QR codes: In the Information Age, what can be better than a quick response?
Originating in Japan in 1994, QR codes have become the amplified version of our all-familiar barcode. QR codes, short for quick response code, are camera scannable images of algorithmically placed markings that hold information of some useful form. It's speedy readability and immense storage capacity has allowed this technology to slowly make roots in countries around the world. As read at Marketing Charts, only about 24% of Americans reported scanning a QR code within the last 30 days.
I was actually surprised by this low percentage, thinking of all the useful information that can be communicated in this way, and with such little space! So I did some research to find out just how these codes are being used. Of course there is the marketing aspect of products, labels and brands. There are even the fun and whimsical ways that we can integrate QR codes into our lives. One such example comes from Kentaro Fukuchi, as read in NewScientist (refresh the page, if link does not work) , who envisaged a technologically savvy toaster, which burns a QR code into your morning toast. Scan it, and you now have information regarding your commute to work that day.
Putting whimsy aside, there are also some companies that are dedicated to saving lives with the help of QR codes. I found a very interesting article on Wired that explained how Mercedes wants to do just that. On their automobiles, strategically placed QR codes are linked to information regarding the dangerous areas of that specific model. First responders can now quickly avoid a volatile system when using the jaws of life to rescue a victim of a car accident. Mercedes is actually so passionate about this idea, they are waiving the right to patent it so that any automaker has the ability to follow along. How refreshing!
Another way that QR codes can be life-saving, is by documenting personal and medical information. From BeQRious, a program called MyInfo911 in Palm Coast, Florida is already utilizing this technology to provide medical information to emergency rescuers about victims that are found hurt and unable to respond verbally to medical questions. It can also be used to identify and notify the parents of injured or missing children.
With so many advantages to using QR codes, why are they not more popularly used in our daily lives? As the "movers and shakers" of Silicon Valley, I think it is our responsibility to make our family, friends and clients aware of the benefits of this technology. So I challenge everyone who reads my blog to create your own QR code, if you don't have one already. Link it to your webpage, or even your phone number. Put it on your business cards and on your email signatures. The only way to make something an everyday item, is to start using it...everyday.
Some links to creating and customizing your very own QR code:
http://www.qrcode-monkey.com/
http://d2c.es/
http://www.visualead.com/qurify2/
I really wanted to see other peoples QR designs, I did mine it photoshop, but I think that your QR code looks a lot better. I especially like how the boxes seem to have melted to form a cool mesh. Also the color gradient is spanning 5 or 6 different colors. [sorry if spanning is a weird word, but I just finished up some liner algebra]. It was also helpful that you used other sources besides the PDF's from Google.I never would have learned that you could use QR to contact your family when you are injured. Emergency QR idea seems like it would be helpful, especially in the event that the person is incapacitated or just too drunk. In conclusion, this post seems to be cohesive and to the point and it has lots of examples. I think that you are doing a pretty good job so far.
ReplyDeleteThanks Uda! After generating the QR code, I just used iPhoto to make a few edits. I really like yours with your logo inside!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog I'm amazed at how much a small piece of QR code can do yet how little it has been used! I think it's interesting to know that Turkey is the top QR code user in the bar chart you showed. And I particularly like the idea of using QR codes in cars to help save lives. I think it's a very interesting use case because QR codes were first invented to help keep track of car parts in manufacturing and now 20 years later they're being put on the cars themselves.
ReplyDeleteHello Sam,
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting post, as I didn't realize that so many advancements have been made in the functionality of QR codes in recent years. In fact, I had always been under the impression that QR codes had become a bit outdated by modern advancements but it seems there is still a lot of hope for them. One suggestion I would have would be to back up your challenge with some more research because, although your content was good, I wish you could have found some more innovative ways that QR codes have been used in recent years as it would really solidify your last paragraph claiming their widespread relevance. Overall, great article.
I like how you started about where the QR code originated from. With its small size and large data storage, you would think that it would be used a lot, but looking at your statistics, it's really not! I also like how you integrated a big company, in this case Mercedes, using QR codes. You give great examples on how QR codes are used in real life. Overall, your post was very informative. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog for its pepppy, catchy vibe. It is very interesting, the pictures are well picked out.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot of valid and good points about QR codes. I truly love the way you phrased the ideas and concepts that come about with the use of QR codes. It is impressive to ponder how much effect such code can have on the way we navigate through life. Your blog truly stresses how QR codes are useful in helping people with emergencies and getting quick access to information. People need to realize that QR codes can also be dangerous. As you mentioned, QR codes are used with emergencies, this means that everybody should be extra careful about the way in which they use these codes. The codes can act like traps for other malicious applications like viruses to be neutralized. It is also probably possile to make a QR code point to more QR codes and do some serious damage to the user at the end.