QR / 2D Barcodes: Overrated, Misused or a Little of Both?

Originally developed in Japan in 1994 to help track auto parts, QR codes are two-dimensional matrix barcodes that can encode such information as URLs, text, geographic coordinates and data. They can store more data than traditional barcodes and are becoming commonplace in print ads, billboards and in-store signage. In consumer applications, they are most commonly used to provide additional information to individuals with smartphones that have a QR code reader (easily downloadable as an app). Consumers simply scan the QR code with their smartphones to unlock the embedded data. In many cases, the code points them to a specific web page with additional information. QR (Quick Response) Codes

How it works – the basics…

VHS or Beta? QR Code Microsoft Tag

The minimum size of a customized Tag is a 1.25" square. Custom Tags

Tag as V-Card

QR Code Usage is on the Increase However…..

NC State Fair Grounds October 2011

NC State Fair Grounds, Oct., 2011

NC State Fairgrounds 2012

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Of QR Codes

The Ugly Home Page of Website NOT Optimized for Phone

Location, location, location. Make sure the code is easily accessible.

The Bad Plant Info Page of Website with little additional information.

The Good Phone friendly page with VIDEO to inspire a larger purchase.

and, The ‘Better’

Dee’s Nursery, Long Island, NY "We are seeing customers start to snap them," says Co-owner Joe DiDomenica. "The QR code we use on the trucks, cars and T-shirts goes to our seasonal video on the Dees website that we update quite a bit during the year. I haven't seen anybody do it on the trucks yet but I figured if they are at a red light or the truck is parked somewhere somebody will scan it. I'm sure they have. We do have a lot of fun with the T-shirts. We tell customers all the time to 'scan us.'

Creating a Code is Easy & Free Microsoft Tag – QR Code –

Questions, Comments?

Thank you for your time. Timothy Howard Clarity Connect, Inc. 360 Raleigh St. Holly Springs, NC A copy of this presentation can be found at: