Over the last few months the use has grown immensely, even enough that in late summer of this year the USPS offered a discount on direct mail pieces that included a QR code. One question that has been past around a lot is "What size should my QR code be?" I came across some great information from Kelly Flowers with GrowthVine LLC out of Washington DC. She had great information on determining the correct size of your next event QR code. Here is what she had to say.
There are a few things to consider when planning for QR codes at events.
1. Placement of QR codes (lighting, height, clarity)
To start off with, make sure that where you place the QR code will be easy for attendees to scan, and that you avoid dim lighting. Avoid if possible placing QR codes on materials that could have wrinkles or on an uneven surface. Also, when determining the height of where you're positioning the QR code, avoid too low to the ground or too high that would require the user extra effort to scan it.
2. Minimum Size of QR code
To determine the appropriate size of the QR code, there are a few things you should know.
First, determine the "expected distance" between the mobile phone scanner and the QR code. For example, at an exhibit booth, if the QR code would be on a booth backdrop, you may want to estimate 6 feet from the mobile phone to the backdrop.
Secondly, you need to determine the "scaling factor". This number represents the factor that has to do with the lighting, the clarity, and accounts for the margin of error that a shaky scan may have on the result. Use between 6 - 10 with 6 being the worst case and 10 being the best.
Thirdly, calculate the "data density factor" for the QR code you've created. The more data that is included in the QR code the more columns and rows it has and the more "grainy" it appears. This makes it more difficult to scan and reduces the scaling factor. QR codes are classified in versions 1 - 40 based on how many columns and rows they have (see more about versions here). You can often reduce the data density of a QR code by using a URL shortener likebit.ly or goo.gl which will make the "dots" in the QR code appear bigger and make it easier to scan, as well as giving you a way to track the number of scans.
Once you count the number of columns/rows, divide that number by 25 to calculate the "data density factor".
Once you have these three values, follow this equation:
In the example above, a QR code is to be placed on an exhibit booth backdrop. The QR code has 49 rows and columns of dots. The lighting is a bit dim and the scan distance will be about 6 feet.
3. Making sure what you are linking to is optimized to view on a mobile device
While QR codes can create an exciting experience for users, ensure that where the QR code links the users to is optimized for the mobile device. Otherwise, you may create a confusing and frustrating experience and conversion rates will be much lower.
Good luck!
1. Placement of QR codes (lighting, height, clarity)
To start off with, make sure that where you place the QR code will be easy for attendees to scan, and that you avoid dim lighting. Avoid if possible placing QR codes on materials that could have wrinkles or on an uneven surface. Also, when determining the height of where you're positioning the QR code, avoid too low to the ground or too high that would require the user extra effort to scan it.
2. Minimum Size of QR code
To determine the appropriate size of the QR code, there are a few things you should know.
First, determine the "expected distance" between the mobile phone scanner and the QR code. For example, at an exhibit booth, if the QR code would be on a booth backdrop, you may want to estimate 6 feet from the mobile phone to the backdrop.
Secondly, you need to determine the "scaling factor". This number represents the factor that has to do with the lighting, the clarity, and accounts for the margin of error that a shaky scan may have on the result. Use between 6 - 10 with 6 being the worst case and 10 being the best.
Thirdly, calculate the "data density factor" for the QR code you've created. The more data that is included in the QR code the more columns and rows it has and the more "grainy" it appears. This makes it more difficult to scan and reduces the scaling factor. QR codes are classified in versions 1 - 40 based on how many columns and rows they have (see more about versions here). You can often reduce the data density of a QR code by using a URL shortener likebit.ly or goo.gl which will make the "dots" in the QR code appear bigger and make it easier to scan, as well as giving you a way to track the number of scans.
Once you count the number of columns/rows, divide that number by 25 to calculate the "data density factor".
Once you have these three values, follow this equation:
| Minimum QR Code Size = | Expected Scan Distance | * Data Density Factor | ||
| Scaling Factor |
In the example above, a QR code is to be placed on an exhibit booth backdrop. The QR code has 49 rows and columns of dots. The lighting is a bit dim and the scan distance will be about 6 feet.
Scanning Distance = 72 inches
Scaling Factor = 10 - 1 (for poor lighting) = 9
Data Density Factor = 49/25 = 2
Scaling Factor = 10 - 1 (for poor lighting) = 9
Data Density Factor = 49/25 = 2
Minimum QR code Size = (72 / 9) * 2 = 16 inches
3. Making sure what you are linking to is optimized to view on a mobile device
While QR codes can create an exciting experience for users, ensure that where the QR code links the users to is optimized for the mobile device. Otherwise, you may create a confusing and frustrating experience and conversion rates will be much lower.
Good luck!
Thanks Kelly for this great bit of information.
No comments:
Post a Comment