The importance of visual cues – QR and other 2d tags
We love metformin hcl 1000 mg customizing QR codes and MsTags, but as we preach Integrative Media and back end User Experiences, we recognize that we can currently only customize codes up to a point. Not due to creative or technological limits, but because of cultural adaption. People still need to know that this is a code with a call to action.
This is where I see the limits of AR (augmented reality) data feeds, and things like google googles. In that world, data is everywhere which implies there is no curation or specific calls to action. Note: I do think there are some amazing opportunties of merging QR codes and AR markers – but for a different purpose and blog post. Where as QR codes and other 2d tags invite the user to start a relationship with a brand – moving “guests” from impressions to interactions with your brand, furthering customer engagement, and converting fans to brand ambassadors.
We live, breathe, and sleep QR. Please let us know if you are interested in having us help you out with your integrative media strategy via mobile and 2d barcodes. Ask us how we can help out your business and passion. We not only produce some of the best vanity QR codes around, but we can help you with QR implementation throughout the rest of your campaigns to create a successful and effective integrated media experience for your brand.
Best,
Patrick Donnelly
Patrick,
This is ALL new. There are NO models to follow. ZERO. What we do know is that people can access the web in the palm of their hand from anywhere now, in every context. We also know that people are lazy, they won’t type in web addresses and aren’t normally prompted to take action on their phone unless something sparks them.
People who call QR codes “ugly” are right. BUT it is THIS “ugliness” that makes them aesthetically engaging and therefore a powerful tool to start the conversation. It is the SPARK! The eccentric look of QR codes are what makes them special.
AR isn’t even at where QR codes were 3 years ago. Not to mention that cost is outrageous and people think there is a tech barrier for QR codes? sheesh.
Google goggles looks promising in certain environments (ie Billboard) but it will still be slower than QR codes for years and there is NO industry behind it like “mobile codes”. Plus….F$%ck Google.
The next 5 years are going to bring 100′s of millions of NEW mobile web users to the world. This is a FACT. We are early in the game and people like us will continue to pioneer this sh$t and tune out the haters. Great post. Holler.
Nick Ford
Captain of the QR Code Galaxy.
Co-Creator of Tappinn.com
I agree with Nick for the most part about the state of QR codes compared with AR. I also agree with Patrick regarding the necessity of some kind of visual queue for the end-user.
I have some freestyle type thoughts on what I see happening in the future. I predict push notification coupled with location-based social interaction.
For example, you walk into the shopping mall and you are prompted to scan a code at the entrance before you begin your shopping. This will be the “check-in” for your shopping trip and your Westfield, or Mall of America Advanced Shopping App will launch.
As you wander around, the GPS on your mobile interacts with the Advanced Shopping System in the mall and different objects will trigger a push notification to your mobile that say something like “Scan Here” or “AR – advanced shopping point” or something like that. When you participate in the call to action you will receive a coupon or some sale information, contest entry or whatever.
People won’t need to look for things to scan, they will be told where to scan. It’s opt-in, push advertising but the consumer feels like it’s pull advertising.
What do you think?
-Rick Schimelpfenig
Entrepreneur and owner of:
QRable Llc.
GoMobileUp.com (coming soon)
Exerceo – Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga studio – Long Beach, WA.