Quick Response Code Play

Above, an ad currently running in the newspaper. You'll notice the weird graphic that acts as the main visual. If you can't read it, the text under reads: (code for: "better rates and cheaper loans").

This visual is a QR Code. With the use of a smart phone and a free app (mine's called QR Reader), viewers can scan the code and be taken to a web site, a restaurant's menu, a museum piece's historical information, a coupon, a résumé or a myriad of other information pieces. This one takes the reader to the credit union's web site. For those without a smart phone, the URL is placed at the bottom of the ad.

Emerging from Japan in 1994, a Toyota subsidiary developed the code for keeping inventory. During the month of June 2011, according to one study, 14 million U.S. mobile users scanned a QR Code or a barcode. 58% of those users scanned a QR or bar code from their home, while 39% scanned from retail stores. 60% of the 14 million users were men between the age of 18-34.

Last year I witnessed two young men talking while walking by a poster that had a QR Code on it. One interrupted the other by saying, "Hold on a minute." He walked over to the poster and quickly scanned the code. Two seconds later they resumed their conversation and walked on.

At that moment I was sold. It's not a total solution but it is a viable tool to connect viewers to more information. Used appropriately people will find it a valuable addition to their information sources.