QR codes: practical applications in day-to-day life

QR codes: these small, square patterns are a simple way of making information accessible in digital form. Whether in restaurants, in the office or at private events – QR codes are everywhere. In this article, we will show you how you can take advantage of them and generate them yourself.

Examples of how to use QR codes

1. Interactive business cards: Imagine you’re at a networking event and someone asks for your contact details. Instead of carting around a pile of paper business cards, you can show them a QR code on your smartphone. This acts like a digital business card that contains all the necessary information. Quick, easy and eco-friendly.
   
   
2. Sharing Wi-Fi details: QR codes are often used to share Wi-Fi details. What if you’ve got guests and don’t want to spell out your complicated password? Just generate a QR code containing the access details so your guests can scan it. They’ll be online in the blink of an eye.

3. Event invitations: Are you planning a party or event? Attach a QR code to your invitations that leads to a website containing more detailed information and, ideally, an RSVP form. This way, your guests will have easy access to details such as the address, schedule and special instructions, as well as a simple way to accept or decline.

Instructions: how to generate your own QR code

Step 1: Choose a QR code generator.
There are lots of free QR code generators online, such as qr-code-generator.com or goqr.me. Choose one that meets your requirements.

Step 2: Choose a QR code type.
Depending on what you need, there are different types of QR code, such as for Wi-Fi access, website URLs or contact details.

Step 3: Enter the required information.
For example, for Wi-Fi access, enter the network name (SSID) and password. If you’re generating a digital business card, fill in the appropriate fields with your contact details.

Step 4: Generate and save your QR code.
Click ‘Generate’ and save the QR code generated as an image file. Then you can print it out or share it digitally.

Advantages of QR codes

• User-friendly: Scan and download information instantly
• Versatile: Can be used for many purposes, from Wi-Fi access details to information about events
• Environmentally friendly: Digital instead of paper
• Cheap: Lower printing and material costs

How QR codes are used around the world

QR codes are common in other countries too. Here are some interesting insights into how they are used.

• China: QR codes are omnipresent. They are frequently used to make mobile payments. Specialised services can be used to settle bills in restaurants or make payments to street merchants.
• Japan: QR codes are very popular in Japan too. They are frequently used for marketing purposes, e.g. on billboards and product packaging, to provide additional information or discount campaigns.
• US: In the US, many restaurants switched to using QR code menus during the pandemic in order to minimise contact and improve hygiene standards. QR codes are also used for event registrations and tickets.
• Denmark: QR codes are used in a particularly innovative way in Denmark, where they are applied to gravestones. Known as ‘Living Headstones’, these enable visitors to learn more about the deceased person and their life story, as well as to download memories in the form of videos and photographs.

QR codes make day-to-day life a little bit easier and more efficient. Take advantage of this technology’s numerous possibilities and find out how you can benefit from it too.