Quick Response Codes more commonly known as QR Codes are the wave of the future. Using a smartphone, a person merely points and scans and they’re launched into the virtual world! It’s amazing!! The possibilities are almost endless. =0)
Pepsi Gets Creative with Their QR Code
For those of you who still don’t know what a QR Code looks like, here’s an example of of an ordinary one.
A Basic QR Code - Most Are Black and White
The QR Code originated in Japan in 1994 originally to track automobile parts. Since the QR Code can hold so many more characters than the “old school” Bar Code, they have turned into a great tool. Calvin Klein, True Blood, Pepsi, Ralph Lauren and JCPenney are just a few companies that have grabbed hold of the idea! I’ve used them and I find them to be a valuable tool! They are the new wave and they’re sweeping across the US rather quickly. I’ve attached a few examples of how QR Codes are being used by companies.
I love what Sephora did with their QR Code. It’s interactive and fun for the end user!
Sephora's Unique Data Capture Campaign
This is a great example of a QR Code that was used by the band Green Day. It launches you to one of their hits on their CD. The engagement and/or interactivity is what the end user is looking for!
QR Code on CD Cover of Green Day Launches Smartphone User to Video
Calvin Klein QR Code Scattered Across the City of New York
One of my personal favorites is Calvin Klein’s larger than life billboard ad which had it’s debut this summer across New York City! Their content is always a little racy but that’s what we like, isn’t it? Calvin Klein has found a tech-savvy way of delivering this content to those who want to see it rather than exposing everyone to it. CK never goes to extremes where their content is insulting, so don’t fret and call the preacher! Scan away-if you dare! =0)
QR Codes don’t have to be visually boring, although most people will scan QR Codes whether they are an artistic code or not. However, being creative with QR Codes definitely draw more attention. The Pepsi QR Code is quite clever!
HBO has promoted their series “True Blood” and Boardwalk Empire” using QR Codes. They delivered their QR Codes artistically as well!
HBO QR Code for TV Series True Blood
HBO was clever with the usage of Boardwalk Empire QR Codes at Bus Shelters to promote the premiere. The theme of Boardwalk Empire is “The Roaring 20s” – the Prohibition Era. HBO cleverly used a whiskey bottle with a QR Code on it, when the user scanned the QR Code they were given directions to the “Secret Bar” as well as a “password” to gain access to the secret event-where the first drink was on the house! What a creative marketing campaign!! =0)
QR Codes are so easy to use, and are so versatile that they provide instant value to individuals and businesses. This technology will play a huge role in future mobile strategy for print sales, information access and promos. The idea of digitally connecting consumers of paper-based content to the internet is a powerful concept. Welcome to the future!
