From a recent article in the Houston Chronicle, QR and other codes are now being used more often. Thanks to consumers using their mobile phones more and more there has been an upswing in the use of QR codes. This quirky version of the bar code and represent data horizontally or vertically, more information in a smaller space. QR codes are popping up everywhere from bus stop signs to store windows and can link to websites, pictures, videos, or other media. Scanning these codes is easy – all you need is your cell phone and an application. For the iPhone alone there are more than 25 versions to choose from, both free and not-so-free. Upon scanning the code you won’t know where it links, adding an element of fun and suspense as the link loads.

In addition to QR codes, other codes have caught on because of increased cell phone use. For example, Fandango users download ‘Datamatrix’ codes onto their cell phone when purchasing tickets which are scanned at the theatre. The reason for this shift is simple – more people are accessing more sites via their smart phones and using their phones for more than calling and texting.

Aside from innovative QR code, the more traditional bar codes are being used more with mobile phones. With applications available for iPhone and Android, stickybits is a company that encourages consumers to add their own commentary to everyday bar codes like the ones found on chip bags. Consumers can add comments, links, and other media to the barcode and those additions are shared with whoever scans that barcode using the application. The point of stickybits, if you consider it that, is to enable the consumer to voice their opinions and help bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

So if you see a QR code around town, whip out your cell phone, snap a picture of it, and see what happens. You never know where it’ll take you.

For more information on QR codes and how we can help create them for your company, please contact The Marion Group at 713-623-6444 or email us at info2@marion.com.