QR Codes in the South West
This is an example of a QR code, its quite simply a square filled with even smaller squares. The QR just in case you are wondering, stands for Quick Response.
You may have seen them around town already and on TV shows such as BBC Ones ‘The Good Cook’.
If you’d like to learn about the history of the QR Code (originally invented by Toyota to track car parts) then there is a load of information on the web, but I’d like to explore what they can be used for be instead.
How do they work?
You scan them, just like a barcode. Using software or an App downloaded to your smart-phone, you scan the code and it will display a message or take you to a particular website or even download a document to your phone to read later.
If you don’t already have an app downloaded then just type ‘QR’ into your app store and you’ll have a few options, many of which will be free.
Who in Devon and Cornwall is using QR codes?
A relevant example to us in Devon and Cornwall would be the recently published guide to Secret Beaches (http://www.secretbeaches.co.uk/) by Rob Smith. In his book he provides details to 50 of the South West’s most beautiful, well hidden and sometimes hard to reach beaches.
Rob has used QR codes as a unique modern counterpart to his ‘old fashioned’ printed book. The idea being that once you’ve chosen the beach you’d like to visit, you then scan the code and you can take all the information in the book with you.
But it’s better than just taking an electronic copy of the book with you, because you’re using a smart phone. You can also get instant driving directions from where you are now, straight to the first point on the guide for that location. You could download additional information about the location, exact times for the day for high and low tide (which for some of the beaches you’ll need to know unless you fancy a swim). You could even access information about local attractions and local facilities, such as a tea room close by or perhaps a pub.
What’s even better is that the online content that accompanies the book never needs to be out of date. Once the book is printed, that’s it, but the web content can always be updated.
How could my business use them?
The applications for QR codes are pretty vast, for a start they could be on your business cards but a few other examples could include:
o A restaurant could have QR codes on their menu; letting potential customers download a copy of the menu to take away and share with their friends.
o A shopping centre could provide a code on the map of the centre allowing customers to take an electronic copy of the map away on their phones.
o An estate agent could use QR codes on for sale signs, providing potential buyers instant access to the online profile for the property; house prices, photo’s and details of the property.
o Any business could print QR Codes in your catalogue to take customers directly to the page on your website where they can buy your product.
Nearly any business could find an application for the codes and what’s best is that generating codes online ready for printing anywhere or for use on your website, e-mails and marketing is completely free.
Just search for ‘QR Code Generator’ and look at the options available to you. If you need any help then just give us a call.
William Nel-Barker
Technical Manager
Zantra JAD
Technical Manager
Zantra JAD
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