Friday, March 2, 2012

QR Fail

I don't know if y'all know what QR codes are, but they're those weird box things that you find everywhere these days.


QR Code — abbreviated from Quick Response Code — is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry. More recently, the system has become popular outside of the industry due to its fast readability and large storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. (Wikipedia)
 They look something like this:


And these days, you can scan them with those really cool phones you carry around. You know, smartphones? iPhones, Androids, etc. Though technically you can even scan them with WiFi connected iPod Touches and tablets...but that's something else entirely.

Now, realistically, how often do you really scan these things? Not very often. But they're a cool idea in theory. Except when they're put in a really dumb place.

Like here:


Can't tell what that is? Oh? Well...


Oh yes, some brainiac decided to put a QR code on the insole of my new running shoes. As my new running buddy said, "Your shoes are scannable!"

Now, theoretically, this sounds like a good idea, but you all have heard me talk about how many miles one puts on a pair of running shoes before you switch them out. Yes, 300 to 500 miles. My last pair of running shoes had been sweat in (eeewww) so much that I couldn't even read the size tag on the tongue of the shoe. You know, the place that is least affected by sweat was so worn that it couldn't be read. So why put a QR code on the inside at the bottom?

Marketing only knows.

Ciao,
kc

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