Most people will be aware of the nature and application of conventional barcodes which are used extensively throughout the world. Using a one-dimensional barcode allows mobile users to begin to look online, given the right applications, to find information about a particular product. It will look up the product and return valuable information about it.
What some people may not have heard of are QR Codes (the QR is an abbreviation for Quick Response) also known as Sema-Codes or 2-Dimensional Barcodes. These do not possess the same product information as the 1-Dimensional barcode but rather can encode text and URL’s into the data. When captured with a mobile device and the right application, a simple picture with your phone will open the mobile browser and automatically take you to the encoded website. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background.
Common in Japan (where it was created by Toyota subsidiary, Denso-Wave), QR Codes were used initially for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing. They are used in a much broader context now, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users (known as mobile tagging). In a world where information is expected to be at our fingertips these codes are potentially set to become the wave of the future.
What I have found interesting are other unique applications of QR Codes, particularly in the creative world. The Italian artist, Fabrice de Nola has used QR codes in oil paintings and embedded them in photographs since 2006.
Australian born artist, Simone O’ Callaghan also cleverly created a series of screen printed artworks called RGB, based on QR Codes. There’s even an edible waffle creation based on QR Codes which can also be scanned!
In Japan where they originated, QR Codes are practically everywhere but a unique and innovative take on their application has been the extraordinary use by Japanese gravestone maker, Ishi no Koe who sells gravestones with the two-dimensional barcodes embedded into them. Visitors are able to view photos, videos and other information about the deceased simply by snapping a shot of the tag with their mobile phones. The device also keeps a log of each time the code is scanned so family members can keep up-to-date with when other relatives visited the site. Ishi no Koe hopes to use the technology in future to develop a new way to pay respect to the dead that wouldn’t require you to be actually at the cemetery. A worthwhile alternative perhaps, for families, relatives and friends who are unable to visit in person.
One of my favourite applications of the codes is in the use of an innovative product called, QRAPPING PAPER, an interactive wrapping paper designed by Justin Gignac. Even the most beautiful gift wrap tends to get screwed up and thrown in the bin after the gift has expectantly been unwrapped but that won’t happen with this as the paper is covered in QR codes that are actually scannable. The Qrapping Paper links to 50 original holiday videos and surely will provide endless amusement for the recipient…..which is brilliant, just as long as the wrapping doesn’t “outshine” the gift it’s covering I suppose.
Debbie Lewis is a Customer Support Executive at Happy Creative, a full service marketing and creative agency based in Blackpool, Lancashire. To learn more or contact us please go to www.happy-creative.co.uk
