Cova recently sent me some interesting links to information about QR codes. At first I was pretty confused on what QR codes were useful for. But then I started to examine them a little more, and started playing with the applications. I soon realized the potential QR codes have for technology enthusiasts and artists. I am going to do my best to explain what a QR code is and how it can be used creatively.

What is a QR code

A QR code is similar to a bar code, but it has recently been used to decode SMS numbers with/without information, URL’s, or text through your mobile phone or computer. A QR code is a small square box with a matrix of information inside of that box. In this sense, it is very similar to a bar code. The relationship is similar — being able to transfer or hold text or data inside of an image. The YouTube video below will give you a better understanding of what a QR code is, as well as how it is used. Feel free to watch the video before you continue reading.

But why is it so cool

With a QR code you can embed / encode information inside of an image. Only allowing the users or people who understand what it is, and what to do with it, to be able to decode it. Want to give our your personal information to the public, but want to make sure that certain people don’t abuse it? Use a QR code — only those who know how to decode it, will be able to find and/or see your information.

Is it easy to make one

With some really great tools that were developed from Kaywa, creating a QR code and decoding a QR code has become really easy. Just like you have seen in the YouTube video, it is quite simple to decode information and even more simple to encode it.

So what next

I could easily see graffiti artists starting to make QR codes in their artwork, embedding text of their crew or tag that they represent. I could also start seeing technology products or video games starting to embed QR codes representing an “easter egg” or “hidden message.”

QR codes are really quite fun, and really simple to make and decode. The amount of creative use you have for the QR code is up to you. One thing I have noticed, is that when you understand what a QR code is, you start seeing it in even more odd places that you wouldn’t expected. When I noticed the QR code on my shampoo bottle it really made me examine life for a second. I looked at that shampoo bottle roughly one time per day for at least 15 days, and I didn’t notice that code. But the day that I learned about QR codes, I noticed it. Theory; Knowledge is recognition. Do we recognize more if we have more knowledge? Or are we suffocating our creative analysis sensors by recognizing the knowledge? +