VisitEngland has just announced trials of QR (Quick Recognition) codes in 5 English towns. QR codes are similar to bar codes and are readable by smartphones and take one directly to online text, audio and video about specific locations.
In Bologna this week I saw for myself how they can bring richer, more dynamic information to visitors. A traditional plaque on a building has been brought up-to-date with an added QR code. Exhibits in the City museum have been equipped with codes and shopkeepers are adding codes to their frontages.
I have a feeling this is going to be BIG. It’s simple to understand, relatively cheap to do, and easy to update.
Maybe the next stage will be to incorporate visitor-generated content, so visitors can share their experiences and let others know what’s cool and where to find the best pasta in town.