Quick Response Codes, created in Japan, are known under the acronym QR Codes, they are 2D bar codes which are able to store a vast amount of information and as the name portrays they are quick in directing you to the required information they represent such as websites and promotions. In this article I will briefly explain the way in which a QR code works and its appearance.
So you may be thinking why the need for so many different barcode formats, why use QR codes and not the original 1D barcode with the vertical black lines that we see used on the majority of goods? Reason for that being is that barcodes are constantly evolving and being able to store more information and action more features. The QR code is able to store a large amount of required information, so much so that it can be programmed to direct customers to business websites, competitions and even restaurant menus This method is a lot more attention grabbing to potential customers as it is trendy and time saving as the code merely needs to be scanned with a smartphone or barcode scanner app, this eliminates the need to manually type in web addresses. Some companies have even adapted the option to scan a QR code on the home page of their website which will authenticate your log in details instead of typing in your password on every visit. Another great benefit of QR codes is that they are able to be easily distributed via email, sms or even via Whatsapp, this broadens the marketing side of using them for your business and will create awareness where needed, such as with specials being run. You may of even noticed airlines using them on their boarding passes that can be scanned directly from the travellers smartphone. There is an endless amount of ways in which these codes can be used, each one more interesting than the last.
With regards to their appearance, as QR codes store a large amount of information they are represented in a different way to linear barcodes. They are a square shape, and contain many dots and squares inside the larger external square. The more information that is stored on the QR code the more dense the squares and dots will be on the image of the QR code. The large squares in three of the corners of the code are normally used to position the scanner or camera that is being used to scan the image to let it know where the edges of the code are, although QR codes can be scanned form any direction and they will be read as no laser is needed to scan them. The scanner is able to scan the dots in the code according to their placements and convert them into numbers which directs the device to the linked or stored destination.
A great way to utilise QR codes as well is to place them on your website linking visitors to perhaps contact information or current sales, in this way Google is able to see you are invested in upgrading your content on your website and business and this will hopefully increase the web traffic on your site.
Good luck with your QR code adventure and all the amazing fun ways in which they will help your business bloom.