A QR Code is a a two-dimensional bar code and was created by the Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994. The "QR" stands for "Quick Response", as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.
QR Codes are more popular in Japan than here in the states. They are by far the most popular type of 2d codes, mostly due to the fact that Denso-Wave has not exercised its patent rights, which in turn has created more interest here in the US.
Most current Japanese mobile phones can read this code with their camera. Their mobile technology is ahead of the US which is why you'll see more QR codes on buildings and park benches there than you will here. Larger cities like New York and San Fransisco seem to be catching on quicky to the QR code uses.
Readability
QR codes are fairly easy to read from almost any smart phone including IPhones, Droids, Blackberries, Windows SmartPhones, Nokia Symbians and many others. Some phones require an application download while others like the Droid, do not.
QR codes can be read upside down and at an angle. The important thing is to print these codes on a good contrasting background. Printing red on white, black on white, black on yellow are all good combinations.
QR Code Use
There a numerous uses for QR codes. Business and contact cards are certainly one of the best uses. Swag marketing is another. Using these codes for attracting customers by giving them vacations, or coupons has already been done by some very large companies. We recently saw a large real estate firm using them to recruite agents... good luck with that idea.
We have seen advertising on benches, billboards, vehicles, clothing, store windows, real estate signs, magazines and more... read more
Customizating QR Codes
Depending on the amount of information and ECC level of the code will determine how much customization you can do. We have done some pretty cool things with QR codes and customer logos.