Barcode, Move Aside - QR CODE is Here!

Ugur Akinci, PhD -June 2, 2007

Soon we will be pushing flash movies, coupons, MP3 files, good-old text and god knows what else to our cell phones by pointing their tiny built-in cameras to a QR Code, taking a snapshot, and then pressing the SEND button.

A QR (from "Quick Response") Code can store a dozen to a few hundred times more data than a barcode because it can be programmed along both its horizontal and vertical axes.

Since it can be programmed in both directions, a QR Code can be 90% smaller than a barcode.

QR Codes can also be read from any direction. They do not need to be aligned perfectly like a barcode in order to be read correctly.

Data can be restored even if QR code is damaged or torn partially. Data from a torn barcode cannot be retrieved.

The revolution is already well underway in Japan and it's just a matter of time before it becomes just as common in America as well.

Actually I've seen two different versions of it used by a package delivery service and also by a direct mail company but its use is not widespread yet in the USA (as of June 2007).

Imagine, you are at the supermarket. You see an odd looking bottle of something on the shelf with a QR Code on it.

You point your cell phone camera at it, take a snapshot and push SEND and presto!

Soon you are watching a video about how to use the product, its benefits, complete with a 15% discount coupon that you can use right there at the same store!

McDonald's in Japan has already started tagging their food packages with QR Codes so that the consumers can download all kinds of nutrition information with their cell phones.

Welcome to the 21st century and make all your marketing plans accordingly.