As a total fad-a-holic I love the fickleness of the web and new technology and the way it moves on at a ridiculous rate of development, particularly with mobile technology. Recently, I have being doing some investigating into data matrixs (is that the plural? Matri?), semacode and QR code. Hailing from the world of print design, I have always maintained a keen interest on ways to bring the world of print and interactive closer together. So, it comes as no surprise that I almost let out a little bit of wee when I started researching semacode.
Those who know all about this are sure to be aware of the potential of semacode and it’s counterparts. Those who don’t know anything about it, allow me to try and briefly explain. Semacode is a matrix barcode, formulated to contain information like any other barcode. The exciting bit is we can formulate these barcodes to contain web addresses, mail-to addresses etc. Then all you need is a data matrix reader and you can retrieve this information. I downloaded one to my iPhone in less than a minute. I can strongly recommend “i-nigma” for the iPhone (free) – not sure what you’d use on another device, but they are out there. You then take a photo/scan the barcode and it reveals the information (and I’m talking in seconds).
The image shown in this post directs you to my website (www.jonbeedesign.com). Also, quite excitingly, because the barcode only requires a 20% contrast ratio to work you can produce them in pretty much any colour you like. To generate your data matrix barcode, visit www.invx.com.
If you’re still failing to imagine the possibilities, allow me to give you an example:
Way back in 2007, H&M used the technology on an outdoor poster campaign. A model shows off an item of clothing in the poster, you like it, you scan the barcode and it takes you to a web page (on your mobile device) to select the size, the colour and ultimately purchase the said garment. 2007 strikes me as a little bit ahead of it’s time – possibly why I didn’t hear about it then.
With the technology and mobile internet so widely available (and let’s be honest, free) the conditions are just right for the data matrix to be the next big thing. Vive la revolution!
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