Factors affecting consumer usage of QR codes

Abstract

In recent years, various institutions have adopted the use of twodimensional bar codes, also known as QR (quick response) codes, for encoding information such as URLs that can be read by smartphones, digital tablets and other electronic devices. These codes can serve as a vehicle to evoke a consumer response or some type of behaviour. Their main benefit is that users of smartphones are alleviated from the tedious task of typing and searching to access information. This paper provides the results of a survey study of college students' awareness and use of QR codes. The findings indicate that the purpose of usage is significantly related to QR code usage rate. Practical users utilize QR codes more than experiential users and there is a positive relationship between electronic device ownership and QR code usage. Interestingly, being an early adopter has a negative relationship with QR code usage. Additionally, perceived usefulness of the QR code and up-to-date electronic device knowledge do not have significant relationships with QR code usage rate.

QR Codes Advantages and Dangers

“…However participants who showed interest in QR codes were highly likely to use them in the future. Similar results were obtained in more recent work (Ozkaya et al, 2015, Lo, 2014 which also found that even individuals who considered themselves innovative were not very likely to use QR codes.…”

Are the Innovative Electronic Labels for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sustainable, Traceable, and Accepted by Consumers?

“…Today, consumers are familiar with QR codes and NFC, but they are not willing to read them regularly using their mobile phones; they feel that they do not get any additional value from it. It is essential that the consumers trust the service and service provider [22,23].…”

Quick Response (QR) codes for patient information delivery: A digital innovation during the coronavirus pandemic

“…Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an earlier exploratory study reported that the familiarity with QR codes was low among college students (44%) and only 68% used them for seeking information and purchasing, suggesting the novelty of the QR codes attributing to the low awareness levels (Ozkaya et al, 2015). Nevertheless, during the pandemic, the availability of the QR codes increased exponentially with the creation of NHS QR codes for hospitality industries, tourism and leisure centres, libraries and community centres (Department of Health and Social Care, 2020).…”

“…Approval was granted from the Quality Control and Governance Team on 27 August 2020. Our sample size was based on a previous study that recruited 79 participants assessing QR code familiarity and usage (Ozkaya et al, 2015). Post hoc statistical power analysis was also conducted assuming a null hypothesis of the proportion of patients using the QR code is 0.5, difference of 0.65, a significance of α = 0.05 and a power of 0.9, giving a sample size of 107.…”