I really like the texting option.  It is estimated that only 10% of the blind population reads braille.  I suggest, like most room numbering on campus, that signage include braille and high-contrast large alpha-numeric characters.  The most appealing part of the Texas system is that there is an option for most kinds of users: phone, text, Web site, and QR code.

Philip M Kragnes, M.S.
Computer Accommodations Program
University of Minnesota
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak Street SE, Suite 180
Minneapolis, MN 55455-2002
P: 612-626-0365
F: 612-626-9654
E: [log in to unmask]
T: @PKragnes
W: http://cap.umn.edu
W: http://accessibility.umn.edu

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: David Peterson 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 10:28 PM
  Subject: Re: [WEBSTANDARDS] QR Codes?


  I saw a really great example of more informative bus signs when I was visiting Austin, TX this week. Luckily they had an example and a full explanation on their metro website since I forgot to snap a picture. I ended up using this service multiples times during my visit. Being a UMN nerd, I immediately thought of this conversation :-).


  A great feature they added was braile on the signs. Phil K could probably offer input to the usability of the braile on a bus sign. Check it out.


  http://www.capmetro.org/newsigns/


  Dave


  On Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 12:56 PM, Jacqueline Brudlos <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


    To Mandi - yes, it's very similar to Metro Transit's NextTrip. 

    To Pete - the 121 is listed on Metro Transit and there are talks about a collaberation of systems.  Everything is still in the works. 


    Jacqueline
    ===========
    JACQUELINE BRUDLOS
    Communications Manager  |  Parking and Transportation Services
    University of Minnesota
    511 Washington Ave SE  |  300 TSB  |  Minneapolis, MN 55455
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          Peter Wiringa <[log in to unmask]> 

          Sent by: UofMN Web Standards <[log in to unmask]> 
          04/04/2012 12:06 PM 

                Please respond to
                UofMN Web Standards <[log in to unmask]> 

         To [log in to unmask]  
                cc  
                Subject Re: [WEBSTANDARDS] QR Codes? 

                

         




    I remember at one point the 121 was listed somewhere on the MetroTransit site. If they already have the sort of service you're looking for, could it be tied in with them?

    On Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 11:52 AM, Mandi Caffery <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 
    I like this NextBus idea. It sounds a little like MetroTransit's NextTrip service, which I use all the time. However, I wouldn't be likely to scan a QR code to use NextTrip, or any other service. Not only does it take much longer than typing in a URL, but I'd feel really awkward standing at a bus trying to scan a QR code. A short URL or an app would be preferred. 

    Also, I feel the need to include this Tumblr in the QR code usage convo, though I can't decide if it's helpful insight or just a funny site. Either way: http://picturesofpeoplescanningqrcodes.tumblr.com. 


    Mandi 





    On Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 10:06 AM, Christopher Bongaarts <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 
    On 4/4/2012 8:37 AM, Layon, Kristofer wrote:

    I have never, *ever* observed a person scanning a QR code in the
    wild, despite the codes being quite common.  And this is in a world
    where you don't need to go walking for more than 10 seconds to
    encounter someone using their smartphone.  But not to scan QR codes.
    Just an observation. 

    I did it all the time when I first got my smartphone.  Then the novelty wore off.

    I still do occasionally, when I find one in an unexpected place.  I usually don't bother if it's obvious where it would go.  But the reason why has more to do with how long it takes to fire up my barcode reader app than anything else.

    -- 
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    %%  OIT - Identity Management  %%  http://umn.edu/~cab  %%
    %%  University of Minnesota    %%  +1 (612) 625-1809    %% 



    -- 
    Mandi Caffery 
    Design & Media Coordinator 
    Office of the Senior Vice President for  
    Academic Administration, UMN System 
    110 Morrill Hall | 612-625-0378 




    -- 
    Peter Wiringa
    Electronic Communications/New Media
    University Relations, University of Minnesota 

    "I gotta hold on to my angst. I preserve it because I need it. It keeps me sharp, on the edge, where I gotta be." - V. Hanna 







  -- 
  David Peterson
  IT Professional
  Office of Institutional Research
  University of Minnesota
  http://www.oir.umn.edu

  612-625-0914
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