As a dissertation project for my MA in Archaeology for Screen Media at University of Bristol, I worked with Attingham Park, National Trust property in Shropshire, to incorporate QR code technology into their existing interpretation. Our goal was to explore how QR codes could fit into an established heritage institution such as the National Trust, as well as whether visitors would be willing and interested in using QR codes during their visit to the property. For the project I created ten short, 30 second YouTube videos and one Flickr album and linked them to the site using QR codes containing their web urls. The videos were short so visitors would continue to enjoy the actual property and the indoor videos were silent so as not to disrupt the other visitors. Additionally, visitors were invited to give feedback about the project by commenting on the YouTube videos or the Attingham Facebook page. We found that because not everyone has a smartphone, QR codes work best for extra information, but should not be relied on as a main source of interpretation. Rather than construct any complete picture of Attingham’s history, the Attingham QR code project is intended to add an extra level of engagement with the property for those who are capable of, and choose to, use it.

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Recently, I was in a meeting when it was explained they (a council) were choosing not to use QR Codes as ‘we’ve been told it’s a passing phase’.  I soon found myself going into Pro-QR Code mode.  Why?  Because while I recognize they are not for everyone, it was clear the ‘techy’ people who this particular council were speaking to didn’t know about them so felt scare-tactics worked best.  This got me thinking that maybe all these great QR Code* website and blogs were talking over the average person and maybe assuming they knew more than they did.

This blog is going to be a bit different as when I explained to my daughter Charlotte (9) what I was doing on a Sunday she nonchalantly started telling me what she knows about QR Codes.   Charlotte agreed to write the blog and cover various industries (from publishing, museums, colleges and universities and everything in between).

What are QR Codes ?
Quick Response codes.  It’s the black and white squares you see on soda cans, advertising, and things like that.  My mom has one on her business card.  You can put them anywhere.

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