How to use QR codes on digital signage?

QR codes or Quick Response codes are image-based codes that are mobile-scannable barcodes that contain information and URLs that can direct the users to a specific landing page.

In the past decade, thanks to the boom in online payment systems, the use of QR codes has shot up manifold.

But beyond non-physical transactions, there are hundreds of ways QR codes can be used in various industries.

Digital signage is one paperless alternative that can significantly benefit from QR codes. Let’s see some interesting use cases.

6 innovative ways to use QR codes on digital signage displays

1. Paperless restautant menus on phones

QR code menus are commonplace today (thanks to the pandemic and no-contact service at eat-outs). Besides showing the daily menu on the digital menu boards, restaurants can add a QR code on the screen so that customers can quickly scan and order from their tables.

This reduces the burden on your restaurant staff and improves the customer experience.

2. Virtual tour guides for museums, tourist spots, and real estate properties

Be it virtual tour guides for local museums or famous tourist spots that make it the UNESCO site, QR codes have got you covered.

In March 2015, the Indian state of Kerala introduced a QR-enabled tourist-info guide for those traveling to boost tourism. The QR code enabled visitors to find any destination within the state and gather information about a place.

3. Product brochures in retail stores

QR codes provide easy access to customers who wish to take a look at product brochures, detailed features, price catalogs, and more. These can also be used for virtual view-and-browse experiences.

Tesco , for instance, has launched a complete virtual store experience for its South Korean market, pulling in the majority to check out the e-tail experience.

4. Real-time check-ins, schedules & ticketing

QR codes can provide real-time schedules, check-in features, and ticketing information for transportation hubs. Codes on signage screens at bus stops or train stations can help track the real-time status of operations and ensure the open-ended transfer of data.

British Airways has introduced mobile boarding pass QR codes for swift airport check-in! This way, passengers can skip the queue and enjoy a great travel experience while keeping it digital and contactless!

5. E-notices in education institutes

QR codes help with real-time localized notice boards for education institutes. For example, students could scan QR codes posted in their classrooms to access updated schedules, announcements, notices, information, etc. This helps notice access faster and keeps smooth end-to-end communication.

6. Wayfinding in malls, hospitals & corporate offices

QR codes can provide wayfinding and navigation guide-kiosks in malls, hospitals, and corporate offices. For example, visitors can scan QR codes posted on digital signage screens, such as interactive kiosks, mobile billboards, etc., in these locations to access maps and directions to specific locations.

Benefits of using QR codes on digital signage

With QR codes becoming the new info-comm language for businesses, let’s take a look at some key features leading to its popularity:

• QR codes help create the perfect brand identity by creating awareness among consumers and onlookers using company logos, color codes, and patterns. For example, a clothing chain might display its latest summer sale offers via QR codes at bus stops, digital signage screens, electronic billboards, etc.

• QR codes are a cost-effective way to enhance the success of digital signage campaigns. Software like Pickcel that offer advanced features, such as an App Store, might already come loaded with a QR-code generator App.

• QR codes can also provide valuable data on campaign performance. Advanced digital signage analytics helps track the number of scans, interactions, and more and measure the success of their campaigns.

• QR codes can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty by enhancing the overall customer experience. This can be done via codes that directly lead to the business webpage or store locator upon one quick scan, helping with easy access to information, promotions, and discounts.

4 tips to make QR codes stand out on digital signage displays

Here are a few simple steps to get the best out of your digital signage:

• A contrasting color palette ensures that the QR code is legible to be scanned from a distance, even if the screen’s brightness is low. Ensure the code has a white patch background, while the rest of your screen might have graphics if required.

• Ensure the QR code is placed at a manageable height or distance from a potential viewer. Ideally, the code should be placed at the center of a digital screen at a median height for all types of viewers.

• An eye-catching CTA must follow the QR code. This will prompt your potential audience to go ahead and scan the same.

• Make full use of your digital signage software via frequent QR refreshes. Dynamic QR codes can be remotely updated per your digital signage ad requirements. A cloud-based Content Management System (CMS) ensures this and allows for changes even after the code is live for public viewership.