A Typical QR Code

In the past few months, QR (short for quick response) codes have been popping up all over the place: in magazines, newspapers, outdoor displays, business cards…and even in your breakfast. Though most people have seen a QR code, not everyone knows what they are, how they work, what they do, but most importantly…how to use them effectively.

Developed by the Japanese in 1994 (yeah, they’ve been around that long), a QR code is a unique two-dimensional scan-able barcode that is made up of black shapes on a white background. The code may be programmed to contain either text, a direct URL, phone number, SMS text message, or even your vCard, and can be scanned by any mobile device equipped with a camera and a QR barcode reader application. Many of the apps are free for iPhone, Blackberry, and Android devices.

Now, anyone can create a QR code completely for free either by using an online generator or mobile app, link it to their website’s homepage, and slap it on their postcard or business card.  Sure, this makes it easier for readers to access your website, but so much more can be done with QR codes that it’s similiar to buying the base-line model of your car. It will get you from A to B, but don’t expect any admirers along the way. Now that QR codes are becoming more of a standard in the community, you will need to differentiate your QR code from others in order to make a memorable mark in your impressions.  Something as simple as using a shortened URL for your QR code, instead of a super long link, will make the QR code simpler, and more easily scanned at smaller sizes.

In Wilmington QR Card Contest

Some have manipulated the colors and shapes of the code, while others have assembled them out of bottle tops and M&M’s. At Mobius, we created a whole contest around QR codes for the Wilmington Arts & Entertainment Marketing Initiative. For a each of the 4 series (3 month periods), 9 businesses and organizations in Wilmington hand out their ‘in card’ to their patrons. Each card features an image or logo of the business or organization on the front, along with a QR code which links directly to their events/informational page on inWilmingtonDe.com. On the back of the card is a fragment of a larger QR code, only accessible if the person collects all 9 cards in that particular series and physically lays the cards out together.  Once scanned, that person is taken to the secret contest entry form on the site, where they can claim their series prize of tickets, gift cards, or merchandise, but where they are also entered into the drawing for the bigger grand prize. Each and every scan that happens in the contest is also being tracked by us behind the scenes, so we can prove how successful or unsuccessful each card was.

When it comes down to it, QR codes are a just another way to connect with your audience, and are gaining popularity quickly. But in order to leave a good impression with your audience, try to think of different ways to use the code in order to make it more engaging for them, and make sure whatever information is on the other end is valuable to them.

Starbucks Logo Evolution

Recently, Starbucks Coffee announced that for it’s 40th anniversary, it will be dropping their name from their logo.  This leaves only the siren, which Starbucks has used and evolved in their logo ever since they first started in the coffee industry.

Dropping your name from your logo is a bold move, and I think Starbucks is at a point where they can do that successfully. They’ve been using the siren icon since the beginning and it’s very recognizable and unique to them. Show that siren to anybody in the world, and most people will know that it’s Starbucks, or at the very least, know that it is related to coffee…which is a huge accomplishment. That’s really the ultimate goal of any logo – to become a universal icon or name for your industry. While keeping their identity in the coffee business, this move also allows Starbucks to easily expand into other industries and business ventures.

A co-worker of mine made an interesting prediction based on this move by Starbucks.  In the future, we might be walking down the street, and see a green circle for a coffee shop, a red circle for a clothing store, and a purple circle for a restaurant.

Click here to watch Starbuck’s CEO explain their brand update.

Anyway, this blog will most likely serve as an easy portal to the world for my design work, thoughts, and links to useful resources.  And if your lucky, maybe a photo or two from my iPhone.

Cheers!