Are consumers getting excited about QR codes?

Quick-response (QR) codes are being used everywhere these days, even footballers have got into the habit with Bromley FC shaving the back of their heads in the design as a promotional stunt.

But are consumers getting excited about QR codes? They are a great idea in theory, improving interactivity and offering a quick route through to online content, however in the States only 5% of Americans who own mobile phones have actually used a QR code, and surprisingly these tended to be young, affluent and male.

However, in the UK a recent survey of 794 mobile users by Simpson Carpenter showed that only a third knew what a QR code was but 11% had used one. Of these 20% did not find them at all useful.

So what is the future of QR codes? There will be growing awareness of the technology and, according to the above research,  70% of those that had used them found them useful and would use them again. As a tool for marketers they offer a simple and quick way for consumers to engage with online content and with the increase in smart phone usage it will be interesting to see how they develop.

We expect that there will be simpler technology along sooner rather than later that will supersede QR codes and offer more marketing opportunities so watch this space.

For more information on QR trends in the States see the AdAge article here