Quick Response codes or QR codes for short were originally developed way back when in 1994 by Denso-Wave, a Toyota subsidiary based in Japan, to be used on an automotive assembly line to track parts. They are a two-dimensional code that can be read by various smartphone applications. The information that is stored on the code is sent to the phone which then stores the information or completes a specific task

QR codes are very forgiving and can be scanned even if part of the code is missing or is smudged. Edible codes; yes, that photo below (right) is of a waffle; and codes in art have been popping up such as this portrait of Pablo Picasso that was created for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts by The Martin Agency.

 “Just as Picasso once took found objects – bicycle handlebars, etc. — and brought them together to create works of art, we were able to take something technologically functional, QR codes, and use them as building blocks to create something arresting and beautiful.” - Keith Cartwright, svp/group creative director at Martin

QR code constructed with a waffle, Hershey Kisses
and Chiclets Gum at NYC Resistor.
The content of the code is "nycresistor.com".

Though QR codes were invented for a relatively mundane purpose, they have been adapted throughout the years to contain all sorts of information.  Most commonly, they are used to direct a user to a website where they can get more information about a company or product. Used on business cards, vCard information can be stored with a scan of your phone. They can be used to compose an email or text message or take you to a YouTube video. And yes, in Japan they have even been seen on grave markers in cemeteries with additional information for loved ones. The possibilities seem to be endless.

Though Danso-Wave holds the patent rights, QR codes are free to make and free to use. 

There are numerous sites online in which to create QR codes and multiple free apps for smartphones to read them.  Your phone may already be able to scan them without you even realizing it. Many Android, Blackberry and Nokia phones come with the reader pre-installed.  Give it a try!  Just hold your phone over the QR code below and it should automatically take a photo of it, it will then direct you to http://www.gpe1.com.  If this doesn’t work, you may have to download a free app and then try it again.

Scan the code to the right to go to GPE's home page (http://www.gpe1.com)

Here at GPE, we are using QR codes in a variety of ways and will be using them more and more.  QR codes on our property flyers send you to the specific webpage for that particular property.  Codes stuck to our property sign posts do the same thing in the field for anyone passing by as well as on our window signs.  They are on our Twitter page and our Facebook page. We have also implemented QR codes on our contact pages of our website which will automatically load a vCard to the reader’s phone.  No need to type in all of that information by hand anymore!

Have fun looking around for QR codes in your wanderings and keep us posted on interesting places you have seen them used and what information they contained.

Make your own code!
http://keremerkan.net/qr-code-and-2d-code-generator/

As there are so many apps to read a QR code, we won’t list them here; just do a search on your phone, at your local app store or on Google. Download and start scanning!

- Kristina Konen, Marketing Coordinator - GPE Companies