The QR code: A thing of beauty or an eyesore? The magical barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone to launch an offline-to-online experience are often criticized for their black and white checkerbox appearance. Those who doubt that QR codes will go mainstream are quick to point out that the look of QR codes will deter marketers and advertisers from using them.

Fortunately, QR codes are malleable and can be redesigned in truly extraordinary ways, while still maintaining their scanability. The truth is, QR codes no longer have to be checkerbox in appearance. We’ve entered a new phase of “designer codes” that can be integrated into marketing campaigns in an attractive way that isn’t an eyesore.

At the 10th annual VegFest at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, March 26-27, Dave’s Killer Bread (DKB) will be making digital history again. The healthy organic bakery will be giving away QR Code Temporary Tattoos to attendees that when put on skin can be snapped with a smartphone camera to reveal that they won one of three things: a loaf of DKB or a DKB t-shirt or the “GRAND PRIZE GOODIE BAG” that will be stuffed with tasty, healthy loafs of bread and a variety of cool DKB swag.

Love the instant win idea here - much better than wasting paper and generating trash with scratch & win cards

New York City’s Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the use of Quick Response or QR codes (which are something like a smartphone-readable barcode) on building permits, to provide New Yorkers with easy access to information related to buildings and construction sites throughout the city.

Smartphone users who scan a QR code on a construction permit in New York, according to a press release from the mayor’s office, will get “details about the ongoing project – including the approved scope of work, identities of the property owner and job applicant, other approved projects associated with the permit, [and] complaints and violations related to the location.”

The QR codes will link users to a mobile version of the Department of Buildings Information System, and will give them the option to click a link that will initiate a phone call to the city’s 311 phone service, where they can register a complaint about noise, safety or other concerns.

After a few years of buzz in mobile marketing circles, QR - or "quick response" - codes are finally starting to pop up in the United States, thanks in large part to the proliferation of smart phones.

While they're still not exactly mainstream, QR codes are appearing in major print publications and plastered on storefronts and buildings. At this rate, it won't be long before most people can immediately recognize and use QR codes. So how can small businesses take advantage of this emerging technology?