Recently, I have been learning about the power and potential held by QR codes, bar code-like images that can be scanned by smart phones to share information. They are accessed through the use of a QR code scanning application that can be downloaded to smartphones such as the IPhone or Blackberry. On a recent trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, I noticed these magical little codes popping up everywhere around the city. I saw them used to link their users to various types of online information including videos, wikipedia articles, and event schedules.
So, how can this new form of information sharing be used by organizations such as dance companies and art schools?
1. Connect users to social media and blogs. Imagine a world where your most recent postings and updates can be located with the click of a button. Avoid misspellings, forgetfulness and laziness altogether and connect your audience with your organizations most recent thoughts and events as soon as they notice your poster around town.
2. Connect users to promotional videos. Say Joe Schmoe is walking down the street and notices a particularly colorful poster with some strange people jumping in the air. “What are these people doing?” Joe asks himself. “Oh look, a QR code, I’ll get out my Smart Phone.” With the click of a button, the business man has the chance to see a quick preview of some awesome dancing paired with some awesome music. Joe now has plans for this Friday night.
DanceWorks Chicago recently joined in on the QR code fun with their extended online program code which include links to video and other multimedia material.
3. Connect users to an organization’s mission statement. This might be one of the most important and useful aspects of QR code use in posters. With the use of creative graphic design, a poster can help portray a company’s overall look and feel. However, with the addition of clear and creative writing, viewers can find out what the company is truly all about.
4. Connect users to a list of event dates and locations. Some companies have extensive tour schedules spread out all across the country. In big cities like New York and Chicago, commuters have the chance to find out when and where they can catch up with the company attached to the QR code. For dance schools this idea can be used to share class schedules for the week.
5. Allow users to purchase tickets with the click of a button. No need for users to stand in line to see a company perform, with a QR code they can easily click and pay for tickets to a concert or event through an online ticket purchasing platform.
You can learn how to create your own QR codes on Create QR Code, Mashable, or Kaywa. The process is simple and very easy to personalize, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for on those sites, there are many similar applications online. I am excited to see this new resource change the way that we receive and share information.
Social Rhythms 
Katrina Dene
May 8, 2011
Great breakdown of what this can do for the dance industry. Technology is crazy!
jordoncloud
May 8, 2011
Thanks Katrina. I have been resisting technology for a while but I’ve just recently decided to embrace it because it can do so much for the world of communication!
Daphna Rahmil
May 25, 2011
So nice to have someone articulate all of this! I was wondering about the codes when I saw them, then I decided to downloaded one and it was so easy I got suspicious…But I see that it is real! I am thinking of making a magnetic car sign and incorporating the QR code into it. What do you think about that?
jordoncloud
May 25, 2011
Daphna, I’m glad you liked my post. Thanks for subscribing!
I think the car sign would work well especially if you are traveling from gig to gig and parking your car near the event that you are playing at. Just make sure it is on a white background and can be easily read by a smart phone scanner. You could also consider adding a QR code to your business card or brochures if you have them. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂