It should come as no surprise that technology has taken over our lives, literally.
There’s practically a smart phone in every pocket, and a tablet close by in every bag.
It’s this widespread mobile technology epidemic that Rio de Janeiro is counting on with their latest city design venture — QR codes.
What’s a QR code?
I’m glad you asked. They’re those funky looking barcode squares that you see on bus ads and pretty much every other form of advertisement you can think of.
You know those boxes you always think about snapping a photo of with your smart phone, but never do. They supposedly will link you to more information about whatever brand or event ad they happen to be plastered on.
If you’re still lost, then they look like today’s featured photo.
Anyways, this practically unused (by consumers) advertising method will now be causing pedestrian collisions all over Rio de Janeiro. The city has already begun incorporating the barcodes into the city’s many historic sites, using mosaics incorporated into the sidewalks.
Because what isn’t convenient about a giant barcode in the middle of a sidewalk?
It seems like a good idea until ten people are trying to snap a photo at once, and another twenty are trying to pass by.
True, the codes will supply valuable information about the city’s history and present. And it’s kind of a cool way to share Rio with all of its visitors…assuming they have a smart phone.
Maybe a multi-lingual plaque would have been better.
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More on the Story:Skift.com
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