QR codes: practical uses in everyday life
Guide: applications of QR codes
- Interactive business cards: imagine being at a networking event and someone asks for your contact details. Instead of carrying around a stack of paper business cards, you can simply show a QR code on your smartphone, which takes anyone interested straight to your digital business card with all the information they need: simple, practical and sustainable.
- Sharing Wi-Fi access: a common use of QR codes is sharing Wi-Fi access. Have guests round and don't want to dictate your complicated password? Just generate a QR code with the login details and let your visitors scan it: that way they'll be online in a moment.
- Event invitations: planning a party or an event? Include a QR code in your invitations that links to a website with full details and, if needed, a registration form. That way your guests can easily find extra details such as address, time and special information, and can register or cancel their attendance without any hassle.
Guide: here's how to generate your own QR code
First step: choose a QR code generator. There are many free QR code generators available online, such as qr-code-generator.com or goqr.me. Pick one that suits your needs.
Second step: decide on the type of QR code. Depending on your needs, you can generate various types of QR codes, such as those for Wi-Fi access, for website URLs or for contact details.
Third step: enter the required details. For example, provide the network name (SSID) and password for Wi-Fi access. If you want to create a digital business card, fill in the necessary fields with your contact details.
Fourth step: generate and save your QR code. Click "Create" and save the generated QR code as an image file. You can then print it or share it digitally.
The benefits of QR codes
Ease of use with instant scanning of information, versatility for various purposes such as Wi-Fi access and details on specific events, sustainability thanks to the digital format instead of paper, and cost savings through lower printing and materials costs.
Use of QR codes around the world
QR codes are widely used in different countries, offering interesting insights into how they're applied.
In China, they are everywhere and are frequently used for mobile payments, allowing people to pay the bill in restaurants or at street vendors.
In Japan, they are very common and used for marketing purposes, such as on posters or product packaging, to provide extra information or discounts.
In the United States, during the pandemic, many restaurants adopted QR code menus to reduce contact and improve hygiene standards, also using them for event registrations and public transport tickets.
In Denmark, an innovative app places QR codes on gravestones, allowing visitors to learn more about the deceased and digitally recall their story through videos or photos.
QR codes make everyday life simpler and more efficient. Make the most of the many opportunities this technology offers, and discover how you can benefit from it too.
