QR CodesIntroduction and Case Studies

What are they?

• QR = “Quick Response”• An advanced, 2D barcode

- scans horizontally & vertically

• Capable of storing: – 7,089 numeric characters– 4,296 alphanumeric characters

How do they work?

• A code is produced on any surface with sufficient contrast.

• That 2D barcode is encrypted with a service type that directs the contained information.e.g.: - tel: +12124483282 — phone number

- mailto:ideas@globalthinking.com — email address- http://www.digg.com — browse to website

How do they work?

• A camera phone enabled with a QR reader snaps a picture of the code.

• Based on the specific reader/phone/user, the code is interpreted and executed.

How are they used?• Originally used to track vehicle parts in

manufacturing, QR codes have become widely used for marketing purposes.

DICK’S Sporting GoodsPromoted their new mobile site with a QR-driven campaign displayed on the jumbotron in the new Cowboys Stadium.

The code takes them to the DICK’s mobile site

Enables travelers to check in with a QR-coded boarding pass, saving time and paper.

Continental Airlines

Allows customers to pay with their Starbucks card via a QR coded displayed on their iPhone

Starbucks

The code simply stores their Starbucks card number

• Created a “living book” of QR codes

• Used quotes from Twitter users relating to the terms “love” and “hate.”

• Each week the static QR codes point to a different quote, creating endless content in the same book.

Editoras

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4thXVM2qk

A game of laser tag played with QR codes that send SMS messages to let players know they’ve been killed.

Some othersThe small town of Manor, TX installed QR codes throughout their government property. The cost-friendly initiative earned them the Most Innovative Use of Technology award.

Applications in Development at Global Thinking

• Mobile marketing opportunities– Invites direct response and involvement– Adds to customizing, targeting abilities– Inherently cross-media

• Extension to PURLs (personalized URLs)• An area to innovate (see Editoras)

Drawbacks to Consider• Relatively foreign concept in U.S.• Not all phones are enabled• Privacy issues with mobile• Data/service charges• Only applicable to certain demographics

• Needs to add some value

QR Code Resources• http://www.qrme.co.uk• http://www.mobilebarcodes.com• http://www.mobilecodes.org

Readers: Kaywa, I-nigma, BeeTagg, QuickMark, Zxing- most of which allow for QR code creation on their website

Interested in Using QR Codes?

Contact us:

+1 571.527.4160

ideas@globalthinking.com