A brief explanation and example of a QR code
Some of you may be wondering what the above image is, while others have already scanned it into their phone.
This is a QR Code, they are huge in Japan and are gaining in popularity all over the world.
A QR Code is like a standard barcode, but rather than just storing data from left to right it also stores data up and down, meaning that a QR code can store much more data.
This technology has slowly evolved (it has been around since 1994) into a system whereby a compatible mobile phone, or other reader, can quickly scan in a QR Code and the reader then converts it into whatever information the designer wanted you to have. In Japan most phones have an inbuilt QR reader, this isn't a feature here (yet), however you can download the software for the most modern phones from many sites online.
In the case of the QR code above it says the following;
Eviser : Ecommerce Consultant : Website Marketing : Website Management
Eviser provides Ecommerce Consultancy, Website Marketing and Website Management to businesses.
www.eviser.co.uk
However it can be used to link the phone to a website or give the user information about your company or your contact details.
For example, you could have your business card and on the reverse feature a QR code that will give the reader the code to go straight to your website (and whatever page you want in order to direct them wherever you want).
