Hyperlinking the physical world to the internet using QR codes...

So what is a QR code?

Its simple, it is a type of barcode that can be read from camera phones. QR codes are also known as quick response codes which are becoming increasingly noticeable in our everyday lives. This is what the codes look like:

These codes makes searching for desired information quick, easy and useful at the time of need all through your smart phone.

I have taken some time to expand on QR codes in what they can do and how they can help smart phone users access wanted information in the palm of our hands effortlessly, without having to search anything or type anything into a URL.

QR codes, like iPads in the previous post, are about hyperlinking the physical world to the internet

QR codes can help support experimental learning, moving away from keyboards as input devices and towards smart phone applications.

If you haven’t yet uploaded an application to support access to QR codes on your smart phone (if you have one) do so now! A few popular scanners that can be downloaded for free include the following for Blackberries and iPhones:

1.       BlackBerry mobiles: BeeTagg, MobileTag                                         

2.       iPhone and iPod touch: Kaywa, NeoReader, OptiScan

The Youtube video below shows a current advertisement by Tesco where consumers are encouraged to download a free tesco grocery application. By doing so, you can put products into your online shopping basket on tesco.com and buy online from your iPhone.

So how can you create a QR code?

Try the QR code I created myself below; this should take you directly to their online site where you can create your own QR code by typing in any URL address and clicking on “generate”

Being able to create your own QR code opens many opportunities in areas such as education, for example; desired websites for students to access can be given in the form of a QR code for them to scan, instead of having to manually type the URL out. This prevents spelling mistakes in their search, makes the task more intriguing and helps prevent students getting distracted from other sites which seem more interesting such as Facebook.

After reading this post from http://deangroom.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/how-to-make-qr-codes-with-google Dean talks about how you can share your “little black and white boxes” via social networks.

Stores are also taking advantages of QR codes such as the example below with tailor made hotel:

QR codes can be taken to a whole new level and become interactive codes used for nearly all purposes in our everyday lives. These codes could help us with decision making when buying and choosing products for example:

1.       Scanning beers or wines where you are taken to websites with reviews on the products so you can choose the one that is right for you.

2.       There can be a use for not having to visualise what a meal looks like, by this I mean that making decisions on which meal to order in a restaurant is mostly based on descriptions. Having small QR codes besides each meal can bring up a picture of what the consumer will be getting on their plate.

3.       Also, QR codes could be used to get information when needed such as reviews on DVD’s or finding out the popularity of a magazine in-store.

All three suggestions above show the potential of the extent to which the world can adopt a digital stance and is increasingly doing so at a very fast pace. This enables consumers to be more efficient in their purchasing decisions. However this puts a downfall on new brands that are trying to enter a market as they would not have gained much consumer interest. The ease of consumer’s ability to get information from one single scan places already successful brands in an even better position as they will be recommended to consumers.

Do you have any thoughts or comments about QR codes? do you think they will take off and appear everywhere?