I’ve yet to see a use of QR codes that isn’t forced and is actually helpful to the user.
QR codes drive me nuts because they take me out of my current experience. QR codes make it easy to avoid creating a unique and creative experience using the materials the code is printed on.
When I see a QR code, this is what happens. I have to whip out my smart phone, download a QR code reader (because I don’t have one built in), and then scan the code. At this point, I’m more likely to be playing Angry Birds on my phone because I’m easily distracted by shiny things and I’ve forgotten the reason I started downloading this QR app in the first place.
So, are QR codes a fad on their way out? How much longer will I have to put up with these ugly little squares? Has anyone made them pretty, or useful?
Maybe one day, I can wake up in a world without ugly, square barcodes that serve no useful purpose. I call that day 1999.
Or else I can just whip out my smart phone and use the barcode scanner that I downloaded months ago and get a quick link to that company’s website, or access to a deal on the go which saves me the hassle of having to write it down or having to remember the link and enter it into my mobile browser. Quick, easy, and simple.
However, I do agree that they have not been utilised in any meaningful or innovative waym that I know of yet anyway. Although I do feel that they have good potential.
Interesting post Jay. Keep up the good work.
I see no potential. I see failings in making your regular marketing materials contain useful and relevant information to make me want to buy something.
OMG! I just wrote a post about how I hate how QR codes are used too! ugh!!! http://thesocialrobot.com/2011/03/why-qr-codes-arent-being-used-correctly/
OMG! We’re like twins! LOLz!
Jay, It all depends on the purpose of the QR code. If the QR code is not adding something relevant or useful to the consumer it’s pointless.
Are there too many of them? Probably so, but some of them have added some meaningful content.
When I was helping my Dad shop for a computer, last December, in a local BestBuy, each computer’s price tag had a QR code that led to the product listing on their website, which I used to view the various reviews each model had.
Is it a pain in the ass to have to pull out your phone, scan something, and wait for the page to load? Yes, but if we are given relevant content to something that’s very important to us we will scan it.
Very nice example! Thx for sharing!
My ass has enough pain. Does it really need more?
Also, I just buy the computer for my parents. They’re just happy to have Facebook and AOL.
Two things:
1. You are in trouble, because the USPS has an incentive in the works that encourages mailers to use QR codes either on their envelope or on the contents inside. It is planned for this summer, just hasn’t been approved yet. You may actually see an EXPLOSION of QR codes popping up if this goes through. You may need to take a trip to DC and rally your cause up and down L’Enfant Plaza to make them feel your opposition.
2. We have found that you can create a QR code and play with it a bit in a photo editing program. We erased just enough of the center and placed our company logo in the center of it, making it personal yet still functional. There are also programs/websites that allow you to put little pictures in your QR code (such as cute little kitty faces OMG!) to make them more fun and appealing. However, most people will probably opt for the boring old dots.
This website has some cool little pictures in the QR codes:
http://2d-code.co.uk/generate-modified-qr-codes/#comments
Nice, thx!
1. Oh hell no.
2. I’m too lazy for that. But it at least reminds me of a bad Atari game.
Hate them. Leave them to the robots. I can, and do, actually speak and read.
Fine. QR codes for robots. English and other languages for humans.
You guys should watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q44Elu6QmME
It’s an interactive music video with QR Barcodes.
Spread the word about it
I know hate QR codes and music. Thanks for ruining one good thing.
Every time you scan a QR code, a kitten dies.
MeOW!
The one point missed is that there are some people who like it. Use it for those people. Some people hate Twitter or Facebook but we still use those tools. Use the tools that reach people. I haerd of a home inspector who had 300 scans of a QR Code in a week. those are opportunities.
There are also people who like Rebecca Black. Doesn’t mean they’re right (or that I am). I just hate them.
I love QR Codes!
The nice thing about them is that they still open up a lot of opportunities to smart marketers.
You’re absolutely right: At the moment the network effect is not yet reached. A QR code reader must be on every mobilephone as a default device.
Then one could use QR codes for example on billboards to invite you directly to an interesting online contest or similar marketing ideas.
You would no longer need to tip in a URL on your smartphone keyboard. Wouldn’t this be nice? With the growing smartphone penetration, the potential for QR code possibilities rise as well.
Maybe we just have to get used to them.
Regards from Switzerland,
Aldo
See, I get the practicality about a URL, but that’s about it. And I’ve yet to be in a situation where I’d do that yet.
Maybe one day.
We will see
I love QR codes because they allow me to screw with PR people and their stats. I’ve been known to make everyone at my table scan the QR code on the menu, just to make the restaurant’s PR person freak out at how many visitors they had that night. I suppose this is the reason I’m never asked to participate in surveys anymore.
I’ve never seen a QR code on a menu. Nor do I want to.
Seriously, what is the value there for the customer? Do you get a discount?
But power to you for messing with other PR people.You’re like The Anti-QR Code person. Use their own power against them!
Another blog post on QR codes http://www.247social.co.uk/baby-qr-so-fit/
Another comment with a random link and no insight. http://theantisocialmedia.com
interesting, if you read the link it said the exact same thing your entry said. so i guess no one’s gotten anywhere from that.
Hi Jay! I’m new to your blog so I have to ask…does the F U Friday theme come from this? http://achewood.com/index.php?date=01072005
Otherwise - I cannot be bothered to use a QR code, myself.
No, F&%k You Friday comes from my friend Laurie Ruettimann, who has a F*&k It Friday theme.
Cool! thanks. Will def. check you both out more in the future.
I think the main problem is that you’re easily distracted by shiny things. Not much hope for you, I’m afraid. LOL
So true.
I always thought that a good use for them would be on a wine bottle label.
The Winery (vinyard) could put ‘better’ info about the wine on the QR thingy. Your scanner could then save this info if your wanted to or you could use it to bullsh1t your guests with, if entertaining !
Sounds good, but do you really want to ruin that cute wine bottle label with an ugly QR code?