QR (or Quick Response) Codes are square barcodes that allow information to be stored in a machine-readable label. The patterns that make up a QR code are able to be read and understood by smartphones and can provide more information about a product or service directly to your device. Because of the increasingly important role of mobile devices in consumers’ lives, marketers can leverage this to further encourage consumer engagement with their brand through the use and placement of QR codes.
Some of the key advantages of QR codes are that they can store up to a hundred times more information compared to a traditional bar code, can be scanned from any direction and that they have a unique appearance. They can also be used by businesses for a variety of purposes from directing potential customers to their website and social media pages to downloading apps, shopping and notifying customers of discounts and promotions.
On the other hand, many feel as though QR codes are no longer relevant and that their time has passed. This is likely due to the decreased popularity of smartphones during the initial introduction of QR codes compared to today, which may have potentially impacted on their use and accessibility. There is also a significant challenge in that organisations need to consider the appropriate placement of the QR code as it needs to be easily accessible by consumers in order to fulfil its intended purpose.
Despite this, QR codes have experienced a resurgence and this is largely due to companies like Apple who have streamlined the process for consumers. There is no longer a need to download a third-party app to scan codes as Apple has embedded this technology into their iPhone camera, which means all consumers need to do is to point their camera at a QR code and they are automatically able to access the intended information.
What are some of your thoughts on QR codes and do you believe that they are still a relevant tool for businesses?
Chauntelle's Digital Diary 
To be honest I never liked QR codes because there was a lot of issues with it when it was first developed. Many other methods have since come about and have gained traction. Hence in my opinion, I think it is less relevant now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely agree – I feel like a lot of people found them inconvenient especially when you needed to download a separate app just to be able to scan them. I do still see them around a bit but I never feel the need to engage with them. Thanks for your thoughts! 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve never actually used a QR code ever, there was never a time it presented itself to me – and when it did it was just too much of a hassle to use since I had to download multiple apps just to read the code
loved the read x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment! I find that even though I do see a few of them around, I never actively feel the need to scan them even though the process is definitely a lot easier now as the scanner is embedded in my phone’s camera. 🙂
LikeLike
I think it’s simply a matter of what large companies choose to do! I think they’d still be relevant if they were improved and market leaders stuck with it. Now, there’s a lot of more improved options.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree – there are a lot of options out there that work a lot better and I feel as though it’s up to organisations to decide what best works for them. Thanks for the comment! 🙂
LikeLike
Honestly the only QR code I ever use is the one on snapchat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m definitely the same too! I only use Snapcodes and even then it’s pretty rare. Thanks for the comment!
LikeLike
I personally hardly ever use them, but after travelling to China I saw it was the most common payment method for small businesses, such as local restaurants, through the app WeChat… I think there’s definitely use for them if they became widely accepted and utilised in our society. Really interesting read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It’s interesting to see how some tools work more effectively in some countries than others – definitely a really intriguing observation 🙂
LikeLike
I always see QR codes around but have never used one. I think its sort of too much hassle to download an app that will register the QR code that will probably then be used to track my location etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can definitely relate to that – I do see them around but I can never be bothered to actually scan them. Thanks for the comment! 🙂
LikeLike