Social scanning is where 2D codes are used to bring people together, and allow customers to rate and view products from their friends. These codes are the square boxes that have been recently showing up in ads, posters, and billboards. This trend is so new that most companies will have customers who have not used a 2D code yet. Businesses who recognize that these codes will increase customer loyalty and bring in greater revenue are really doing themselves a favor.
QR ("quick response") codes can be scanned by a QR reader or a smartphone and are able to deliver a lot of information without much hassle at all. One example of how QR codes could simplify your life is that huge stack of business cards you have piled somewhere. QR codes would allow you to maintain a contact list without manually entering the information into your database, just scan the code and you have all of the information stored. These codes have been around for years but were generally just used for tracking parts or for inventory purposes. Magazines, airlines, the weather channel, and companies such as Best Buy and Barnes & Noble have started using QR codes to give customers quick access to more information and links to buy products online, get updates about flights, or gain access to top-secret messages.
Oprah uses 2D codes in her magazine to advertise different products. In her September Issue of O Magazine there were 9 different products advertised each with a corresponding 2D code that readers could scan to find more information online and place an order. American Airlines uses 2D codes to allow customers to get updates on their flight information. They are also looking at about using these codes as boarding passes in the future. Stay tuned to see how else 2D codes can improve business.
Here's a picture of a 2D code.
I find it interesting that you wrote about this because my previous boss started using 2D codes on her business brochures. When we would go to networking events, she would pass the brochures out to potential clients and explain how they could just scan the 2D code with their smart phone and it would take them directly to the firm's website. The website database showed that people actually used the 2D codes to get to the website. I think more businesses will start using this. Smart phones are replacing almost all cell phones and as that grows so I think so will 2D codes because of the convenience.
ReplyDeleteSocial scanning is cool. I know that Disney is really big into it. I have seen many of their advertisments around that have a 2D code on them so that you can view a video when you read it. Disney has posters up around campus for their summer internship that have a 2D code on them. Check them out I have been surprised that most people still do not know what these are. I think we will be seeing them a lot more within the next year or so. Interesting post, Emily!
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