I responded to a similar post about QR Codes the other day. My suggestion would be not to use QR Codes and instead for your tour use an app like Indianapolis Museum of Art implemented called "Tap". They opensourced the project.
Instead of QR codes you have an app with a numeric pad that correspond with 'stops' that correspond with your exhibit items. This is the way I would go. This tends to be more user friendly too, because most users (general public) do not know what QR Codes are and are not will to download an app just to scan random QR codes. An app developed through an organization such as a Museum specifically for tours will probably be downloaded by a user then deleted, but that is nature of society if they won't use it daily then they won't keep it, BUT they may download it specifically for the tour. But you have to Market it fairly agressively too if you want users to use it.
The other option would be to rent out devices (tablets, iPods, etc) with the app pre-installed on it. This would typically be done for an indoor exhibit for monitored use, but if you have a system in place to take a Driver's License as collateral or something, that is always an option too. Much like an audio tour device would be, but this would be a more interactive experience.
Here is the Tap project.
http://www.tapintomuseums.org/
http://www.imamuseum.org/interact/tap
https://www.flickr.com/photos/imaitsmyart/4072324925/ (video)
This would be my suggestion for tours.
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Carlos Mosqueda
UI/UX Designer and Developer
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2015 07:39 AM
From: Roy Young
Subject: QR Codes
At Fallingwater we are beginning to think about ways to add value and content to our grounds tour through the use of QR code or developing a Fallingwater app. Any thoughts or stories to share about failures or successes that other museums have learned from?
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Roy Young
Curator of Education
Fallingwater, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Mill Run PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2015 11:44 AM
From: Mimi Carter
Subject: QR Codes
Hi all. While at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, we used QR codes on ads, signage and or printed rack cards, and we did not see a rate of return on investment.
Using the URL or hashtag was more effective in driving traffic to our site and social media properties.
Thanks!
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Mimi Carter
Consultant, Public Relations
National Gallery of Art
Landover MD
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