This deck demystifies 2D barcodes, specifically QR codes, to help marketers understand how, why and when to use them to connect traditional media to digital media.

1. Cracking The Code: How To Think About QR 26 October 2010

2. What we’ll cover: Origins & Early Adoption Evolution of Proprietary Codes Considerations & Recommendations What’s Next?

4. Origins & Early Adoption

5. What are Quick Response Codes? A QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode, readable by QR scanners or QR scanning apps available on Smartphones. The information encoded can be text, a URL or other data. QR Codes are one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. Sources: Wikipedia, Denso-Wave Corporation

7. Significantly reduce the cost of forms compared with conventional slips.Source: Denso-Wave Corporation

8. How do they work? QR Code Bar Code Contains data Contains no data Contains data Contains data Source: Denso-Wave Corporation

9. How do they work? Application* decodes data Data instructs device to perform a task Scans (takes pic) of code on mobile device User encounters QR Code Source: Graphic adapted from a Retina Funk blog post

10. What exactly is encoded? Source: “QR Codes Explained”, QRme.co.uk

11. Early Adoption of QR Codes (Insert “bowl of cherries” joke here.) 10

12. Adoption of QR Codes grew first in Asia, then Europe, driven by quick-response programs created for consumer mobile devices without the benefit of a full QWERTY keypad. 11

13. The QR code serves as a shortcut to typing a full URL or phone number. In this example, the code delivered a movie trailer and local show times to London commuters waiting for tube trains. 12

14. It’s common for QR Codes to deliver richer marketing or product information, but some instead encode customer information. For example, Continental (pictured) and other airlines continue to experiment with QR Codes to expedite the on-boarding process.

15. Calvin Klein recently tested QR Codes when the company replaced several “racy” outdoor ads with this giant code – to help distribute an uncensored version of the advertising. 14

16. Adoption of QR Codes To celebrate Internet Week 2010, the City of New York outfitted Times Square with a rotation of several large ads featuring QR Codes. Inclusion of the codes catered to both the tech-savvy crowd visiting for Internet Week and the press who had more reason to talk about these ads because of the QR. 15

17. QR Codes work best as one component of a larger program. Nike’s True City program uses QR in conjunction with a mobile app, print, outdoor, and an evolving network of content curators to help fans learn more about select European cities, their culture, and, of course, where you can buy a new pair of Nikes. 16

18. Google uses QR Codes to bridge online and offline worlds.The Favorite Place program helps businesses leverage the extended Google universe (Maps, Ratings, etc), but also many Android devices that can now read QR without any additional apps.

19. Others strive to connect this life with the next… In Japan, “machine-readable tombstones” use QR to let visitors view images of the deceased, browse the guestbook, even make an entry using a cell phone.

20. Best Buyconnects shoppers with relevant information to inform their purchase decision. In stores, QR codes link to product reviews, images and other information from the Best Buy mobile site. On circulars, QR codes link shoppers to full product inventory and related product accessories.

21. Evolution of Proprietary Codes

22. What are Proprietary Codes? A Proprietary Code is another type of two-dimensional barcode. They are experiencing strong growth in the US but do not have the global reach of non-proprietary two-dimensional codes (e.g. QR codes). They can reveal text, a URL or other data, though a Proprietary Code’s data is stored on a cloud-based server, not within the code. Another distinction is that these codes are not scannable by a universal two-dimensional barcode reader. They either require their own proprietary reader or in some cases, can only be encoded via MMS or email.

24. Branding ability

25. Free or low cost to experiment

27. E-Mail

28. MMS (for certain carriers)

31. Non-Proprietary Decodes instantly / Requires Internet QR code EZ code Easier to Use More Difficult to Use Decodes in the cloud / Does not require Internet Microsoft Tag Jag Tag Snap Tag Proprietary

32. Considerations & Recommendations

33. We don’t really need QR & 2D codes.

35. Only 1% of US mobile phone owners have used a 2D bar code scanner in the past three months2 (Forrester)

36. More of our devices will be equipped to read them without additional software3, yet there is no standard format

37. The expectation that the technology will eventually4 hit mainstream prompts marketers to keep experimenting…Why? Quoted from “mediadude” on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mediadude/status/1059525414 Source: “2D Barcodes: Why There’s No Urgency” by Julie A. Ask, Forrester Research, 21 September 2010 Many Android devices and some BlackBerry models are able to read QR Codes as a native function (not requiring additional applications) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code#Standalone_Applications No one is really sure when.

38. Criteria for Determining Use of QR Codes Be honest: are we simplifying or complicating a user experience? If we’re complicating, why? Is the intended audience likely to require education on how to use QR? What is the overall experience? Does QR compete with or compliment another call-to-action? Is the context right? Are the codes in places where they’ll be noticed? Is there adequate cell reception? Is it an integrated part of a larger, coordinated effort – rather than an add-on? Is the encoded content compelling, worth the effort of retrieving it? If the intention is solely to gain “cool points”, why? Are everyone’s expectations set accordingly? No crummy commercials.

40. Create a “shortcut” to deep-linked online content

41. For brand awareness / “cool points”

42. As a lead generation mechanism

43. To deliver “digital souvenirs” / exclusive, compelling branded content

45. AR + QR + RFID + (XYZ) = Near-Field Communication

46. Electronic ticketing for airlines, events and public transit Mobile payments, couponing and m-commerce Smart posters, objects and packaging NFC Print from your camera by holding it close to the printer Simplified pairing of wireless devices Share business cards with a touch Electronic keys for cars, hotel rooms, home or office Identity documents

47. Thank you.