Easy to spot, a QR code is that small, square, black-and-white “box” that you see on all kinds of marketing collateral. Try this one for a chance to win some swag.
You may have noticed the new bar code in town — it’s called a QR code. Easy to spot, a QR code is that small, square, black-and-white “box” that you see on all kinds of marketing collateral.
Why does that matter? Because the University of Maryland, Baltimore will be adding it to some campus messaging in hopes of making access to websites, registration forms, and recalling garage locations easier.
QR is short for Quick Response. A QR code usually can be “read” or scanned quickly and easily by a cellphone.
Newer smartphones often have a preinstalled feature that will scan a QR code. Just like iPhones, Android 9 (Android Pie) and Android 10 have a built-in QR code reader. Even the Android 8 or Oreo do not need a special app to scan QR codes.
The best way to figure out if your device can read a QR code is to open your phone’s camera and point it steady for two to three seconds toward the black-and-white, two-dimensional bar code.
If scanning is enabled, a notification will appear. (If nothing happens, you may have to go to “settings” and enable QR code scanning or review your phone’s instruction manual.)
QR codes deliver all kinds of information, from delivering discounts to allowing consumers to listen to their favorite Spotify playlist while they shop. Businesses and marketers alike have begun to run entire campaigns based on the cost-effective QR code technology.
Places where you may find a QR code include:
- magazines
- digital displays/e-boards
- billboards
- webpages
- print ads
- equipment at the gym
- even on someone's T-shirt!
Stay connected — start scanning today!
(Scan this code for a chance to win a bag of free UMB swag!)