[techtalk] MOBILE - Creative Ways to use QR Codes

Wed May 8 07:36:45 PDT 2024

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There are so many ways to user QR codes

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Webinars for You

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·     May 8: [EMAIL] Getting Started with the "New" Outlook for Windows

·     May 22: [COMMUNICATE] Leadership Communications: Winning Words, Part 2

·     June 12: [WEB TOOLS] Amazingly Helpful Tips for Getting a Book Published

·     June 26: [PPT & G-Slides] Cool Features You Can Use to Shine when Presenting with Slides

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MOBILE - Creative Ways to use QR Codes

Intermediate

[A person's hands holding a smartphone, scanning a qr code on a placard placed on a tabletop.]

By now you've probably seen and tapped on a QR code to be directed to a website page. You know, they are the black and white "barcode-looking" square on a flyer, billboard or mailer …that when you scan it with your camera on your phone, it will give you more information.

Marketers are using these symbols known as Quick Response Codes as a way to communicate. They can be printed on any type of media that people can view and scan. They are essentially print-based hyperlinks.

Where You Can Create a QR Code

You don't have to be a "techy" or buy anything to create one. Below, you will see a bunch of handy and creative ways of using QR codes. If you find one you like, you can create them at any of these locations.

·     No-cost sites like https://www.qrstuff.com<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001snX_A5nZfTCw8cg8kgSJu-4L4ESrBcOwXVCCPbwY9qvm2DFixSvvtGyOjF_zlS_IwLHd5OQ2Sp7rTVXFbt_vr4RW2Qj1ZGx6KNRdYv4iY0yHfcuIfK070qheroFaroRcj9Am8rWsXPKsiwvGB898IA==&c=jrOjisF3tFHQYtajxThzhP0a8JryyTlIb-sd_8Hl7EATIsA5qxz-aQ==&ch=B80Mzvekiy1TxDS6npEI5zCz11gAY_apDkx_JgLDsOo0IckjD8V-Mw==>
·     Adobe has a free tool: https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/qr-code-generator <https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001snX_A5nZfTCw8cg8kgSJu-4L4ESrBcOwXVCCPbwY9qvm2DFixSvvtGyOjF_zlS_I_Z4bJpCst5FnxVEy1ZY0yIGF5eNmwxx87nX3hAts5bHSEsCHCjxWZ0E-mwwVWHluIWL8OIVcqmdMDbPxuIU3O5lMN3xp1dFv0UZz3M7luXSdnyVAEdZmJy9dSf2KmcqL5ZFr4uOfO0IkHBraeu6WCA==&c=jrOjisF3tFHQYtajxThzhP0a8JryyTlIb-sd_8Hl7EATIsA5qxz-aQ==&ch=B80Mzvekiy1TxDS6npEI5zCz11gAY_apDkx_JgLDsOo0IckjD8V-Mw==>
·     Tools like Canva or Vistaprint make it easy when you're designing a flyer, invitation or business card.

In the image below you see how to add a QR code in Canva. 1) Find the QR Code app in the Apps section, 2) Paste the URL you want the code to direct to, 3) Click the Update code button, and 4) it will be added to your design.

[A screenshot of a QR code generator web application interface showing options for editing and downloading a QR code. The screen display includes tool sidebar and control buttons.]

Think Creatively About QR Codes

QR codes can catch the attention of your audience and make them curious!

We see them regularly on:
·     Business cards
·     Flyers
·     Tables in restaurants leading to menus

But what are other ways to use these codes?

For instance, I received a class reunion invite with a QR code that linked to the RSVP/Venmo payment page. Here are some more ideas to trigger your thoughts on how you can use these powerful codes:

Personal Use

[Close-up of a light-colored dog wearing a brown leather collar, featuring a qr code dog tag with contact information.]
·     Add one to a yard sale sign that links to a Google map
·     Or a "lost (or found) dog" poster providing your contact information
·     Create one for children's belongings (backpack, sports equipment) with contact info if found
·     Add to your luggage tag with name/phone/address
·     Include on a thank you card that links to a wedding or new baby online picture album

[Two wedding thank-you cards on a textured surface, one featuring a photo of a bride and groom, the other with a heartfelt message and a qr code.]

Ideas to Use in Your Organization

[Digital feedback sign reading "share your feedback with us" with a QR code to scan, promoting sharing thoughts on a museum experience.]
·     On printed bookmarks to promote an event or reading list
·     Use on any type of ad to give more details… billboard, elevator sign, bus stop
·     On a sign at check-out requesting feedback on your experience
·     Share in a live or virtual presentation as a link to a handout or learning materials
·     They can provide links to maps on hiking/walking trails
·     Direct to a mobile payment option
·     Include one on a coupon that links to a product or booking page
·     Add to signs at your front desk (or anywhere in your building) with links to the programs/events calendar
·     Put one on product packaging that links to more information or a user manual
·     Use to share wi-fi codes in your building

[A sign featuring a qr code with the text "scan to connect" and a wi-fi symbol at the top, displayed on a stand.]

·     Print on tickets that offer details of the event (location, what to wear/bring)
·     Add to any printed materials in your organization with a link to social media handles
·     Include in online videos that link to your website
·     Offer inclusivity by linking to audio descriptions or sign language videos
·     Add them to display items for more info on that piece (artwork, painting)
·     Include on a sign to direct people to download your app
·     And of course, post a sign/flyer with a QR code that leads to Tech-Talk.com!

[A television screen showing an advertisement with a QR code displayed.]

We even saw a QR code on a television ad that, when scanned, gave an additional discount off the product advertised!

What ideas do you have? Share yours in the comments section on this article page<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001snX_A5nZfTCw8cg8kgSJu-4L4ESrBcOwXVCCPbwY9qvm2DFixSvvtGyOjF_zlS_IqXHlmaGJRBsnb4STer9QpjTXDeYtXTKubeDjL422nwXCZQz-1K_w2ggZLZ3Swzkb2_smpLTRWPPHbqwLIxRD_vC1-NGuyoX1jzVWiRApbWNaM9RasFDpjPjY8uVYUGxOYnSvdc7_qLk=&c=jrOjisF3tFHQYtajxThzhP0a8JryyTlIb-sd_8Hl7EATIsA5qxz-aQ==&ch=B80Mzvekiy1TxDS6npEI5zCz11gAY_apDkx_JgLDsOo0IckjD8V-Mw==>.

[A series of smooth, dark stones arranged in a line, half-submerged in calm, reflective water with a soft, gray background.]

Communication: 6 Listening Skills

#4: Interject short affirmations

Someone is talking to you. Maybe they are upset. Perhaps they are giving a long explanation. Whatever the situation, there is an easy way to show you are listening, without interrupting their train of thought.

Try inserting an occasional brief affirmation. These don't have to be substantive. You're certainly not adding your own thoughts at this point. Instead, you're essentially saying "I hear you" and "Go ahead, keep talking. I'm still listening."

Examples of short affirmations:
·     "Uh huh"
·     "OK"
·     "Humm"
·     "Right"

You can see that you are not endorsing what is being said, just showing that you're still engaged with the listener.

If you do happen to agree with what is being said, and you'd like to express endorsement without getting into details or interrupting the flow, you can bump up the affirmation level. Here are some examples:
·     "Yes"
·     "I agree"
·     "Good idea"
·     "Nice thought"

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>
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