Qr Codes!

This week we learnt all about QR codes. QR codes are symbols created that, when scanned, link to a media source, such as a Youtube video, a website, a voice note, a google maps location, or even a link to a song on Spotify. They can be used to tell a story, sometimes spread across numerous locations so people can go on an adventure to find out the story. They also can be used as a novel marketing technique - people become intrigued by the mysterious code and scan it to see what it is. I find this fascinating as I would definitely be someone who would scan a code I find on the street. This website has numerous examples of creative uses of QR codes: http://www.boredpanda.org/26-creative-ways-to-use-qr-codes/ My personal favourite is the pizza QR as not only do I find it amusing, but also captivating how they have turned a piece of food into a piece of technology!

Our task was to create a story of some sort using at least 5 QR codes. Our idea was originally to do a QR code family tree with the codes representing each family member in a different way however we felt like this was going to be too much of a complex idea in terms of creating and sourcing all the media content in the short time that we had to do this project. So we changed our idea to doing a QR Life Story. I liked the way that we could portray major life events in an innovative way, linking memories together using technology. Instead of photos in this album, we would use QR codes, bringing these memories to life.

Firstly we chose the major life events that we wanted to cover. They were: birth, first kiss, marriage, first baby and then retirement and old age. I’m happy we ended on a happy memory and not someone dying as I wanted the end product to be heartwarming and not morbid.

For birth, we did a QR that showed a Google Maps location of where our character, called Lizzy Parker, was born.

For first kiss, we used a link to a photo of their first kiss and also another code linking the audience to a Spotify link to a song that reminded them of their kiss

For the wedding, we used a different website that created a voice QR code reading out the wedding vows.

For the first baby we linked the QR with a calendar event of the baby’s due date

And for retirement, we linked to an adorable video of an old couple playing piano together on Youtube.

We then stuck all the codes into a printed out photo album to make it more authentic. Unfortunately I haven't got a photo of it, and some of the QR codes.

To improve our QR project, we would create all our own content however due to the fact we were only given a few hours to create this, this was not possible.

I enjoyed using QR codes because I like the fact that the user has to get involved to find out what is behind it, like they are trying to crack a mini mystery. I feel that this is more interesting than someone just sitting there watching a short film as you can use a variety of elements to keep people interested. Since learning about them in this lecture, I have been seeing QR codes everywhere! In my opinion, QR codes are going to become increasingly common in today’s world as almost everyone now has smartphones so companies will start to think of new ones in which they could incorporate this technology. This excites me greatly because I am fascinated in how they will develop and be used in our everyday lives. I am definitely interested in using QR codes for my final project so plan to do some research into existing QR projects for inspiration.