The QR Code of Seattle - We haven't seen anything yet

Seattle....a mecca for good coffee, good beer, the outdoors and technology.

With full disclosure that I was one of the last people to board the smartphone bus, I am now writing with full excitement to how many of the above interests have merged to make life that much easier. And the connector? It's the simple QR CODE scanner apps that are available for almost any smartphone. Apparently Japan has been using QR codes for 10+ some years but here in Seattle, it's just starting to take off. You may have started to notice the black and white square box item in magazine ads or on posters. When you scan them with your smartphone, you are then provided with some additional information, be it a website, a coupon, a short promo or more.

Here at Viewhalloo Designs, we just created our first magazine ad that uses a QR code. It's for the Green Lake Gobble & Mashed Potato Munch Off 5K that will take place at Green Lake Park on Sunday, November 20th. In this instance, the QR code takes the user to the online registration page where they can sign up for the race. Very handy and quite streamlined. We will definitely get more creative with how we promote the QR codes within the print pieces we do so keep an eye on the future work we do.

On a recent walk through Seattle's Carkeek Park, we came across another creative use of the QR code interface. Having no idea it was there but recognizing the shape and intent of the QR code box, we found ourselves in front of a small white cement block that had a QR code on it placed in front of a piece of art. Of course we scanned it and in doing so, a short description of the art piece popped up on our phone. We were hooked and as a result of that quick scan, we then found ourselves walking throughout the park looking for all the other exhibit pieces.

Prior to the walk we had no idea that the Center for Contemporary Arts had an their "Heaven and Earth: Cycles of Return" outdoor sculpture exhibition within the park and we had no idea that we would have so much fun exploring the park while we read about and contemplated the pieces.

Some technology advancements seem to be excessive, but in our eyes, if done right with the user in mind, we think the wave of QR codes is a good thing. Get ready Seattle, there's bound to be more. 

Shown to the right is one of the sculpture pieces found in Carkeek Park. The Heaven and Earth: Cycles of Return exhibition runs from July 9th to October 9th, 2011. Go see it (even if you don't have a smartphone).