I want to second Tony's comment. Use a shortened URL. This way you aren't dependent on a technology that many users may not have on their mobile device.

Many savvy mobile users are likely apt to quickly type the URL either way.

I would love this service and think it would be very valuable the the transit users, btw!

Dave

On Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 11:34 AM, Tony Thomas <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I like this one a little better because it allows you to export to SVG, which is scalable, so you could make them as big as you need without losing resolution.

I recently attended a very interesting panel on QR codes and the takeaway I can offer is to put a URL on the sign with the QR code. That does two things:
  1. It offers some memorable form of recognition for who is providing the information.

    No one can remember anything about a QR code. A short URL w/ umn.edu at the end will indicate that it's a University service. Users may even remember it later.

  2. It offers an alternative to those who either aren't familiar with QR codes, don't want to go through the steps necessary to use them, or may be visually impaired.

    There are several actions necessary to scan a QR code. Stop, pull out the phone, find a third-party app (of which there are hundreds), take a photo or scan the code and hope that it properly decodes it and takes the user to the proper place. Some people (myself included) are willing to do that. A lot of people are not.
This is not meant to argue against using them. It's just information I found helpful.

On Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 11:02 AM, Darren Byrnes <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Would this help??

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

Get the needed code, export and resize in a graphics program...or is that too simple??

- Darren Byrnes


On 4/3/12 10:45 AM, Jacqueline Brudlos wrote:

Hello, everyone.  I'm a new member to this listserv (Thanks, Pete!) and I have a dilemma/question (I did try to search through the archive first, but didn't find anything to help me).

Parking and Transportation Services is working to launch NextBus, a feature showing students/staff where all of the shuttle buses are in real-time.  See the whole system on your desktop computer, call a number at a particular bus stop and hear "next bus arrives in 2 minutes" OR scan the QR code and get info on your smartphone.

Is anyone an expert on those QR codes?

Admittedly, I'm completely in the dark on this technology/marketing tool (my phone doesn't even take pictures - that's how outdated I am - LOL).

My plan was to work with the Sign Stop to revise the current signage at the campus shuttle stops - specifically adding a graphic overlay to each sign.  BUT these signs are typically 6-8 feet off the ground.  Upon further research online, it sounds to me like I'll need to make the barcode around 8 inches square.  Does anyone use these codes personally or professionally?  Does it work from a distance?  Does the code need to be THAT large?

Based on what I found online today, it sounds to me that my plan to revise the current signage won't work.  I think I'm going to have to make a second 8.5x11 size sign.

I'm just trying to not waste time/money on doing this wrong.  Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks in advance.

Jacqueline
===========
JACQUELINE BRUDLOS
Communications Manager  |  Parking and Transportation Services
University of Minnesota
511 Washington Ave SE  |  300 TSB  |  Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-4161 (direct)  |  612-626-PARK (main)  |  612-624-8899 (fax)
[log in to unmask]  |  www.umn.edu/pts




--
Tony Thomas
Web Developer
University of Minnesota
Student Unions & Activities
300 Washington Ave SE, Ste 500
Minneapolis MN 55455

Direct: 612-626-9820
Fax:     612-624-7256 





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

612-625-0914
[log in to unmask]