QR code scavenger hunt

[Matthew Mosher]

Yo,

So I was wondering if anyone was interested in collaborating on a QR code based scavenger hunt type installation that could be set up either around campus or down on Mill.  I was thinking of keeping it kind of old school where the clues are just text, or maybe images, but embedded in QR codes.  In this way the codes could be printed on stickers and put around and hopefully last longer than a traditional clue in an envelope might.  

Anyhow, just a thought.  Could be fun for people.

Matthew

[dtin...@asu.edu]

Are you totally set on using QR codes? What about very tiny URL's http://mashable.com/2009/04/30/weird-url-shorteners/

Lots of people think QR codes are kind of dying, and ugly. I don't know, I don't use them, but does anyone? I have a hard time coming up with a situation in which QR codes have an advantage over shortened URL's At least with a shortened URL I can write it down, remember it, or just take a photo of it with my phone.

-D

[Brandon Sampayan]

I agree with Tinapple. I personally hate QR codes and well.. no one really uses them... I am much more likely to go to a link if I can see the link. Just a question though, what would be the end of the Hunt? Why would the user want to complete the hunt....

[Matthew Mosher]

Ummmmmm, because scavenger hunts are fun????  And you could shepard drunk people to weird places on weekend nights???  So, I think I've scanned 2 QR cods in my life, so I understand they're failure.  I think this is largely because they are almost always used to advertising or to get your contact info.  Personally, I love them aesthetically as potential art media. (http://knstrct.com/tag/qr-code-furniture/) (http://annmortonaz.com/collectivecover_MyOMy.html).  The same unknown destination thing exists with tiny links.  I don't know if people are more likely to scan a QR code or type in a short / long url.  What I like about QR codes in this context is that as text codes you wouldn't even need an internet connection - it really is like a coded message, which goes a long with the idea of a scavenger hunt.  But yeah, something other than QR codes is a possibility.