QR Codes

What Are QR Codes?

Outline

• What are QR codes?• Increase in smartphone use• Applications of QR codes• Problems associated with the industry• Companies that specialize in QR codes• Appendix

What Are QR Codes?

“QR code” stands for quick response code

• Creates a link to a URL, coupon, map location, or contact information, and can initiate an SMS (text message) session

First used to track auto parts in Japan

Popular in Europe and Asia

QR codes differ from traditional bar codes

QR codes• Can be read from any angle• Store information vertically and

horizontally• Can be read by a smartphone• Connect you to something else

Bar codes• Store information vertically and

have limited space• Must be aligned properly to be

read• Are read by a scanner

QR codes turn print media into interactive media

• Codes can be changed in real time to reflect continually changing campaigns

Printed Digitally rendered

To read QR codes on your phone, you should

• Download a reader that supports your phone– Either go to a reader Web site or the app store on your device

• Open the reading application on your phone• Take a picture of the code, making sure it fills the whole screen• The reader should direct you to information stored in the code

Generating a QR code is easy and free

1. Select the type of content you want to be stored in the code.2. Type the information in the content box.3. Click generate.4. Copy your code and place it anywhere digitally.

• Example of a free code generator program: http://www.kaywa.com

Palio.com

Increased Smartphone Use

Increase in mobile Internet creates new advertising media

• 27% of mobile phone users have downloaded an app– New apps are being created

every day• 22 billion Web pages viewed

by 50 million users– Increase of 200% since

February 2009• The United States is

estimated to spend $41.5 billion on wireless data

Advertisers should use QR codes to reach consumers• The availability of Internet-

capable phones has created an impatient consumer base

• Using bar codes in traditional print media can give users immediate access to the information they want

• Smartphone users lookup product information, coupons, and products reviews while viewing products in the store

QR Code Applications

QR codes can be used in a number of ways to turn print media into interactive media

The possibilities are endless for QR codes

1. Business cards to make sharing of contact info easier2. Billboards3. Clothing for easy access to designer names4. Produce to give consumers information about grower5. Name tags at a conference to make information exchange easier6. For sales signs that link to realtor info or more information about

the house7. Menus to give people nutritional information8. Appliances to direct consumers to manual9. Taxi/bus signs for schedules or to call a taxi10. …

Source: 101 uses for QR codes: http://blog.greattv.com/2010/06/101-uses-for-quick-response-qr-codes-creating-audience-engagement-with-the-next-killer-us-app/

QR codes can be used in pharmaceutical advertising to broaden consumer reach

• A code on a pill bottle could link to more information about the drug or the product Web site

• It could connect the user with his/her pharmacy to ask questions

• Codes on print media could link doctors with e-detailing, a sales person, or a Web site for more information

• Codes could allow for tracking to monitor behavior of physicians– Sales force could monitor how many physicians

visit Web site via code link• Coupons could be sent to end user through

the code

Problems Associated With the Industry

The QR code readers lack consistency

• Not all camera phones are capable of reading QR codes

• Many different readers available for different devices

• Not all readers are capable of reading stored information

QR code reader programs

Example of code reader review for the iPhone

Problems associated with mobile devices that read QR codes

• Some devices are not capable of reading QR codes– Such as phones without Internet capabilities or phones without cameras

• Service plans charge for data use — and users may not be willing to pay

• Not all Web sites are compatible for mobile viewing• Delivery of rich media can sometimes be difficult over mobile IP