A QR Code is a specific matrix code (or two-dimensional bar code) that is readable by dedicated QR bar code readers and camera phones. The "QR" is derived from "Quick Response," as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.
QR code for URL: http://kenexa.com
It was invented in 1994 by Denso-Wave, one of major Toyota group companies, and approved as an ISO international standard (ISO/IEC18004) in June 2000**. Initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR Codes are now used in a much broader context, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users - mobile tagging. QR Codes storing addresses and URLs appear in magazines, on signs, buses, buildings, business cards, or just about any object that users might need information about. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the QR Code causing the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL. This act of linking from physical world objects is known as a hardlinking or object hyperlinking.
Features:
QR Code provides the following features compared with conventional bar codes.
High Capacity Encoding of Data: While conventional bar codes are capable of storing a maximum of approximately 20 digits, QR Code is capable of handling several dozen to several hundred times more information. QR Code is capable of handling all types of data, such as numeric and alphabetic characters, Kanji, Kana, Hiragana, symbols, binary, and control codes. Up to 7,089 characters can be encoded in one symbol.
Small Printout Size: Since QR Code carries information both horizontally and vertically, QR Code is capable of encoding the same amount of data in approximately one-tenth the space of a traditional bar code. (For a smaller printout size, Micro QR Code is available.
Dirt and Damage Resistant: QR Code has error correction capability. Data can be restored even if the symbol is partially dirty or damaged. A maximum 30% of codewords can be restored.
Readable from any direction in 360°: QR Code is capable of 360 degree (Omni-directional), high speed reading. QR Code accomplishes this task through position detection patterns located at the three corners of the symbol. These position detection patterns guarantee stable high-speed reading, circumventing the negative effects of background interference.
Structured Append Feature: QR Code can be divided into multiple data areas. Conversely, information stored in multiple QR Code symbols can be reconstructed as single data symbols. One data symbol can be divided into up to 16 symbols, allowing printing in a narrow area.
The business case for QR Codes
QR Codes provide a number of interesting potential use cases. These codes work best when used as a means of providing additional information about a product or service, but can also serve as a great method for distributing coupons.
Video: QR Codes that lead to videos can provide additional information as well as a unique experience for those who scan the QR Code. Video based QR Codes can be effective in many business areas, but are most effective with print advertising. Adding video content to a print ad can help bring your product to life. A print ad with a car can be interesting, but adding a
QR Code with a video can bring that car to life.
Mobile Website: QR Codes that lead to mobile websites can be a great way to provide additional information about your product to customers looking for more information. A mobile website allows you to display relevant information, as well as engage with potential customers/clients in a new way. Mobile websites accessed via QR Code are valuable for almost every industry. The possibilities range from providing additional information needed to make a buying decision, to using them to provide digital users manuals. This can be valuable before the purchasing decision as well as after.
Contact Form: QR Codes that lead to contact forms can be a great way to get opt-in contact information from customers interested in your product/service. This can be used as a way to send them additional information, product release information, etc. Combining a contact form with a mobile website or video can be even more effective.
Mobile App: QR Codes can offer an easy way to have people download a mobile app. If you've developed a mobile app and want to make it easy to access, a QR Code on print material can provide an easy way for customers to download and try your app. This can be a very easy yet powerful distribution method.
Coupon: Mobile coupon use is on the rise, and QR Codes can help increase that use. The code can be associated with a mobile coupon site. Scanning the code could bring up a mobile coupon that could be saved on the customer's mobile device. This gives the customer an easy way to keep the coupon and makes them more likely to use it because it's always with them.
Business Benefits
Analytics: QR Codes offer a level of data tracking that's unavailable in print media. These codes (when properly set up) can allow you to track how many total scans a QR Code gets, how long the average person spends on the site as well as the general location of those who are scanning. While the code itself can't give you specific user information (phone number, email address, etc), it is easy to include a contact form to collect opt-in user data, and with a compelling offer (coupons or additional information for example) many people are more than willing to share their information with you. The ability to track aggregate data (i.e. total scans) gives you the information you need to help improve your marketing efforts.
Better Advertising: Adding videos and specially designed mobile pages to advertising, with the use of QR Codes, allows you to engage with your customers better. These elements help you enhance your advertising, and help you stand out from competitors. Better, more effective advertising improves your advertising ROI.
Conclusion
The number of people with the ability and desire to scan QR Codes is large and growing. These codes allow an unprecedented means of engaging with both prospective and current customers. They can add an extra dimension to print media and strengthen a marketing campaign. Most importantly, QR Codes help improve marketing ROI and strengthen brand loyalty.
** Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code#Standards
For more information visit:
A range of QR code readers can be downloaded from:
http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/
Users can also generate and print their own QR Code for others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR Code generating sites like
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
If you don't have a mobile that can read a QR code and assuming you can capture one as an image, then this website will read the code:
http://zxing.org/w/decode.jspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code
http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/aboutqr-e.html
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