QR Codes...

You may have seen them in posters, magazines, on websites and billboard advertisements. QR codes are cropping up more and more.

So what are QR codes exactly? QR codes or quick response codes are a two-dimensional bar code, which to the naked eye is unreadable but can be read by QR barcode readers and camera phones. QR codes can be used to display text, open a URL, and compose emails or SMS.

QR codes are becoming increasingly popular these days in media campaigns; a brilliant example is the World Park Campaign. The idea originated from New York Park wanting to engage to a younger more wired visitor, and they did this through QR codes.

The World Park sought to reposition Central Park as the modern, urban theme park it was once considered and get tourists, both local and international, to re-engage with it by creating an outdoor mobile museum.

Traditional and interactive media let consumers scan the adverts with their mobile devices to watch the commercials and discover unknown facts, rare stories, and movie scenes—just as they would at the event.

The first World Park event opened to the public on Arbor Day weekend 2010. More than 1,800 visitors used their mobile phones to scan custom signage called Parkodes™, QR codes resembling a digital tree, to play the park. Over 50 codes were placed throughout various locations, turning it into an interactive board game. Each sign revealed a question relating to the visitor's exact location. Visitors unlocked park secrets, famous movie scenes, views from the 1800's, and even hunted for a real world Shakespeare in the park.

The World Park gave New York City’s Central Park a voice, a new medium to speak through and created a new way for tourists to interact with this iconic landmark.

Looking at QR codes on a smaller scale they can be utilised in a less complex and personal way, to promote your artwork, blog, store, or to just display a message.

The Future of QR codes and Tags

The potential for QR codes is limitless. What’s most exciting is how they take what social media is doing well now, bringing people together with technology, and extending it to enhance the experience.

The next generation of barcodes will hold even more information- so much that an Internet connection will not even be necessary. The content will be effectively embedded in the code. Imagine scanning a digital code to manifest physical reality?

It’s amazing to consider where this can go and we are looking at incorporating them into our advertising and promotional material!