By now you’ve probably heard at least one person mention QR codes. Okay, maybe not but if you’re reading this then that makes one so I’m still right in my assumption. I like to learn about new stuff. When I heard about these codes I started to look into just what they are; I mean, I can’t just go around touting something that I don’t understand. So I set out to learn a bit about them, where they came from and what they can be used for.
QR codes were developed in Japan by a subsidiary of Toyota to help with inventory tracking and production. That was 1994. It took several years but now they’re popping up in mainstream USA. One of the biggest reasons that they’re getting more popular, and will continue to do so, is that so many people are using smartphones and camera phones. These devices that most of us have in our purse or pocket are able to scan the code and display whatever information is embedded.
Alright, now we know a little about where they came from. The next step is to figure out how to get the most out of them. Are you familiar with the term infinite? That’s how many ways that these codes can be used. I’ve made a few for various reasons. I’ve got one for my personal webpage, one for the agency that I work for and I’ve done a few just for grins that did various things. You can embed coupons, set up an automated text message or email, directly link to a website or just display text.
Will these codes take off in a big way? I think that they just might. There are just so many possibilities.
If you like those, check out “designer” QR codes – http://www.qrarts.com
-pd
Can I embed a recipe in one?
I believe that you can.
You can embed up to 4k of text as I understand it, although the more stuff you put in the more difficult it is to for the device to read. I would simply put a link in to the recipe on a mobile-friendly website.
Randy – thanks for your input and advice to Mike King. Also, thanks for stopping by and commenting.