VIGC helps improve QR code performance with new test service
A study by the Flemish Innovation Center for Graphic Communication (VIGC) has revealed that less than one quarter of QR codes are readable with an average smart phone, a finding that has prompted it to launch a QR Code Test Service to help producers improve the effectiveness of their QR codes.
“There are lots of really nice things you can do with QR codes,” said Eddy Hagen, general manager of VIGC. “As a minimum you can include a web link so people can find out more about a product, service or event. You can provide your contact details and even add the location of your office to within one meter. But all of this is a waste of time if the QR code isn’t readable – and this is where many QR codes fail.”
VIGC tested dozens of QR codes and found that the QR codes were only readable with newer, more expensive smart phones, which had better focusing and zooming capabilities.
“The new phones performed better, though even some of these didn’t find it easy to read the codes,” adds Hagen. “Not being able to instantly read a QR code is a killer – people will only try it once before giving up.”
The VIGC QR Code Test Service uses multiple smart phones – both older and newer models – and different types of QR reader software to provide the most accurate and comprehensive test results.
Companies that take advantage of the VIGC QR Code Test Service will receive a report on how their codes performed and, where appropriate, some suggestions on how they could be improved.
www.vigc.be
