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QR Codes: Teleporting Print Into the Metaverse

By making it easier for people to engage with print via a simple, interactive element, QR codes bridge the physical with the digital, teleporting them to their destination in an easy and fun way. Contributor Joanne Gore explains how QR codes transform print from a commodity to a high-value communications tool capable of linking to videos, landing pages, special offers, podcasts, and more.

Monday, August 22, 2022

(Join WhatTheyThink contributors Joanne Gore and Heidi Tolliver-Walker, and designer Joe Zeff for our LunchNLearn webinar, “Interactive Print in the Real World: What’s Really Working,” Wednesday, August 24 at 1 pm ET.)

The QR code is an interesting advent. While seemingly it’s just a two-dimensional barcode, with that extra dimension comes the ability to house more—and different types of—information.

Released in 1994, the QR code was initially invented for Japan’s auto industry to assist with tracking vehicles and scanning components quickly (hence its name, “Quick Response” code). After adoption by the Japanese auto industry, other Japanese companies in the food, pharmaceutical, and contact lens industries began using QR codes to improve tracking, processing, and logistics. It took another 15 years before they were adopted in the U.S. for consumer use, following the release of the first QR code scanner app for smartphones.


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About Joanne Gore

Joanne Gore is a B2B marketer, content strategist, author, and president of Joanne Gore Communications (JGC), a full-service marketing agency that helps the print industry sell more print.

With over 30 years of experience in the tech and print industries, Joanne brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s PSPs. She is a frequent contributor to industry publications and a passionate advocate for helping businesses understand who they help, how they help, and why it matters.

When she’s not helping brands grow, Joanne is leading conversations on key trends like sustainability, digital transformation, AI, customer experience – and the evolving role of print in today’s marketplace.

Follow Joanne on LinkedIn | Visit Joanne Gore Communications

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