Tag Archives: QR Codes

Visual Search Apps Offering Real Life Solutions

18th May 2011

If you know anything about me, you might know that I’m obsessed with anything Google and that that company pretty much runs my life. A few updates to two of my favorite Google apps are now making my life on the go easier as well.

The Google Shopper app, similar to other apps on the Market such as the Amazon app  allows users to easily compare product prices and make simplified purchasing decisions in-aisle. I found myself using this app often while Christmas shopping this past year, comparing product reviews, prices, etc. all while in store.

Google Shopper app now allows users to employ visual search to identify products. By scanning a barcode, or even the product itself, users are given information such as price, reviews and places to buy. After a recent scan of a DVD, I was even more impressed to see a link to a YouTube trailer of the movie right in the interface. Shopping made simple.

Not to leave visual search to shopping, the  Google Goggles app has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. The basic premise is to perform a Google search through a photo scan. Examples of items that work best include products, logos and even paintings hanging in a museum. However, the most recent update to this app really catches my  heart, translation. Simply scan any foreign text and the app will utilize Google Translate to give feedback into the desired language.

Though I don’t use these visual search apps as often as I should, this could be the next step to connecting our digital and real world experiences. As much as I love QR codes, I would much rather like to scan a photo, ad or product directly to be rewarded than scan a group of boxes. What do you think? Have you been satisfied with the accuracy of visual search apps so far? Do you think apps like these could ultimately replace our use of QR codes?

PS…if these examples didn’t win you over, this one from a few months back should do the trick. Yes, visual search can solve “real life” problems as well.

QR Codes: It’s Hip to Be Square

8th December 2010

Last week, my co-workers Kathlene Hestir and Stacy Cohen and I hosted a lunch and learn on QR codes; how to use them, what’s cool and the business applications we have seen.

If you missed the presentation, check it out below. If you are interested in attending an Engauge Lunch and Learn hosted by the Digital Innovation Group, send me an email at kdennihy [@] gmail.com

QR Codes: It’s Hip to Be Square – Engauge Digital Innovation Group (DIG)

How QR Codes are heading sky high in Denver

6th October 2010

On my way through the Denver International Airport this weekend, I came across a great QR code brand integration. We have been talking about QR codes for quite some time now in DIG and while cool, like most things technology related, if it doesn’t serve a user purpose, it won’t be adopted.

Here are four reasons 1st Bank’s Ad display scores.

Education: Often times, people may not know what this giant barcode is let alone how to use it. The advertisement clearly calls out not only what it does, but how to make it work by suggesting a reader to download.

Purpose: Sure it’s fun to scan, but no one wants to scan a code to the bank’s website to learn about opening an account. In my opinion, this is one of the biggest missed opportunities for brands in uisng technology whether it be an app, a code or a game.

By allowing users to download books for a flight, users not only have a motive to download and receive a free book, but they have a greater chance of remembering who gave this service to them in the first place, creating a sense of brand affinity and loyalty without ever pitching a product.

Real life integration: We all love the web, but for social, mobile and new technologies to grow, we must rely on new and creative mediums to spread our messages. In this case, transforming a traditional ad to something any consumer could interact with and experience beyond a picture.

Placement: This ad was placed directly to the right of the security lines. What else are you doing while waiting in line for security than checking your phone and people watching? There is no better opportunity to grab a consumer than in this airport situation.

What are your thoughts? Are new mediums such as QR code integration still too advanced for the average consumer? Or has 1st Bank it a homerun with their placement and tech-savvy traveler target?