Decoding QR Codes

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By Todd Curran & Tanya Thibodeau
What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a symbol that can be read by smart phones (like a Blackberry, iPhone, Android etc). The code consists of a bunch of funky black shapes and patterns arranged in a square on a white background.

These funky little “barcode” type things actually have data programed into them that a “smart phone” can then read (guess they got their name for a reason!).

The codes appear in publications, on signs, buses, business cards, or almost anything in print.

Users with a camera phone that has the right reader application can take a picture of this QR code (the lingo is “scan the code”) to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, open a web page in the phone's browser and much more.

Basically the code serves as a link between physical objects and cyberspace. The tech-savvy term is hardlinking or object hyperlinking.

How do they work?
Well, like most technology to most users - it’s pretty much like magic!  But at the end of the day, if you’re looking to learn the detailed technological answer you probably wouldn’t be looking for it here.

So in a nut shell, the code is generated for free online through one of many websites. The generated code is then used on whatever materials the code provider wants. The audience (reader, customer, member, etc.) then use their smart phone to scan the code to see what it says or does. Kinda like opening a cracker-jack box!

Now before you get frustrated trying to figure out why all your phone camera is doing is giving you a picture of the darn thing, don’t forget that you need an application (the software) on your phone first. Some phones come with it pre-installed, others don’t. So however you go about getting games or other cool toys on your phone is how you want to get the QR Reader on your phone. Still not sure? Ask a teenager in your life!

What are they used for?
Primarily developed for product tracking, the codes are becoming commonplace as convenient applications for companies, governments and other organizations to share information with mobile phone users.

How can businesses benefit from using them?
Beyond information sharing, the codes make for a great tool in tracking for marketing purposes. But as with all tracking, be sure to take it with a grain of salt and recognize that not everyone has a smart phone and not everyone may know how to use it - but every bit helps.

As for consumers, they can instantly access a company's website, product offers, online store, or any other information the company shares through the code.

How do I get one?Users can easily generate and print their own QR codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of several free QR code generating sites. At this point, we haven’t had the opportunity to test any of these sites ourselves, so we’re not going to make recommendations. However, you can do a Google search, look for reviews and/or give businesses a call who are using them and ask their opinions.



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