We've definitely been using QR more leading through the pandemic. We recently installed an exhibit with all the label text both written and read aloud, with the later delivered via QR code. They're also handy for communicating long links to folks, so for instance we try to offer lecture style program both in-person and online via YouTube livestream, and we'll usually convert those links to QR.
I think that QR is an interesting method to make URLs something more physical. Kind of a small, off-beat manner I've used QR for is with our docent program's Dropbox. Our docents, like many institutions, trend older, and I was trying to think of ways to make something inherently immaterial (like cloud based document sharing) more approachable. To that end, I created "Dropbox Cards" for our docents, just little laminated cards with a tinyurl link to the Dropbox as well as a QR code. They can stick them in a wallet next to a member card, tape them inside a desk drawer, or put them in a rolodex for the truly old-school. I'm not particularly monitoring the uptake, but I thought if just one or two find that approach helpful it will have been worth it.
A final QR approach I'll mention is when we used it as the access method for an augmented reality experience in our gallery. We worked with an artist who had built a drawn AR component to add to their piece, and we hosted it as an Instagram filter, with the sharing link posted alongside the piece as a QR code. Folks who had IG installed on their phone (a much higher number than bespoke AR apps or a museum app) could just scan the code and it would automatically open on IG on their phones.
I think the beauty of QR is it's universality, as they work across phone platforms and camera applications. The barrier to entry is
soooo much lower than having to download an app of any kind, or even navigate to a website via phone. If someone has a smartphone, the things they are guaranteed to be able to do are basic texting, using the phone, and using the camera (and I speak from experience, my relatives have called me to ask for directions while they hold a map to the whole world in their hands haha).
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Drew Whatley
Museum Educator
Whatcom Museum
Bellingham WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-14-2022 04:23 PM
From: Sofia Fernandez
Subject: The future of QR codes
Hello,
I'm a Master's student at the University of Southern California working on an article about the future of QR codes in museums: Are they here to stay? How will they be used?
The technology is more accessible than ever in our post-pandemic reality - curious how museums are approaching this option and whether visitors are engaging. Please let me know if you are available to speak on this topic or have research leads.
Much appreciated,
Sofia M. Fernandez
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Sofia Fernandez
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
University of Southern California
Los Angeles CA
smfernan@usc.edu
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