15 Creative QR Codes... It IS Creative to Break Things

A few days ago Mashable provided us with an article on "beautiful and creative" QR Codes (which was actually just a less useful version of a prior article). This got a 3 of 10 on my "shrug factor" before it really started to get on my nerves.

Before you starting asking "Where can I get one?" consider -- is your QR code strategy so complete that nothing is left to do but make a designer code?
 

This QR Code actually worked for me.

Ten of the fifteen codes didn't work for me. That, along with ubsubstantiated comments like "this can also make [the QR Codes] more successful" is only part of the problem. Stats, please?

I can't even print a QR Code without including instructions on how to use it. So:

1. What is the value behind putting time and effort into a designer code, that may or may not work?
2. Do I risk alienting my users from my QR Codes if the first time they use one, they get a scanner error?
3. Is there a real benefit behind a designer code, or is this just eye-candy and fluff that won't actually benefit my QR code strategy at all?
4. ... and couldn't your article have at least linked to previous ones on QR Code strategies?

OK, I'll stop now, but I'll make two promises:

1. I'm currently running a QR Code campaign and will provide actionable implementation ideas AND statistics showing effectiveness.
2. In a future campaign I'll use both a regular, boring QR Code, as well as one with a "clever design" and let you know how the two stack up.

And not to end on a negative note, the Mashable article did elicit one "oooh" and prompted thought on the subject. So, thanks for that.