Augmented Reality and QR Codes - Are They the Next Big Thing?

QR codes and Augmented Reality (AR) are two distant technologies with many differences. QR codes are two dimensional, whereas AR is three dimensional. QR codes link to web pages and multimedia, whereas AR is used to deliver augmented experiences. 

But amid these differences, there's one similarity that makes the collaboration of QR codes and AR a possibility. 

In this post, we'll discuss how AR and QR codes can be used together for better customer engagement. 

 

QR Codes vs. Augmented Reality (AR)

Quick Response (QR) codes and Augmented Reality (AR) are two emerging technologies taking the world by storm. 

Well, QR codes aren't technically "emerging" because they've been out there for about two decades. AR, however, is a relatively new concept. 

A QR code is an evolved, 2D barcode that users can scan with their smartphones. You can link the code to a wide range of web content, such as a website, video, image, document, form, coupon, and more. 

The codes are easy and inexpensive to generate. You can easily create a QR code with a QR code generator app. 

On the other hand, AR provides an enhanced 2D or 3D view of something. Think of Pokemon Go, a game that disrupted the mobile gaming world when it was launched in 2016. But the applications of AR aren't restricted to gaming or entertainment. 

Businesses can use AR to provide augmented, real-world experiences to their customers. When a consumer scans an AR marker, the information in the form of a 3D model appears. 

At its core, AR markers are similar to QR codes. The user scans them and accesses content. Besides, AR markers may also contain QR codes. 

So, despite differences, the purpose of QR codes and AR markers is the same. This results in an opportunity for amalgamation. Businesses can use QR codes and AR together to provide a superior quality experience to their customers. 

 

Augmented Reality QR Codes

QR codes allow you to share web and multimedia content with ease. Users can scan the code and get access to information from their smartphone. Since almost all modern-day smartphones come with QR-code-scanning capabilities, you can make your marketing campaign accessible to anyone. 

Here's how a typical QR code interaction works. You generate a QR code and link the desired information with it. It could be a website link, landing page, social media profile, etc. When a user scans the code, he'll be redirected to that content. 

Since the type of information that can be integrated with QR codes is diverse, you can diversify your marketing and advertising efforts. 

AR experiences have recently become popular among brands. Companies are utilizing AR to provide real-world, enticing experiences to their customers. 

But here's the problem. 

AR codes aren't easily accessible to users. While all modern phone cameras support QR code scanning capabilities, This leads to a usability gap, which could be overcome by QR codes. 

You can include AR markers in the center of the QR code and define a specific 3D scene for the marker. This way, a phone camera with QR-scanning capabilities would be able to access AR markers and access AR-based content. 

 

Key Characteristics of AR-Enabled QR Codes

Augmented reality QR codes are a new concept. Your customers will be taken aback when they'll scan a printed QR code and see a 3D message popping up. 

Let's say you want to use AR for customer support, so you put up an AR-enabled QR code on your product package. When a customer scans the code, a 3D-form of a customer executive appears.

All of this is possible with the help of an AR-based QR code. Let's look at some of its features. 

1. Multiple Media Opportunities

AR is awesome, but what if you want to deliver a simple message, say a notice or form? A big advantage of AR-based QR codes is trans-media capability. You can use them to provide a wide range of experiences, ranging from simple text to AR content. 

2. No Infrastructure Needed

Augmented reality QR codes work just like normal QR codes. You can print them on paper and put them up on a wall or any flat surface. They don't require any electricity to be functional, making them fully passive. 

Even if your business is temporarily closed, the codes will remain active. Users can scan them and get information about your business. 

Creating AR-enabled QR codes is cost-effective. You can easily get a cheap dynamic QR code plan and start making professional augmented reality QR codes. 

3. Robust and Durable

Not many ways exist to deliver high-quality AR experiences, and the ones that exist aren't economical or easy to implement. 

Augmented reality QR codes are different. 

QR codes are known to function even if they're 30% damaged. So practically, you can put up an AR-based QR code and forget about it. It would continue to work as a passive marketing strategy and help you generate leads and conversions. 

 

How to Develop Web-Only AR with QR Codes?

To understand this concept, we'll need to delve into AR.js. It's a JavaScript library that enables developers to add AR capabilities and functionality to any website. In a nutshell, AR.js allows you to implement cross-browser AR on the web. 

And it all starts with a marker for AR.js. When the marker is scanned, the AR.js gets triggered, and the users get redirected to the AR web app. 

Here's a quick process to create an AR-enabled QR code. 

• Create a web-based AR application using the AR.js library. 
• Develop a marker for the application.
• Use a QR Code generator with logo to create a custom QR code, and include the marker in the code. Make sure to place the marker in the center for seamless scanning. 
• Link the QR code to the web app URL.

Your augmented reality QR code is ready. Your consumers can now scan the code and enjoy a seamless AR experience on their smartphones. 

 

Best Ways to Use Augmented Reality QR Codes

Now, where can you use AR-based QR codes? The opportunities are endless. You can put these codes in your store along with a packaged product. Your customers can scan the code and see the AR model of the product. This would give them more insights into the products and help them make informed purchase decisions. 

But that's just one example. There are several other ways to use augmented reality QR codes. Let's take a look at them. 

1. The New Age of Advertising

Let's say your target customer was waiting for a bus at the bus station when he notices your billboard ad. But at the same time, he also sees the bus coming. In general, the customer would have to ignore the ad and board his bus. 

But if your ad has an AR-enabled QR code, the customer can scan the code and see the advertisement on his mobile. 

2. Education

AR is becoming increasingly popular in the education industry. Let's say you're teaching physics, and you want to explain the working of a rectifier to your customers. But the working of a rectifier is a complex process, something which can't be explained properly on the whiteboard or through textbooks. 

To resolve this issue, schools can include augmented reality QR codes in their textbooks. Students can scan the code and check out the 3D model of the rectifier. 

3. Product Information

Are you selling a product that's difficult to install and use? Maybe an AR guide could help. You can include an augmented reality code on the product packaging and link it to an AR product tutorial. 

The customer can simply scan the code and watch the real-world tutorial to understand the product's installation and working. 

 

Conclusion

This isn't the first time two different technologies with unique applications and capabilities are forged together to make something exciting and useful. With augmented reality QR codes, you can provide AR experiences to your customers through QR codes. With a simple scan with the smartphone, your customers will be able to access high-quality AR content.