This post is meant to provide you with a general understanding of what QR codes are, their potential for marketing and your interactive experience.
“A QR code is a specific matrix bar code (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR bar code readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.” ~ Wikipedia
The World Park Campaign
Let’s Take a Walk
QR codes allow someone to scan/photograph a code – for example, the picture to the right. Once a code is scanned, the code will then pull the information from whatever source was used to generate it. This code enables someone to virtually consume information about various items, be it history, arts and culture, geology, music, etc. In this example, a QR code makes the experience richer for Central Park visitors, providing the opportunity for a casual stroll through the Central Park to be an interactive learning experience. It’s fun for the whole family.
When creating the QR code, programmers can put a vast amount of information behind them. Instead of giving a potential client a plain, old, boring, standard business card that has some copy on it, or a pamphlet crammed with a lot of copy and some images on really shiny and expensive paper, you can provide them with an eye-catching business card with your picture and a QR code. Once scanned, the code could then take that person to your LinkedIn account, website or wherever you decide is best.
For a list of some other creative ideas on how QR codes could be used, take a look at this post: 50 Creative Uses for QR Codes.
Networking
Imagine, if you will, that you are at a conference. Let’s say, just for giggles, you’re at the most recent installment of SXSWi. You have a breakthrough digital product/service that will revolutionize the way you present an elevator pitch. You are in an elevator on your way to your hotel room, and immediately to your left is the CEO of some company who just so happens to be in Austin for something other than SXSWi. Time to pitch. But here’s the catch: your product/service is hosted in the cloud. Now what?