Although the advent of QR codes in the mainstream population is relatively recent, its adoption can be swift for those plugged in and connected.

A QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D bar code read by smartphones. The idea is the code would allow its digital contents to be decoded at high speed.

The black and white square pattern contains encoded data, including URL links, images, videos, etc. Although the amount of data that can be stored in the QR code depends on the character set, version and error correction level, a QR code will typically hold thousands of alphanumeric characters of information.

The QR code dates back to 1994 - originally created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave. Although Denso Wave owns the patent rights on QR codes they have chosen not to exercise them. As such, the use of QR codes is free of any license, facilitating faster mainstream adoption.

QR codes were initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing and is frequently used in Japan and South Korea. However, more recently, QR codes have been adopted for much broader uses. Essentially, you can use your iPhone, Android or other camera-enabled Smartphone with a supported reader application to scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the cell phone's browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is termed hardlinking or object hyperlinking.

Creative ways how QR codes can be used:

• Tech savvy marketers will incorporate QR codes to their marketing campaigns to provide links to websites, blog articles, photos, videos, and their twitter accounts. The added benefit for marketers to incorporate QR codes to their advertising is new offers, discounts, and offers can be offered by simply linking your QR codes to new landing pages or updated web pages.
• Online retailers can offer their QR code to link customers to their online shopping sites. The QR code could be used in conjunction with traditional and offline marketing strategies to provide additional information about a promo, a contest, a special offer, or facts not normally posted on your main website or homepage.
• Authors can make their e-books available via a quick of a QR code.
• Shipped products can include labels with a QR code that links to setup and installation instructions, product demos, customer feedback forms, FAQ's, and even recommended complementary products and services
• Retailers may include a QR code to provide further directions to their business
• Hiring companies may incorporate a QR code on their job posting or job ad that links job seekers to the application process
• Musicians may offer a QR code with their sheet music so fans can link to free mp3 downloads or even bonus tracks
• Fun Uses: You can create a QR code that will dial a predetermined number and ring that phone. Similarly QR codes can generate SMS text messages.
• Non profit organizations may incorporate QR codes to allow donors to contribution donations via PayPal

Where you may see a QR code:

• On trucks
• On For Sale or For Rent signs
• On business cards
• On store fronts
• On T-shirts
• On billboards
• On subway ads
• On product labels
• On restaurant menus
• On receipts
• On nametags
• On magazines, flyers, brochures
• On movie posters

Companies who have implemented QR codes to their business:

• Starbucks: Coffee drinkers can update their Startbucks card online (ie. load funds to it) and then present the QR code to the barista for payment.
• United Airlines is beginning to offer boarding passes via QR codes.
• Ralph Lauren has introduced QR codes into a variety of its printed marketing materials and storefront window.
• Other: major TV stations, Hollywood, Heinz, McDonald's

Free QR code generators:

• Kaywa: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
• Kerem Erkan: http://keremerkan.net/qr-code-and-2d-code-generator/
• Likify: http://www.likify.net/ (to add a Like button to your Facebook profile)
• Link shortening services bit.ly and goo.gl now automatically generate a QR code for sharing your shortened links.  
• Deliver: http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator
• Zxing: http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
• Qurify: http://www.qurify.com/en/  

For the geeks out there, you can "hack" the code itself using an image editing tool like Photoshop. One way to hack your QR code is to work in your own logo or brand - just as the BBC did. 

Tip: Optimise your website for mobile devices so that when smartphone users scan your QR code that they can view the content that they are linked to.

Free QR Code Readers:

• i-nigma: http://www.i-nigma.com/Downloadi-nigmaReader.html
• Barcode Scanner: http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/shopping/barcode-scanner_clh.html
• Red Laser: http://itunes.apple.com/app/redlaser/id312720263?mt=8

With all the uses of QR codes, the power of QR codes to connect people with each other and to multimedia digital content can leave a lasting impression to both businesses and consumers.