Using QR Codes in Design in 2021
They're back! Who would have thought? QR codes seemed to be dead and burried when we needed an app to point our mobile device at, and it all become just too difficult. But now, with integration into cameras and COVID-19 bringing QR codes back from the dead, 2021 poses an interesting blend for print and web design thanks to QR codes alone! Back in 2011, QR codes were implemented in stores such as Macy's and Best Buy in the US, however consumers internet speeds were slow and they were riddled with problems. These days, we're checking into places, finding out more information about products and services in a much faster (more efficient) way.
What is a QR code?
A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) first designed in 1994 for the automotive industry in Japan. A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. In practice, QR codes often contain data for a locator, identifier, or tracker that points to a website or application. A QR code uses four standardized encoding modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji) to store data efficiently; extensions may also be used.
Who is using QR codes?
According to statistics website Statistica, in the US alone, 11 million households will scan a QR code in 2020. You can only imagine that the amount of QR codes and their use will skyrocket in 2021 as it's a safe, hygenic way of finding out information. Furthermore, companies will see this as an opporunity to help market their business and track campaigns.
How can I use a QR code on my flyer or brochure?
A QR code is a perfect solution for restaurants, gyms, stores and cafes to keep track of which people enter their facility, but it can also be used very effectively in print design to redirect epople to your website. Take a flyer or brochure for example, where you have limited space on a physical medium, but now you can allow people to find more information through the use of their mobile device.
What are some clever ways of using QR codes for my business?
Here are a few great ways to use QR codes for your business:
- Use the QR code as a business card, to share information about yourself, your employer or business.
- Use the QR code to call a phone number.
- To allow people to register and gain access to your facility due to COVID-19.
- Reveal discount codes and coupons for your store.
- Follow or display a social media page.
- Add an event to a calendar.
- Connect to a stores Wi-Fi or service.
- Display your company website and gain more users.
- Generate leads, so to scan for a free trial or guide.
There are a mountain of other ways QR codes can be implemented, but that's just the tip of the iceburg.
Needless to say, QR codes are back in a big way in 2021. Embrace them!
Creating Custom Health Care Logo Designs
I've been lucky enough to work with a few Health Care companies now, and created a lot of logos for the medical field. And, in my 10 years of Freelance Graphic Design experience, I've seen a lot of old logos which are in desperate need of a redesign, and also some new companies and services who don't even have a logo to start with. All the amazing work that the Health Care sector has been doing to start 2020 has given them (deserving) more recognition in light of COVID-19. Having completed hundreds of custom logo designs, I know a thing or two when it comes to successful logo design for a company in Health Care.
Before and After of the Medical Informatics Logo I designed.
Colour choices are important
The use of colour in the medical field is so important. Colour can invoke emotion to the viewer, so careful selection of colour palette is important. Health Care is a critical sector to get right, because the patients feeling towards the service is paramount to their trust. We know that health care, especially when it comes to medical and operations, is representitive of the colour red. However, is that the best colour to portray the business? This is a case-by-case scenario, of course.
Blue has been, and always will be a colour of choice in the medical field. For businesses in health care, when it comes to logo design, blue is a feeling if calm and cooling (the situation, environment, etc) of the subconscious mind.
A concept for Paul Manohar Urology, showing a part of the kidney function.
Symbol design in logos for medical practitioners
It can often be requested that a needle, crutches, bed and other medical tools or devices make good a good symbol for a logo. Yes, they identify in a very stereotypical way the service, but how does the patient feel when they see the logo? Styling the symbol, along with colour, can offset the feeling, but the majority of the time, especially if very stereotypical, the patient may feel sensitive. So, it's important to be careful with symbol design for a logo for the medical field.
Choosing a font for health care logos
Similar to colour and symbol in a logo design, the font (or more specifically typeface), is an important choice. The typeface of choice usually reflects how professional and reliable the service is. So, typeface choice give fulfill part of the confidence element of your service which may allow the patient to get in contact with your service.
Designing custom logos for the health care industry is important. Just like the medical service itself, and the patient having trust in the doctor, nurse, practice (and so-on) on a personal level, the logo and branding for a business in this field can also be a true reflection on how much they value the service they provide and the feelings of their customer. I've seen success in the logos I've created for practitioners and health care providers, which is so great to see, and all their hard work, not only during COVID-19, but always, shouldn't go unnoticed.
How COVID-19 / Coronavirus is Influencing Marketing and Design
What a world, hey? Hasn't everything changed in the last few months, with the spread of COVID-19 / Coronavirus, companies around the world are changing their marketing due to the pandemic. Whether it's companies closing their doors, or struggling to survive, others like supermarkets are generally thriving and struggling to keep their shelves stocked with essential items.
However, a few big companies have tried to take on innovative, new ways of marketing through the use of design and social media. Social distancing was a word not too common 3-4 months ago, and now it's a household term, known all around the world. Whether it's to keep 1.5m metres away, or 6 feet, whatever measuring system you'd like to use, it's so important to control the spread of the virus and reduce the risk.
Lets have a look at a few companies and how they've used design to encourage social distancing due to COVID-19.
Audi Social Distancing Logo
Audi have spread their rings, usually joined, to demonstrate social distancing in their logo. They're encouraging people to 'keep their distance' with a message and video from one of the biggest automotive brands in the world. Simple, effective and animated, moving the rings apart from each other clearly gets the message across to their viewers.
Mercedes Benz 3 Pointed Star Social Distancing Logo
As you continue through this article, you'll notice a bit of a trend – auto makers. Anyway, Mercedes Benz joined in the social distancing logo trend for COVID-19 by altering their three pointed star logo, moving the points away from the outer ring. They encouraged people to 'stay at home' to stop the spread of the deadly virus.
Volkswagen's New Logo Demonstrates Social Distancing
Volkswagen recently updated their logo and it hasn't taken long for their designers to start playing around with it in creative ways. Like Audi and Mercedes Benz above, they've "social distanced" the contents of their logo, this time separating the V from the W within the outer ring of the logo. It's perhaps not as... beautiful as the two above logos, but the message still gets across, and further thanking people to keep their social distance through this time of crisis.
McDonald's Arches Separate To Demonstrate Social Distancing
The last logo I've spotted which has encouraged social distancing during COVID-19 is Brazil's alteration to the McDonalds logo. By separating the famous golden arches of the McDonalds symbol, social distancing surrounding Coronavirus is encouraged. It's hugely strange to see such an iconic logo altered in such a way, and has also come under some criticism in the media for doing so.
I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for any other logos, marketing media and advertising that encourages social distancing during the time of Coronavirus. It sure is a changed world, and safety is paramount in this time. The message that Audi, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen and McDonalds have provided is a reminder with good intention, but also gives their companies exposure in what is not only a health crisis but an economical one too.