As a tactic, QR codes are a convenient way of getting people into your activity. Technical instructions on how to generate a QR code can be found on our QR code instruction page.

Tactic: Physical sign

This is an example from our Text with a Sculpture activity.

• We were able to easily test our activity with a paper sign (Left) we printed off on a normal 8.5×11 piece of paper. Allowed us to test the activity and the starting point without committing to a permanent installation.
• We then adjusted the poster visual slightly (Middle) and had the final sign (Right) printed by a professional sign making company. To save money, we used the existing sign post for the physical sculpture and just mounted ours lower down.
• This is also a great example of how “less is more” for signs. Our sign had a “hook” in a large font, some basic instructional text, and the QR code to give the least work on the player to start the activity.

Tactic: Prefilling Text Messages (with phone number + dialog)

This example from our Hard Choices project shows how you can use QR codes on postcards to generate a prefilled text message to a number of your choice.

• This is also a great example of how a postcard will allow people to start the activity at their leisure and not have to begin it at a specified location.
• Using pre-generated text allows you to set the mood and playfulness of your activity right from the start.

Tactic: Give a choice with two+ codes

We like this example from the Washington State Ferries because it shows a visual way to incorporate a point of choice into the poster itself using two QR codes. This helps bridge the activity design into your physical starting point design.

• One lesson learned: Avoid doing this for projections or at a long distance since it can be hard to get close enough to scan only one code. 
• This is another good example of “less is more” when it comes to poster design

Tactic: Using multiple signs (at different locations or for different content)

Another example from our Hard Choices project shows multiple signs posted along Penn Ave East. Each sign has a unique QR code to generate a message for each specific question. This allows multiple entry points into the activity.

Additional Visual Examples

Public Screens

Projections and graphical embedding