Heineken U-Code (QR Code)

So Heineken wanted to make something that was easy and entertaining and came up with QR codes which in my opinion are certainly not easy and certainly not what I'd call entertaining. Anyway, the idea is that instead of having a slogan on your t-shirt, vest or whatever, you'd turn it into a QR code and wear that. It's actually quite brilliant as it demonstrates exactly what QR codes are best at - turning something straightforward into something considerably less straightforward.

QR Codes in Denmark

So the Danes have scanned 1.2 million codes in 2011. They've been popping up everywhere, "in newspapers, on television screens, posters, and wherever creative marketers think to put them." Although it is true that they've been showing up all over the place (I might argue with the use of 'creative marketers' mind you), does quantity mean quality? Or rather, does quantity equal success? 

This calls for a really long post about CTR and impressions and all that stuff, but it's the day before Christmas Eve and my brain is already in holiday mode. Sorry. In a nutshell; QR codes might be everywhere, but they are rarely - and I can't emphasise that enough - used well. 

Happy holidays. 

Oi, TBWA/Vietnam! No!

Deeple - QR Codes Put to Good Use

This is one of those rare occasions where QR codes are actually useful. Simply put, Deeple is a QR code based lost and found service. Put a tag on your keys, your bag, your bike - whatever you want - activate the code, and if you lose it, hopefully someone will find it, scan the code (or head to the website and enter the ID code), and find you. It's simple, it's easy, it's useful. Perfect. 

I have one tag to give away to one lucky person, so first come first served. 

Although the site is only in Danish right now, I have it on good authority that an English version is coming soon.