I have blogged previously about what QR codes are, along with some tips on how to use them.

After a period of incredible feedback on our own QR codes on our business cards, I wanted to show other interesting examples we've noted that show a more innovative use of QR codes. (Our pet hate is using a QR code to simply take someone to the home page of your website - where's the added value in that?)

Shopping made (real) easy

The first example is one from shopping giant Tesco. Basically what they have done is created an electronic vending machine. This example (below) is in a subway, but it could be anywhere. You see a picture of an item (could be anything from clothing to mobile phones to real estate to iPhone apps) and you scan the QR code and boom - there you are on a webpage ready to buy that item. Genius!

I have to thank Mike Brunel for sending me the link to this video, everyone here had seen it but somehow I'd missed it. I think it's genius!

Let any object tell it's story

The next example is more of a story-telling one. It's called "Tales of Things"and it's new and in Beta, but it's an interesting idea. Basically you use their site to generate a QR code which you put onto ANY object. Then you upload a picture of the object and add it's story.

If you're out and about and see a code on something: scan it and voila, there is a webpage with it's story on it.

Great idea - you don't have to make or host a webpage. Just add interesting stuff onto this service. I can see small museums doing it; historical places of interest; or just people who feel passionate about things they own or love.

Here's an example of one Rex McIntosh has just started on his beloved bike he built decades ago (and still rides). It's been literally all over NZ so it has many tales to tell. (When he has a break from iPhone programming and cycling, maybe he'll expand on his modest beginnings!)

I like this example because anyone can add to it - and you could end up with interesting discoveries to be made on such a variety of items and places. Hope it takes off. 

Neither of my examples today are particularly nicely presented; rest assured it's not the design I'm applauding, but rather the thinking behind it. Any good use of technology needs good design to really shine, but if doesn't have a great idea behind it, no amount of fancy paintwork is going to fix it.