What’s a “QR Code” and where did they come from?
QR, which is short for Quick Response, codes date back to 1994. Denso Wave, the subsidiary of Toyota, developed the code in order to improve tracking parts and vehicles when it came to the manufacturing process. “Quick response refers to the fact that the codes were created to enable fast decoding speeds.
The code is a type of matrix barcode that is machine-readable and contains information about the item to which it is attached. One major difference between a QR code and a regular barcode is that barcodes store information neatly in a horizontal line, where QR codes have the unique capability to do so vertically in addition.
In the 2000s, the QR Code was essentially undergoing constant evolution. New codes were created for advanced needs one after another.
It’s also worth noting how far out of favor QR Codes actually fell. Famed President of Un-Marketing, Scott Stratten, actually created a picture book dedicated specifically to bashing the codes and highlighting how absolutely useless they were. The book is called QR Codes Kill Kittens: How to Alienate Customers, Dishearten Employees, and Drive Your Business into the Ground; yep, we can’t make this up. Stratten outlines real-life examples from industry-specific mistakes that involved QR Codes and advises readers on how to steer clear.
Are QR Codes relevant today?
According to one study in 2011, 14 million American smartphone owners scanned a QR code. Fast forward to 2018, the usage of QR codes decreased to 9.8 million.
This brings us to today. Let me set the picture for you:
It’s 2020. We’re in a global pandemic: COVID-19. This is a strange time for businesses and marketing… Some are dramatically increasing in demand, while others are falling and being left behind. Prime examples: Toilet paper and disinfectant. These are two markets that are absolutely booming during this unforeseen time, causing sales to surge and prices to hike.
Touching things is heavily frowned upon currently and could put you and others at risk. *QR codes have entered the chat.* And, lo and behold, this brings us to how the forgotten marketing tool has drastically altered the conversation.
So, despite the bad rep QR codes got back in the day, it has become extremely clear just how vital this old technology, made new, has become today. QR codes are currently the bedrock of businesses trying their best to survive and, possibly even, thrive amidst the global crisis.
From a history of being placed in illogical places and under-utilized in society at large, the lowly QR code has become hyper-relevant during COVID’s climate, and more useful than it was ever even originally intended.
How are they working for other businesses?
Local small businesses and large restaurant chains alike have hopped on the wagon of utilizing QR codes to promote safety within their quarters. Afterall, we are all learning how to pivot in order to help our businesses survive.
Germ issues at a restaurant… How can we solve this? Limit the touching of items and each other. No tangible menus, no problem. With a QR code, guests can walk in, sit down, hold their phone over the code, and within seconds the menu appears for them to view the food and drink options of their choosing.
Brilliant! While this example is one of the more obvious ways that QR codes are surging during the pandemic, there are actually many other examples all over the world:
- Vancouver’s art galleries provide downloadable guides
- California orthopedic surgeons link custom information to people’s homes
- New Zealand Rugby clubs are utilizing them to ensure success in contact tracing
Shanghai introduces QR code ‘Smart Elevators’ - BMW hosts its first-ever interactive motor show in Hong Kong
- A London retailer promotes window shopping by having QR code window stickers for each piece
Annnd… The examples keep coming.
Start Brainstorming How QR Codes Can Help You Kick Ass During This Pandemic!
Our team here at Gravity Junction hopes that these examples can inspire you to think out of the box for your company and team in these unforeseen times!
How can you level up and incorporate QR codes into your way of carrying out business? In what ways could utilizing them minimize human touch, interaction, germs, or even boost your efficiency?
Think industry-specific.
Be sure to reach out to us with any of your ideas or successes! We’d love to hear about them, and how you’re doing.
Stay safe out there, friends!
Sources:
Stratten, Scott. QR Codes Kill Kittens: How to Alienate Customers, Dishearten Employees, and Drive Your Business into the Ground. Wiley; 1 edition, 2013.
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