6 Unconventional Uses of QR Codes
QR codes have become a part of everyday life, easily found in various places due to their convenience and global proliferation. There are over a hundred ways to use these technologies, and we will explore the most unique and interesting among them.
QR (Quick Response in English) is a two-dimensional barcode capable of storing a limited amount of data: short texts, phone numbers, website links, or business cards. Accessing the information is as simple as pointing a phone camera at the QR code, and data processing occurs instantly, as reflected in its name.
Today, most Android and iOS smartphones are equipped with built-in QR code scanners, and there are numerous QR code generators online for various needs, allowing every smartphone user to utilize this technology. Let's look at the most exciting examples of QR code applications.
Technological Address Tags on Pet Collars
An innovative address tag with a QR code is a more functional accessory for pets than traditional tags. The Russian company Mr. Kranch recently introduced a collection of such collars. They contain a unique QR code, which when scanned, opens an electronic business card with the pet's photo, links to the owner's social networks and messengers, and a prominent 'Contact Owner' button. This business card can include not only the owner's contact details but also information about the pet's vaccinations or character traits. It's not just a stylish accessory but also a useful tool for returning a lost pet home.
QR Codes in Marketing
For many brands, staying in the sight of their target audience is important. Integrating online and offline clients is a complex task. Whether you're a blogger, entrepreneur, freelancer, or marketer, QR codes are becoming an excellent tool for attracting offline clients to the online space, increasing brand recognition, and fostering new interactions with the audience. This is especially relevant for businesses with a physical flow of customers, like restaurants or flower shops. By placing QR codes in menus or on tables, clients can be drawn to social networks, offering additional services such as food delivery or event decoration. QR codes on websites can facilitate various actions, like placing orders or subscribing to newsletters, followed by using digital marketing tools for further interaction with clients.
QR Codes on Business Cards
Electronic business cards are becoming a modern alternative to traditional paper cards. These cards are websites with information about the owner, including photos, videos, product links, and social networks. They can be adapted for different meetings, projects, and languages. Electronic business cards can be shared through QR codes, SMS, email, or messengers, and also via NFC, enabling instant contact saving without the need for additional apps. These business cards are cost-effective, interactive, and flexible in use.
QR Codes for Tipping Waitstaff
Using QR codes for cashless tipping in restaurants is becoming a popular innovation. Waitstaff can offer QR codes for tipping to personal cards or place them on bills. It's convenient and eliminates the need to discuss the tipping amount directly with the waitstaff. Such services are already integrated into many banking apps.
QR Codes on Clothing
For bloggers, QR codes can be an effective tool for attracting an audience. QR codes can lead to social networks, YouTube channels, or electronic business cards, allowing people to subscribe to the blogger with one click. Such QR codes can be placed on T-shirts, sneakers, or jeans, complemented by creative slogans to attract followers.
QR Codes on Cars
An innovative idea for using QR codes is creating car business cards. Unlike traditional license plates or notes under the windshield, QR codes on cars allow safe and convenient transfer of contact information, which can be altered through a mobile app. These QR codes are usually placed on the windshield and contain instructions for contacting the car owner. These are just some of the ways to use QR codes beyond electronic business cards.