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You might not have noticed them, but they are everywhere! You can find QR codes in magazines, on the high street or online. But how are QR codes being used now? Why are QR codes a new development of technology which shouldn't be overlooked? In December 2009, Google integrated QR-codes into its "Favourite Places" service.

It's not just big multinational corporations like Google who are making use of QR codes. The advertising potential of QR codes is widely accepted and many well-known high street brands also make use of QR codes. Recently high-street brand Debenhams used QR codes to promote their new iPhone app...

Debenhams QR Code & iPhone App

Users scanning the Debenhams QR code were taken directly to the Debenhams iPhone app. They could then browse the Debenhams product ranges from the palm of their hand allowing them to purchase items online or decide what they would buy next time they went into town.

John Lewis Utilise the Power of QR Codes

During the Christmas of 2010, John Lewis used a QR code to promote their Android and iPhone app for Waitrose.

Just as with Debenhams, the true marketing potential was within the app itself. But without QR codes the Waitrose app couldn't have been deployed nearly so quickly or easily!

Immersive QR Codes

A more immersive QR-code experience came recently courtesy of AXA: www.youtube.com/AXA

AXA created a television advert containing a QR code. This QR code would enable you to literally step into the advert from your mobile device and interact with the advert in a way never before seen! QR codes enable full-immersion advertising by the initiation of the user. Even right under your nose, QR codes are emerging in the places you might least suspect:

Wilkinson Sword & Other QR Implementations

When Wilkinson Sword released their Hydro-5 razor they embedded a QR code within their shelved-product advertisements. The QR code took users to a mobile web-page where they could see the Hydro-5 in action and enter themselves into a contest to win prizes. From the internet to high-street shops and the packaging on shelves; QR codes have already had a profound impact on many UK based industries!

QR codes were even used at the British Grand Prix (Silverstone) where guests of the event could scan QR codes scattered around the track and stands. Once they had scanned the QR code, the guests could instantly leave feedback about the event and how they might improve it.

There's certainly a bold and bright future for QR codes and those who make good use of them! It won't be long before QR codes can be found in every magazine, newspaper, product-package and billboard. Forming links from the physical world we observe to advertising experiences and virtual data, QR codes are a true innovation. Will you embrace QR codes?