On barcodes...
Even though my business is licensing our barcode reading app for mobile phones, I agree with Mike and Frankie that the majority of visitors wouldn't use them. Indeed, much as Julian has said, in a museum or gallery context there are simpler ways to access information on a phone than via a barcode. That's why our business focuses on supplying bespoke devices with the app already loaded and then training a mobile workforce to use the reader to access the information their employer wants them to have or respond to.
Having said that, I'm part of the global barcode standardisation group called GS1, which distributes 2D as well as conventional 1D barcodes to millions of manufacturers and retailers worldwide. The mobile group of GS1 is about to pilot what they call "Extended Packaging" in which a few manufacturers will put 2D codes on their product packaging and test them in retail outlets, such as supermarkets. They intend to provide information to "teach" their customers how to use their mobile phones to access product information via the codes. This pilot will report in mid-2009, but even if it's a success you can be sure it will be at least two years before standard 2D barcodes will be commonplace on products AND there's a critical mass of awareness among the public (...at least, the public outside the Far East, where QR codes have been used in advertising for a decade!).
Simon de Pinna
UpCode Mobile Solutions
www.upcode.co.uk
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