PRINT2D adds Designer QR Codes and 2D Bar Codes to Flkr

PRINT2D is now on Flkr! The page, dedicated to designer QR Codes and Designer 2D bar codes, is a snapshot into the work of PRINT2D. Known for their work in the entertainment industry, Los Angeles-based PRINT2D is headed by Philip Warbasse who is the designer behind QR Code to mobile strategies for Disney, HBO, Paramount and others.  See all the codes here http://www.flickr.com/photos/designer_qr_codes

For more information on this post., please contact Beth Silverstein - (424) 229-1404.

3 new designer QR Codes from PRINT2D

PRINT2D adds 3 new Designer 2D Barcodes to its portfolio, including new work for Time Warner Cable (in progress), Barefooters Shoes and The Amazing Spider-Man 4.  

For PRINT2D's full portfolio of designer QR Codes and Designer 2D Barcodes, please see http://www.print2d.com/dt/services_barcodes_designer.shtml

Misconceptions about QR Codes for use on TV

IS FIFTEEN SECONDS ENOUGH TIME TO USE A QR CODE IN A TV SPOT ?

We are midway through the year 2012 and it strikes me as hard to believe that, to date, very few television advertisers are taking advantage of the benefits 2D barcodes.

Recently, while consulting for a client, I learned about some misconceptions that seem to be spreading like wildfire throughout the advertising industry regarding QR Codes and how and when to use them in television.

Whether it's creating the actual spot or buying the ad time or both, Ad agencies are involved with nearly every TV ad that you see promoting a national brand. Television advertising is one of the most effective and therefore most expensive types of advertising and many of the well-known agencies are very good at using this channel to help their clients. But, when it comes to empirical knowledge about QR Codes and how to use them to enhance TV ads, most agencies have very little.

AGENCIES NEED TO CHANGE THEIR THINKING

When my client asked about running a QR Code in a 15 second spot, their Ad agency recommended against using them because, theoretically, users would not have enough time to scan the code. At first, this seems like practical advice. On second thought, it demonstrates a lack of foresight.

Many Ad agencies say, "15 seconds is too short to do anything more than X,Y and Z."
What they should be saying is "15 seconds is not a lot of time. How can we make it longer?"

QR Codes extend the time you have to interact with interested consumers. They can effectively "lengthen" the advertisement by up to five minutes. The additional time spent, when factored into the overall ad buy, becomes significant. Ad agencies should be actively thinking of ways to include QR Codes, not dismiss them.

THE ARGUMENT:

15 seconds is not enough time in a TV ad to scan a QR Code.

THE REBUTTALS:

1. In most instances, I can access my smartphone and QR Code scanner in under 5 seconds. Time yourself and see how long it really takes you to get your phone ready to scan a code.
2. The first QR Code I ever created for TV actually only appeared on screen for .3 seconds. Tivo and DVR devices were used to access the code. 47,000 users (all total) spent an average of 3.5 minutes on the mobile site after scanning the code, roughly 2,742 hours of extra time.
3. The 15 second argument might be more valid for a commercial that only runs one time. But, effective TV advertising is about repetition and if the user does not get it the first time, it only heightens their awareness to watch out for the commercial in the future.
4. TV commercials are not just for TV anymore. They should also be featured on YouTube, the advertiser's own site and other video websites, making them and the codes more accessible.
5. Don't forget the "lower third", where a code can run in the lower left or right during the entire length of the commercial.

NOW YOU'VE GOT THEM ON THE PHONE.

Lastly, and perhaps most important, by giving users access to mobile content via television, you are pairing your message or offer with the ability to respond to it immediately - now you've got them on the phone.

by Philip Warbasse  |  originally posted at PRINT2D.com on June 22nd 2012

Are QR Codes dead?

ACTUALLY, HE FUTURE FOR 2D BARCODES HAS NEVER LOOKED BRIGHTER

Are QR Codes dead, or, on their way out? I get this question a lot. Over the past couple of years, I have read scores of blog entries and countless articles that ponder this very question. Interestingly, the argument against using 2D barcodes, namely QR Codes, always seems to magically shift to the User Experience by the end of the article.

From my perspective, as long as traditional media and mobile devices exist in the same space and time, we will need some form of mobile trigger to integrate them - whether it's a QR Code or some other type of mechanism.

IT'S THE EXPERIENCE THAT MATTERS

Q Codes are working for those who address the User Experience. Unfortunately, bar code management companies have given people the idea that all they have to do is create a QR Code and point it to anything. That's where a great deal of the problems start.

QR Codes give us a brilliant way to integrate traditional and non-traditional media. The trick is to use the codes in ways that facilitate engagement, not obscure it. Advertisers have a ways to go when it comes to understanding the important differences between how people consume information in a mobile environment vs the traditional Web.

QR Codes are not a gimmick if used correctly. At PRINT2D, our mobile developers are creating strategies to use QR Codes effectively - even on TV.

by Philip Warbasse  |  originally posted at PRINT2D.com on August 1st, 2012