QR stands for “quick response,” and these codes provide immediate access to information. A QR code is a barcode read by a cell phone that can store any alphanumeric data within it. The codes are commonly seen in places such as billboards, product labels, business cards, and buildings. The system of these codes is starting to become more common due to its speed, readability, and giant storage capacity.
These codes are international, so a QR code is a QR code no matter where you are in the world. The popularity of these codes is increasing in Japan, Europe, Canada, and the United States. If a cell phone has the required decoding software someone can, just point the phone at the code, scan, and it will open up the browser and go straight to the URL. Mobile QR codes can also encode phone numbers that can go right into your mobile contacts; a video ready to watch; a social media page; an email address; an event calendar; an address located on Google maps; and many other types of data sources. The process of accessing the encoded information is quite simple.
Cell phones must have the proper software in order to use the QR codes. So a QR scanning application must be downloaded. Some of the applications that can be downloaded to scan QR codes are free, but the higher quality scanning applications can be bought for a very low price. The scanner will determine what type of information is contained in the code and will lead you to the appropriate source.
A QR code can be customized, so that the color of the code can be changed to the color of your brand. However, when generating a color code, the color of the dots in the code must always be darker than the background color in order to access the information.
The amount of information that can be contained within a QR code is increasing and in turn, making a positive outlook for the future of these barcodes.
For creative ideas in using QR codes in your marketing materials, contact Tate Design.
