Quick Response (QR) Codes and how to use them.

What are QR Codes?

QR Codes are small 2-dimensional barcodes which are readable by most SmartPhones (such as iPhone, Android phones, Windows 7 phones etc). They allow data such as web addresses, telephone numbers, business card details, calendar events, links to YouTube videos etc to be presented in a compact and machine-readable format.

With most phones, calendar events can post direct to the phone's calendar app and web addresses will open in the internal browser.

Why are they of interest to Hart DC?

More and more people are using SmartPhones and mobile internet so this technology makes it easier for users of these phones to link to information on our website on the move from posters, letters, newspapers or notices.

For example, a planning application neighbour letter might include a QR code encoding the full url (web address) of the detailed planning application on the Planning Portal. If the recipient has a smartphone they will be able to view the full planning application on their phone by scanning the QR code on the letter and then clicking the link i.e. without ever having to type out the address.

QR Codes could be used on Community Safety Posters giving emergency contact or reporting numbers. Scanning these would make the numbers instantly available to dial or store on the phone.

QR Codes on Leisure Posters advertising courses could provide a direct link to the online booking form for the course, improving the chances of getting the booking and helping sales.

How do we get QR Codes on our documents?

There are many free QR Code generators on the internet. Google "QR Codes" for more information. Some examples are provided below:

http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

http://goqr.me/

http://www.beqrious.com/

http://www.qrstuff.com/

Use your imagination .. there are many potential uses for these codes!

If you're stuck for inspiration or would like a demonstration of using QR Codes, contact Richard Menhinick on ext 4146