SDX Creative Blog

QR Codes are starting to become more and more common popping up all over the place, though opinion is still split on wether they will become a widely used tool or will they be a marketing trend for brands that will come and go within a few years. The current problem with QR codes is many of the early adaptors are from a marketing or media background who are always up on new trends, however the key for the QR code will be if the wider public accept them and start using them in their every day lives.

Firstly for those who don't know what a QR code is they are the white boxes containing randomly pattern black marks appearing on posters, flyers, websites and Blu-Ray sleeves, even the new Star Wars Blu-Ray contains a QR Code. As defined by the ever reliable Wikipedia QR Codes are, "A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) first designed for the automotive industry. More recently, the system has become popular outside of the industry due to its fast readability and comparatively large storage capacity. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be made up of any kind of data (e.g., binary, alphanumeric, or Kanji symbols)^[1].">

The ability of QR codes to contain a wide variety of information, much more than traditional barcodes, gives marketers and brands a new freedom of interactivity and connection with consumers, many are used to download video or send users to website or links to other content.  Over at HMG Paints we have been experimenting with QR codes for the last year; we have included them in adverts, on emails and even on our prodcut labels.  Currently in its early stages of testing we have seen a very low uptake on the scanning.

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Jenson Button driving down Deansgate is one of the best things I've ever seen in our great city. As thousands packed the Manchester streets on Bank Holiday Monday the former World Champion gave the fans a great treat, helping them forget about the rain.

Formula One is described as one of the greatest shows on earth and the Marketing teams from both Mclaren and Vodafone put on a fantastic show today. Branding for both brands was everywhere and the Vodafone VIP areas was one of the most impressive things I've seen with the Mclaren and Vodafone logos on everything possible. Vodafone customers even received a piece of the car after they checked in on Facebook.  F1 has always lead the world in branding, marketing and entertainment and today only proved how good they are, and reinforced my belief that a job within a F1 team must be one of dreams are made of.

The newly redesigned DBA Fire and PAT website is now live and ready to be used.  The new site brings a much needed refresh to the website along with a lot more information and some new categories.

Head over to www.dbafireandpat.com to check it out and let me know what you think.

A full write up on the design will be coming soon.

Same Cup, New Sponsor = New Logo. The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world, with the first competition being held in 1871, 140 years later it is still the most famour domestic cup in the World and still high on the priority lists of many clubs and fans.  This year the FA Cup has a new sponsor, Beer giant Budweiser, after the deal with previous sponsor E-on expired,  the new 3 year deal will see the competition called the FA Cup with Budweiser.  The deal with Budweiser in my opinion is a massive success for the FA, associating themselves and the worlds most famous cup competition with one of the worlds most famous beer brands can only be a positive thing. 

With a new sponsorship deal inevitably comes a new logo for the competition, the new logo has stepped away from the traditional FA Cup image and layout we've seen with previous sponsorship deatails and given its own artistic take on the trophy using the iconic ribbons whilst still maintaining the highly recognisable shape of the trophy. 2 versions of the logo have so far been leaked one I'm sure will be the arm patch for the teams whilst I am guessing the other will be used on promotional items.

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