QR codes are a novelty, all smartphone users and tech geeks love to scan them as they can be an unknown quantity, sometimes it's obvious where the QR code will lead you, other times it's not but until you scan and upload, you'll never know what you'll find. Businesses have been slow to adapt to them but as the number of smartphone users rapidly increases, so too do the chances to capitalise on this trend.
The examples listed below are a case of focusing more on the journey rather than the destination, creating more joy out of its creation rather than where it will lead to. Some use food such as sugar cubes (image above) while others aim for a much bigger scale. One way or another, the end result is much more memorable and will make you think twice about using the standard black and white QR codes you normally get.
Also the vast majority of the examples below are scannable making their creation even more impressive.
Bottlecaps
Heineken created a working QR code solely out of bottle caps. This method encapsulates the company's look and feel and makes a normally unappealing box stand out. [Source: QR Arts]
Food
An entire section could be dedicated to QR codes designed through food but here are some selections. The first is from the cookie company Oreo who create a QR code by using over 441 black and gold Oreos.
Other notable entries include a QR code designed solely from M&M's by someone with too much free time on their hands.
The company, Lock&Lock, created one that was made up of 841 chocolate cubes below.
And the last example in this section sees another person creating a QR code by carving it into a pumpkin.
Field
Measuring 160 x 160 meters, a giant QR code was mowed into a wheat field near the town of Illmeanu in Germany. The code consisted of 18 x 18 bright and dark squares producing the message "Hello, World!†and was intended to be captured by Google Earth satellites. [Source: PSFK]
Haircuts
The theme of this post is that not only can you find QR codes in different shapes and sizes but also in the most unlikely of places. Thankfully this was a stunt done by a shampoo company who tied the initiative into having a healthy scalp but the campaign apparently generated over $10 million in free advertising for the brand. All of a sudden, the idea doesn't sound so silly.
Graffiti
Despite it being painted on the wall, this QR code actually works and scanning it redirects you to electro band Clean Bandit's website. [Source: Blog Till You Drop]
Paint Cans
The connection between paint cans and insurance is somewhat lost on us but that doesn't make this any less impressive. AXA created a giant QR code by facing thousands of multicoloured paint cans outwards. Visually pleasing, different and functional, the QR code did a lot to entice smartphone users to check what was underneath.
Wooden QR code
Toronto based artist, Kyle Clements, wanted to experiment and try something different, deciding to play around with veneer and lasers. The end result was a laser cut QR code made from oak and birch veneer which when tested out, actually worked.
LED
DIY community site, Instructables, were asked by wireless and consumer electronics store RadioShack's to create a unique QR code as part of their Great Create project gallery which had to feature RadioShack parts. The result was a QR code made up solely of LED lights.
Computer games
In her spare time, Google Webmaster Melissa Louie likes to reproduce old classic computer games as QR codes. Her creations span games such as Tetris, Space Invaders and Super Mario Bros. While these are artistic creations, the practise has been taken to the next level with QR codes appearing in games themselves, Homefront and Deus Ex: Human Revolution being the latest examples. [Source: 2D Code]
Fashion
Of all the trends that could catch on, QR codes as a fashion accessory will be at the bottom of the list. However Iceland pop star Kali, who is known for her costumers, wore a dress comprised of QR codes which she claimed would allow fans to better connect with her. The QR codes link back to sites and videos for Steed Lord, the group that she is apart of. [Source: Urbergizmo]
Rubik's Cube
Ape.IO, a startup founded in 2010 as a spin-off of Ape Communications in Singapore, created a QR code comprised solely of Rubik's Cubes to promote their first production, META Assassin. Exactly 49 Rubik's cubes were used in making the first code while 121 cubes were used to make another bigger code. Both are fully functional as QR codes. [Source: Mobile Commerce News]
Lego
Mapquest, a free app that gives you GPS for Android phones decided to build a QR code out of lego.
Tattoo
Paris based tattoo artist K.A.R.L. released the first ever animated tattoo which used a QR code to activate. The entire process was streamed live on Facebook back in June and we can only hope that future editions will come on rub on tattoos instead.
Bricks
Hyundai put a lot of effort into creating this QR code consisting of just bricks.
Sand
Another Japanese company Sinap created this one, this time building their QR code model from just sand.
Humans
Audi Japan attempted to created the world's largest QR code by getting as many people as possible to participate as well as an Audi vehicle for good measure.
Crosswords
A format so obvious you wonder how more magazines and newspapers haven't thought of it already. Try to complete the first ever Qrossword puzzle. Scanning the code leads you to the answers if you find it too difficult. [Source: QR Arts]
Buildings
Japan seem to be way ahead of the pack when it comes to using QR codes and this is no exception. In Tokyo earlier this year, a massive QR code showed up on the side of N building in the Tachikawa District. Scanning the code would give you up to the minute info and multimedia content as well as letting you interact with the building's occupants. Also because Tachikawa is a shopping district, the QR code also offers discount and deals from nearby shops meaning people could scan it, see what's for sale nearby and go to the store to claim their discounts. [Source: Custom QR Codes]
Currency
Wanting to keep physical currency relevant, the Dutch created the first QR coins. As it was the 100th anniversary of the Dutch Royal Mint, they created €5 and €10 gold and silver coins. While scanning the codes originally directed you to the Dutch Royal Mint Website but after June 22 nd, it directed you to its centenary site. [Source: Popsci]
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