Apr
8
Written by:
Chris Meyer
4/8/2011 8:02 AM
Have you heard of QR Codes or seen them yet? If not, you will. QR, short for Quick Response, Codes are becoming very popular. If you are not using them, you very well may be missing a great, inexpensive opportunity to add depth to your exhibits.
What is a QR Code? A QR Code is a 2 dimensional barcode that was created by Toyota over 10 years ago as a way to track car parts. The barcodes you are used to seeing are 1 dimensional in that the code is read horizontally. QR Codes are read vertically and horizontally giving them the ability to hold more information.
What’s so great about QR Codes? Until recently they were still only good for specialized use. However with the increase in cell phone technology, specifically the inclusion of cameras and internet access, scanning and using QR Codes is much more accessible. By simply downloading a QR Code reader App for your phone, you can use your phone to “scan” the code and the App will decode it. The code has the ability to hold enough information to display text messages and even internet URLs. Most of the reader Apps will recognize the URL and automatically open the designated web page.
How are QR Codes used? In museums, these codes can be printed and placed on exhibits, in ads, on signage, and even included in your kiosk programs. When a visitor scans the code with their phone, they can get additional text information, coupons, web pages (with more info) and much more. What a great way to “strike when the iron’s hot?” Smart exhibit designers will set up web landing pages specifically for these codes so they can track the response easily. Here at point2explore we do a lot of touch screen kiosks for museums. Starting this year, each kiosk has an “About This Kiosk” button which contains a QR Code which links to a page on our web site.
Do you have an exhibit with more information than you can display? Why not use QR codes to expand the depth of your educational value? If you are interested, give us a call and we can help you implement these powerful and cost effective educational tools.
NOTE: QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
Chris Meyer
President
CD Meyer, Inc./point2explore
Copyright ©2011 C.D. Meyer, Inc.
3 comment(s) so far...
Re: QR Codes® - Quick Response Interpretation
I agree with you, Christopher, we are going to see an explosion of QR codes.
When in Times Square the other day, I saw a massive one on a LED Billboard. I whipped out my phone, caught the image and was transported to some car company's website.
I've just acquired a QR code and will be using it so people can visit my website to hear my work. I'm a voiceover artist and have done a lot of narrating of museum audio tours, among other things. Now trying to think of some clever ways of using the code in marketing materials....
Suggestions always welcomed!
Regards,
Debbie
By Debbie Irwin on
4/27/2011 8:37 AM
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Re: QR Codes® - Quick Response Interpretation
so like it!
By runescape gold on
8/29/2011 8:35 PM
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Re: QR Codes® - Quick Response Interpretation
Our project a exqr.org/ provides for a simple and very affordable method for museums and other exhibitors to create rich-media content and connect it to exhibits via QR code.
By David Busby on
2/18/2012 4:11 PM
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