Fun with QR Codes

QR code

I first learned of QR codes from a colleague who spent time in Japan. These little bar codes are fairly ubiquitous in Japan.

QR codes are square barcodes in which you can embed text Web links, SMS messages or phone numbers. Using a camera phone, you can snap a photo of the QR code and special software will decode the hidden message.

I’m building a new single speed/fixed gear bike out of an old craigslist frame, and I thought it would be fun to make some QR codes and stick them on the frame. Unfortunately, QR codes need to be flat in order to be read and there’s not many flat surfaces on a bicycle, so I gave up that idea. But in the process I had some fun with QR codes.

I think the new wave of app-enabled smartphones like the iPhone and Android devices will really help drive adoption of QR codes. There’s great potential for them, especially in advertising. Here’s a scenario: you’re reading an ad for a product and you want more information. Sure, you could pull out your phone and type in the URL, but with a QR code, all you need to do is snap a picture and you’re taken to the product’s site.

I’ve also think that QR codes would make a great mobile scavenger hunt. I think it would be fun to place QR codes around town with instructions on where to find the next code.

One cool thing about QR codes is that the format is not proprietary, so anyone can make them. My favorite QR code generator is http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

The QR codes attached to this post were generated from the kaywa site.

On the iPhone, I’ve been experimenting with the quickmarklite app. I’ve had mixed results with it so far. But if the conditions are right, the app works well.