TL;DR I’m not saying don’t use QR (quick response) codes, I’m saying provide alternatives as well.
Personally I’d put QR codes in the marketing box of tricks labelled ‘just because you can doesn’t mean you should’.
So what are QR codes?
They are like a square barcode made up of blocks of (usually) black and white. The blocks are read by QR code readers, usually via the camera on a smartphone or via a QR reader app on a smartphone.
What are QR codes used for?
Everything! The code takes you to a website, to save you having to type in a url. I think there was a rise in use of QR codes during the pandemic – a quick and easy way of offering contactless info, eg in pubs for menus, when contact was a public health issue. And now? They are everywhere.
What is my problem with QR codes?
Well, technically I think organisations use them ‘to make it easier for the customer’, as well as being trackable for stats/reporting purposes. Obviously (or not) this is not always the case (the easier for the customer bit). Some tech can be digitally excluding chunks of people. Those without smartphones, or smartphone data, those without smartphones capable of reading QR codes, those with disabilities making use of QR codes impossible or tricky, and the digitally left behind/non tech savvy.
Plus there’s the security issues…how do you know what you are about to open? Greater Manchester Police has recently warned of a rise in QR code fraud ‘A force representative said the fraud was “more likely to happen in open spaces, such as car parks or parking meters” and warned people to be careful when using them.’ Plus BBC Radio Manchester has reported that scammers have been sticking fake QR codes on parking meters in Trafford.
Don’t NOT use QR codes
My main issue really is that alternatives to QR codes should be used. Unless ‘QR code lovers’ is your hyperniche exclusive market then you really need to offer up choices. Use your words. Plus, accessibility should be at the forefront of any and all tech so if you ONLY have a QR code you are potentially excluding people by design. I know of some uses of QR codes that are targetted specifically at being inclusive however. QR codes that link to audio descriptions in a musuem or art gallery for example, and ditto audio descriptions on breakfast cereal packaging. Bravo.
QR codes have their place. But should be part of the story, not the whole story.