This is a great article about the rise and fall of QR Codes, and the impacts of the pandemic to their use: qrcode-tiger.com/are-qr-
I can remember vividly, 12 years ago, being told to put QR codes on everything I was designing, honestly, I fought it like crazy. They drove me nuts! They were clunky, the QR Reader apps dropped ads over the top of content, it just wasn’t good. And they somewhat disappeared.
Well, technology and the pandemic brought QR codes back. And, I have to say, I don’t hate them (as much). Websites are now mobile-friendly, and our phone’s camera app can scan the code and opens to the website or other info source right in a browser.
So, when do you add a QR code and when do you avoid it.
Restaurants: yes, have a QR code to your menus, but please, keep those paper menus – it’s nice to have a date night without a phone!
Galleries, museums, and tours: Scan a code at an exhibit and immediately see or hear about what they are viewing. Endless possibilities!
Events! I attended a “College Preview Day” at Central Washington this spring. They used QR codes throughout the day to access the event schedule, campus map, and link to the different degree/program information. As much as I hate to admit it, it was slick and their target audience (high schoolers) are used to everything being on their phone. There is so many options, from the event posters to the materials at the event. Think through your use, you probably don’t want auction attendees paying more attention to their phones to read than they do the auction itself.
Business Banners: I am cringing, not cringing here. If the user is going to gain something valuable for scanning the QR Code, go for it. But if the banner is in the back of your booth and you’re standing in front of it with other items, skip it and let the banner be a nice clean logo presentation.
The bottom line. Think about your audience and what they will gain if they scan your QR code. Make sure it is value added from their perspective.
And, two more thoughts.
Your QR code to your primary website is just like a domain name. If you have downloaded it once, it should stay connected to your website forever. Make sure you are getting your code from a quality QR code generator, be careful, free is not always free. Some free sites allow a certain number of scans before it “turns off.” If you are committing to a QR code, be sure to check the fine print. And, make sure whoever downloads it for you puts it in your name and contact info, so if the person disappears, you still have access to the code.
Scanning codes also can be tracked. Different generators offer different options, but if you are looking track results, this could be a great tool. Again, check the fine print for the QR code generator, the options vary based on plan pricing.
Enjoy your August!
