Businesses using QR codes on posters

QR codes are being used by businesses that want customers to interact with their posters and other marketing materials.

A growing number of businesses are using the services of poster printing firms to produce promotional materials that contain quick response (QR) codes.

The Vancouver Sun reports the technology - which uses special images that owners of smartphones can scan to access more information - is becoming popular among marketers.

Darren Barefoot of Capulet Communications told the news source his company designed an environmental campaign using QR codes, which were placed on unbranded posters around the city.

"The idea was that we would entice people; the people who might scan the codes are technologically minded so they would know about the code and know what to do with it," he remarked.

Mr Barefoot noted use of the codes is already widespread in Japan, where they are included on fast food wrappers and to provide diners with nutritional information.

Lynne Saarte of Promotionworld recently argued posters need to be in colour so as to maximise their impact.