Using QR Codes Within Museums, Trails Etc

QR stands for Quick Response…in simple terms it is a 2d bar-code which can be read using smartphones.

What are QR Codes?

-Image from The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in the Gulf of Mexico

It allows the creator to link to something virtual from the real world, for example a sign about a nature trail could have a QR code that links to a web page with more information regarding said trail.

Using QR Codes within Museum, Trails etc?

There are so many ways that you can use a QR code the limitations are your creativity….

Link to your website
Link to a video
Play a ‘collect them all’ game for children
Link to automatically download an app
Open an audio track – mobile tour?
Go green – reduce the number of site maps you give out
Let your visitors know about up coming events
Use it for a contact number
Feedback form link to hear what your visitors want

It’s important that you don’t rely too heavily on such technology however, people usually visit sites (museums especially) for the physical experience, why would you want to be burrowed into a 3″ screen when you can be taking in your surroundings? Although as a supplement to your exhibits, for example creating a little QR game for children, where they need to scan every QR code in the museum to ‘win’, can be a way of helping keep the youngsters engaged while the older members of your group enjoy the exhibits.

Or you can add more insight into your exhibits if you have limited space, for example a QR code that links to an online video can help supplement an item where you don’t have the space for a visual display.

Where the outside is concerned there are plenty of applications for QR codes, such as linking to maps, giving directions, creating ‘games’ or providing information on the local wildlife where you would prefer not to install interpretation signs. As I’ve already said the only limit is your imagination and with this technology only just emerging I expect to see some really exciting and creative applications in the future.

An Interesting QR Code Project

-Image from The Bedford Highstreet Project QR Code Tour

In Bedford they have used QR codes in quite an ingenious manner, in a bid to help tell the historical tale of the Highstreet and educate people as to how the shops have developed and changed over time, they have used QR codes at various spots that link back to information regarding the history of the area.

Here is an interesting article by Lab42 on “Why are some QR Codes more scan worthy than others“, basically what makes people actually want to scan your QR code, because unless people are interested enough to scan them, they are useless.

Where can you create QR Codes?

Here is a nice easy to use website that can create QR codes: kaywa.com

It’s free unless you want some more premium features, and incredibly simple to use.

If you need help please feel free to get in touch

What’s my Opinion?

All interesting stuff and for the people who are into their technology this can be a great way to get more information. Like most modern technologies within museums there is a balance and its an art to get it right – accessibility is the important factor. Not everyone has a smart phone (although this is likely to change as time progresses) so this technology may not be ideal for everybody. Know your visitors and supply options to cater for the technology hungry and also the not so technology savvy. Above all content is king – supply a small amount of interpretation not masses of information.

Power from the People →