Glossary A–ZLetter Q
QR code
A QR code is a square image code that a phone reads with its camera and that usually leads to a web page.
It links the screen to the viewer's own phone.
On screens it only pays off where people stand still or sit, such as waiting areas, at the till or at a stop. Typical destinations are a menu, a form, a voucher, the waiting number on the phone or further information about a product. Hardly anyone scans a code while walking past.
A QR code must be large enough, stay on screen long enough and lead to a destination that loads immediately on a phone. It needs a calm, light margin and clear contrast; in a fast-changing loop it is often gone before the camera has opened. A short line of text next to it should say what happens after scanning. Operators should keep the destination available over time and check whether it collects visitors' data.