Picture a barcode at your local grocery store. The code consists of lines and numbers, which when read by the proper application, relay product information and cost. Now, take that concept and apply it to Internet marketing and mobile applications and you get a QR code.

QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a cell phone). The QR Code is a two-dimensional code, which when scanned by the appropriate device, drives mobile users to an intended location. They are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your cell phone. You may soon see QR Codes in a magazine advert, a web page or even on someone’s t-shirt. Once it is in your cell phone, it may give you details about that business (allowing users to search for nearby locations), or details about the person wearing the t-shirt, show you a URL which you can click to see a trailer for a movie, or it may give you a coupon which you can use in a local outlet.

According to Jeff Weidauer in his Retail Customer Experience report, he points to research that predicts that “two-thirds of retailers are planning a digital mobile initiative launch before the end of this year, and many of these will include a QR code capability.”

Your business, no matter how small or large, could use QR codes in a number of ways. You could add one to your business card containing your contact details so it is easy for someone to add you to their contacts on their cell phone. You can also add them to any print advertising, flyers, posters, invites, tv ads with the inclusion of Facebook and Twitter IDs, links to YouTube videos, event details, contact information, etc…
In conclusion, QR codes are another example of the blurring of the edges of media, as we all rapidly enter this totally connected world. It is the blurring of the lines between our cell phone and the Internet, always on Internet connectivity wherever we are, whatever we are doing and whatever device we have on hand –whether it’s a cellphone, netbook, laptop, pc, camera, or TV.