QR codes allow seamless transitions from the physical world into digital spaces or digital platforms. QR codes are less expensive in interaction cost than typing URLs, however, their convenience does not mean that users can take action when the QR code is shown to them.
Guidelines for QR-Code Usability
1. Tell Users What a QR Code Does and Where It Came From
In contrast to links with tags or URLs that include destinations, QR codes do not have an information scent on their own. They do not tell the user the destination they are taking them to or what happens when they are read.
Designers should provide enough context information about the QR code to convince users to click it. Without context-based information, QR codes are not credible or appealing.
2. Clarify Which Devices and Applications Can Scan Codes (When Necessary)
If QR codes are to be scanned using a specific application or device, the information should be included with the code. For instance, in China, QR codes that are displayed and placed on tables at restaurants have to be scanned using a particular app.
Such as WeChat or Alipay, while other QR codes can be scanned with any of them. It is important to indicate which apps (or devices) can scan the QR code to help avoid confusion.
3. QR Codes Should Lead to Mobile-Friendly Pages
Those scanning QR codes will likely go to the site associated with it on a mobile device. QR codes will lead to responsive or mobile-friendly websites.
Note: If you need to create a QR code, use a free QR code generator for a quick and easy solution.
4. Direct e-Link QR Codes to Relevant Pages or Actions
People are expecting the QR code to point to relevant information related to the content of the code, not to an ordinary homepage. It’s a bit annoying to scan a QR code which seems to provide a specific item or action and then end up on a homepage of the website.
It’s similar to giving users a link that has a strong scent of information but not directing them to the place the hyperlink promises to take them.
5. Utilize Direct Links instead of QR Codes when displaying and navigating information on the same mobile device
The display of a QR number on mobile devices can be the most effective when it’s designed to be displayed from the device’s user another person to scan (such as, or example, to a different user or the scanner in the physical area).
Digital boarding passes, also known as account connection codes in mobile applications, are an excellent illustration of the kinds of QR codes which need to appear on devices with mobile capabilities. None of these codes is intended to be read by users.
6. Do Not Invert QR-Code Colors
QR codes must be displayed in a light-colored mode, with a dark background and a white foreground. The majority of cameras on modern phones and tablets can scan QR codes in reverse colors, but not every scanning technique that is used in physical locations can do this.
Dark colors absorb more light, which creates sharper edges that allow scanning technologies to identify the code’s distinct pattern. This is particularly crucial when codes will be scrutinized in harsh lighting conditions, like in dark areas or direct sunlight.
7. Use QR Codes for Authentication Between Devices
The ability to allow devices to collaborate in ways that complement each other is a crucial element of an omnichannel experience that is enjoyable for users.
QR codes are a great method for users already logged into an account using a mobile device to quickly authenticate on a different device, like a smart TV, PC, or even a smartphone. While this type of authentication has its risks, it’s far more efficient than trying to remember and manually input the password.
8. Use QR Codes to Provide Additional Details Through Progressive Disclosure
QR codes are a simple method of hiding additional information which are not relevant to the majority of people. They can be particularly helpful in physical items that have a restricted space for display, such as in signage, advertisements or product packaging.
But, just making information available isn’t necessarily attractive because only a small proportion of people can be able to access information that is not in the internet.
9. Make sure QR Codes lead to current information
People who scan the QR code from now on will get relevant information. Once the QR code is released all over the world (especially printed in physical form), it cannot be removed. Even if the code may be pertinent only for current, short-term information, like an ad campaign in progress, some users may scan it even after the relevant information is no longer relevant.
Old codes should redirect users to an appropriate page which clarifies that the window has ended but also provides easy access to information that is current to the purpose for which you created the code.
Leave a Reply