Optimising Digital Connection – QR Codes
2020 has presented a new way of doing many things. Leading this is how to really exploit digital capabilities to help us continue to operate in this contactless, socially distanced world.
Going digital has really had an impact on podiatry this year with digital consultations, conferences and teaching for pre-reg students. Businesses have had to adapt or seriously upscale their use of digital conferencing apps such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams to facilitate home working. Restaurants are now using them as digital menu cards. They can be found on marketing materials, public announcements and of course we are now seeing then in every shop window as part of the Test and Trace programme implemented in the UK. The Covid-19 outbreak forced business owners to come up with their own solutions for data capture, tracking, tracing and adapting to a socially distanced service. So, not only are we used to seeing them more, but hopefully we are used to scanning and using them more too.
History of QR codes
The QR code was invented in 1994 launched as a way of storing more information than the traditional barcode. It wasn’t until 2002 and the launch of smartphones that this feature had the opportunity to become more widely adopted. What once started as a niche feature that had to be downloaded as a specific app is now native within the iOS and Android operating systems. 2017’s iOS 11 update changed that. Apple’s stealth update that allows QR codes to be scanned directly through the camera app is game-changing. Adding the QR code feature on the control setting was pure genius. Even the latest Android smartphones have made QR code scanning a native feature
Fast forward to 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic and QR codes have undeniably been given a new lease of life. After entire sectors have reopened with strict social distancing guidelines, the QR code has gone even more mainstream.
Including QR codes in our new normal
Search the internet and there is a lot of commentary on whether QR codes are dead. In fact, whilst they have taken some time to really develop market penetration, they should be considered and recognised as commonplace in our new normal.
Improved smartphone operating systems since 2017 now include a native QR scanner in the photo app. Mobile internet speeds are faster than ever and the majority of users sit more in Generation Y and Z, with Generation X making strides to catch on. People want to get to what they’re interested in directly…and quickly. Web users are frustrated when a website takes them around the houses to get where they want. Having an eCoupon code is great, but showing it digitally that carries a link straight to the product, information or offer is better.
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QR Codes within HealthyStep
Scanning QR codes is second nature for consumers as the vast majority of consumers now have smartphone technology. Most importantly, the responsiveness of QR codes and the technology means that consumers will become ever more familiar with scanning QR codes to get to a digital location.
Why not start NOW and see where this code takes you?
So, you’ll start seeing the use of QR codes adopted more and more within Healthystep. This offers you the advantage of instantly accessing the most important digital destination for you. That could be to follow up on interest in a product, to reorder a product, get the best use from a product with additional information, exercises or support or, if you’re a health professional, create an account with us and start realising the benefits of our clinically, evidence-based designed products.