Dana Oshiro is an irreverent writer with a love of mahjong, the internets & niu ro mien. She authors a blog at hiyaablog.com.

Anyone with a smartphone can scan and read QR codes with the click of a camera, and anyone with access to a computer can generate QR codes themselves. BayBrain's Snappr.net offers a QR bar code generator and links to a comprehensive list of software for code reading. By scanning the codes, you can access images, websites and text. By creating the codes, you can produce your own messages.

Usually synonymous with mass production, the quick response (QR) bar code was originally created by Japanese company Denso-Wave to keep inventory. However, because QR codes allow for more data than the standard 10-digit bar code, and because scanning requires less effort than typing a URL, the QR has taken a turn for the personal. The genius behind QR codes is that even a hairless chimp can play with them. Below are five of my favorite uses:

Got any cool uses for QR codes? Share in the comments below.

1. SWAG and Self Branding

Users can embed code with text or links to their favorite images, music and sites. Upon creating a QR code, Snappr then offers you a chance to transfer the bar codes to hats, mugs and even baby gear. Because the point of the code is to provide additional info to passersby, there are a ton of potential uses for it. You can proactively provide speed dates with background info, fundraise on-site during charity events, or simply advertise.

I'd avoid any permanent tattoos, but these temporary ones could be cool promo pieces.

2. Geo-Based Reviews and Tours

A pilot program between CitySearch and Antenna Audio began in Spring 2008. Reviews and audio snippets were embedded into codes on San Francisco historical landmarks and restaurants. Foodies and tourists enjoyed self-guided tours of the Bay.

In a year, despite the fact that the same codes will remain posted on the same landmarks and restaurants, tours may evolve into something drastically different. If a QR code is linked to a public review site, a wiki, or a forum, anyone can lend a hand in chronicling a site's history. Obviously this has its pros and cons.

3. Green Ticketing

This summer Eventbrite, tested a QR code program for concert and party registration. Meant to increase efficiency and reduce waste, this type of registration will likely become more popular as camera and scanner technology improves. In the future, codes could be used to signify race checkpoints with sports fans tracking their favorite cyclists and motorists in real time from their phones.

4. Geek Chiq Fashion







Lendorff.Kaywa produced only 500 high-end limited edition Space Invaders QR code scarves . Meanwhile, QRCode Commando Nerd p8tch offers a slightly more affordable "p8tch" to sew to bags and clothing. The patches are less likely to be used for branding than the Snappr merch as they link to a URL on the Swiss domain p8t.ch and users must then redirect. That being said, you've always got the opportunity to elegantly Rickroll your unsuspecting public.

5. Secrets & Acts of Defiance

In 2007, the Pet Shop Boys released a single criticizing the British national identity card concept. The single came complete with a QR code linked to the critique. Fine, you don't like the Pet Shop Boys. Still, it's interesting to see that the codes can be used to subvert regimes.







Environmentalists can sticker products and link to corporate crimes, artists can satirize the man by postering government buildings, and Kevin Bacon can finally organize a footloose dance-off free of oppressive townies. The potential for activism and buffoonery is limitless. You are the master of your QR Code Destiny!

Imagery courtesy of Wikipedia; iStockPhoto, narawon