"Most smart people ignore most advertising because most advertising ignores smart people."

—Bill Bernbach, the legendary 'B' in DDB.

QR codes in New York.

Posted: June 28th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: The Mobile Web | Tags: , | 1 Comment »

I expected high visibility for mobile tagging in New York—it was about on par with Winnipeg, but with more confident presentation (Aboriginal Day excepted; you go, guys.).

Thoughts on the future of QR after these visuals of codes on the street in Times Square, Soho, Tribeca  & Chelsea.

QR code in Times Square, New York.

QR Code in High Line Park, New York.

QR Code in High Line Park, New York.

Caroline's Comedy Club QR code poster for buying mobile Adam Corolla tickets.

Various QR codes in New York.

Using QR as a graphic element.

QR code on retail POP signage.

Notes:

  • Caroline’s is doing a really pro job with their poster advertising: the code leads to a nicely designed mobile experience that let you buy tickets & search performances.
  • QR is being used in real estate, just like here, because it just solves a problem so tidily. One of the property developers, Halstead, has branded them “H-Tags” in an attempt to friendly them up.
  • I also saw one Microsoft Tag & one Scanlife code.

The Future of mobile tagging:

Successful, intelligent use of tags focuses on utility. Real estate and ticket purchase, app downloads, directions, contest entries and contact details-type information transactions, as opposed to gimmicks, videos (or “commercials”, as I like to call them) and advertising.

I predict more low-key, utilitarian traction for mobile tagging than marketers were envisioning. They simply have to solve problems.

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