This website designer's contact page features a scannable QR Code, located at bottom right.
I have recently become the proud owner of a cutting edge Android smartphone. (I didn’t get the iPhone, though I was very much tempted – but that’s another conversation). I held off for years but with a contract expiry with our provider having just passed I decided it was time to take the plunge, and upgrade from my Motorla Razr (a cutting edge phone circa 2005!).
My new phone is capable of scanning those funny little digital barcodes that you see on advertisements and in public spaces like the subway, and in newspapers and magazines. QR Codes or “Quick Response” codes seem to be almost as ubiquitous it seems as the “download the app” or “available on ipad” messages that have crept up everywhere in digital media.
It was just a few months ago that I became aware of these funny looking codes – having seen them in the Metro newspaper, and in shop windows, and various advertisements. One really “in your face” place I encountered it was on a business card I got at a digital design and marketing agency. I got 3 business cards that day, from different memebers of their team, and each had a large scannable code on the back. I realized that this code must be a way to link to their contact info or web page, but didn’t think much of it.
Today however I took the plunge and installed an app that turns my phone into a QR code reader. I turned it on in camera mode, and zeroed in on the code – surprised when the camera clicked as I was moving in to frame it. Instantly I was looking at a “VR Card” – an electronic business card which holds info such as name, address, phone, email and website URL. The website I tried my first QR Code scan was for a Belgian graphic designer and his contact page is located here: http://conversations.nokia.com/2011/07/11/the-resurgence-of-qr-codes/
Interestingly, it seems Google is integrating the QR code into their business model (not surprising!). Google is now connecting QR codes to maps and business directory listings for “Places.” Next time you’re in front of a shop and see this code in the window, you can scan it to get more info (if you’re on the run for example, and can’t physically go in, or the business is closed). You do need a smartphone – however these are becoming more and more common. Apparently using these codes is very routine in tech-forward countries like Korea and Japan.
Links:
Article at Nokia website
http://conversations.nokia.com/2011/07/11/the-resurgence-of-qr-codes/
Google Places, Businesses and QR codes:
http://www.google.com/help/maps/favoriteplaces/business/barcode.html