11 Ways Arts Centers Can Make Use of QR Codes
Key Takeaways
- QR codes can be used in various ways in arts centers to help with the patron and employee experience
- Codes are easy to make and understood by the general public
In many communities, the local arts center is a staple of the neighborhood. Here you can watch a play, take an art class, learn to act, and view pieces by local artists. They truly are great! But take it from someone who worked at one for several years, organization can be a bit rough.
With so many activities going on and so many patrons to serve, it's no wonder why. Luckily, I've seen first hand how QR codes can be put to great use in this field!
In this piece I will go over how QR codes can be used in public arts centers, as well as provide a step by step guide on how to make your own. I'll also share some helpful tips to make sure you get the most out of your codes.
So let's get the show started!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image containing data that can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet. They can be used as an easy way to share and access a variety of online and digital content, including website links, images, text documents, videos, social media pages, surveys, contact forms, file shares, and much more.
Since these codes exist in the real world as simple 2D images, they can be placed just about anywhere you could print a picture, like on a poster, flyer, ticket, card, or even in on screen media like advertisements. They can also be heavily customized, making them perfect for the arts center environment.
How can QR codes be used in arts centers?
For those who don't know, an arts center is a facility dedicated to local arts and crafts. They often house theaters where local performances are held, but can also provide things like free art galleries, classes, and other creative resources to the public.
QR codes are perfect for arts centers, as they are multipurpose, easy to make, and are visually customized. They can be used in many different ways to share and access all sorts of content.
Here are some ways QR codes can be used in these facilities:
• Playbills
• Material lists and resources
• Schedules
How to make a QR code for a website
• In QR Code Developer, click on Create Code.
• Select the Website option as your code type.
• Name your code and paste the link into the URL bar.
• Click on the pencil icon in the Preview window to further customize the look of your code.
• Click Generate.
• Test your code on multiple devices.
Benefits of using QR codes for arts centers
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up. QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it's possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
Monitoring code usage
With the tools available on QR Code developer, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts.
With QRCode developer you can monitor:
• Number of scans
• Number of scans by operating system
• Scans by browser
• Scans by country
• Scans by city
• Scans by language
• Unique scans
General tips
Know your audience: If you're certain that most of your intended audience doesn't know how to use QR codes or just don't like them, then don't use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don't place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that's easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can QR codes be used in arts centers?
A: Yes. QR codes can be made and used throughout arts centers for building information, donations, class sign ups, ticketing, and more.
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
Ready to create your QR code?
Generate custom QR codes in seconds - free and easy to use.
Create Free QR Code →