy issues with mobile Data/service charges Only applicable to certain demographics • Needs to add some value
QR Code Resources • http://www.qrme.co.uk • http://www.mobilebarcodes.com • http://www.mobilecodes.org Readers: Kaywa, I-nigma, BeeTagg, QuickMark, Zxing - most of which allow for QR code creation on their website
Interested in Using QR Codes? Contact us: +1 571.527.4160 ideas@globalthinking.com