Beyond the QR Code: How Qyoos Revolutionize the Way We Interact with Barcodes

Jeffrey Berthiaume
5 min readOct 10, 2024

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When was the last time you scanned a QR code and actually felt excited about what happened next? Odds are, it directed you to a static webpage with little relevance to where you were, what you were doing, or even who you were. But imagine if that simple scan could unlock a tailored experience — something designed just for you, at the right time, and in the right place?

Back in 2009, scanning a QR code on your iPhone felt like playing a game of chance. Often, your shaky hands or dim lighting made the code blurry, and if you were lucky, the code might work one out of seven times. It was frustrating. As QR codes became more common, people quickly realized their limitations: they were simply a gateway to static web pages, offering no personalized experience, and they struggled with mobile tech.

That’s where qyoos come in.

A New Kind of 2D Barcode

Qyoos were born out of the need for something better — a more reliable and flexible solution that could leverage mobile technology to its fullest. While QR codes locked users into a static destination, qyoos were designed to unlock a world of dynamic, context-aware content. We wanted a barcode that worked every time — even when the conditions weren’t ideal — and delivered personalized messages based on who was scanning and where they were.

This meant that with qyoos, businesses could interact with their audience in a smarter way. Imagine scanning a code on the side of a bus as it speeds by, or on a flyer from a cancer center and receiving a tailored message based on your gender or even time of day. That’s what qyoos made possible.

Our early tests showed incredible results. At SXSW, for example, we helped Macallan Whiskey set up a pop-up event where scanning a qyoo verified if you were 21+ before showing you exclusive content. For the Baylor Cancer Center, a flyer with a qyoo would deliver prostate cancer awareness messages to men, breast cancer awareness to women, and generic content to others. This type of contextual marketing went far beyond anything QR codes could offer.

Personalization and Privacy

Now, we’ve heard the feedback about QR codes being preferable because they don’t trap users in a specific company’s ecosystem. And yes, traditional QR codes only send you to a static web page, with no information about the user or their device — just a one-way ticket to a single URL. But that’s also their limitation.

Qyoos do things differently. They allow users to choose whether to share certain information, like demographic or device details, all while ensuring privacy. And in return, businesses can tailor their responses based on the scanning context. From the time of day to the location of the user, even environmental factors like weather, qyoos enable messages to be as dynamic as the people receiving them.

In other words, while QR codes serve logistics, qyoos serve meaningful interaction.

Beyond the Screen: Physical Interactions with Qyoos

But qyoos don’t just stop at sending marketing messages — they can trigger real-world actions too. We designed and developed a circuit that can respond to Bluetooth iBeacons. This low-cost innovation (less than $1 per unit) meant that scanning a qyoo could unlock physical interactions in exciting ways.

One memorable proof-of-concept involved a box with no seams or visible locks. When you scanned the qyoo on the box, your phone sent out an iBeacon signal, and — ta-da! — the box opened in a magical moment. We were taking the simple barcode and turning it into a bridge between the digital and physical worlds.

Qyoos in the Digital Age

Over time, qyoos grew beyond just marketing. We began integrating JavaScript, allowing for animations and even interactive games. We explored augmented reality with USDZ files, bringing 3D models into the real world, like a chatbot that interacted with users in AR. The possibilities felt endless — qyoos weren’t just about scanning, they were about creating immersive, tailored experiences.

And now, we’re pushing qyoos even further. Our next major pivot involves blockchain. Initially, qyoos were managed through a centralized database that we controlled. But moving forward, qyoos will be decentralized, living on the blockchain, where you — the owner — retain full control over what they do. Whether it’s marketing, art, or something entirely new, qyoos will be in the hands of their rightful owners. We’ll be there to offer guidance, but the future of qyoos is truly in your hands.

Why We Keep One Thing Under Our Control

There’s just one thing we need to maintain: the qyoo shape. This unique circle with squared edge is the defining feature of our codes, which is why we patented it. Why the restriction? Qyoos resolve to specific numbers, and if there were multiple systems using the same shape, it could cause confusion for people scanning them as two different systems might conflict. By keeping this shape exclusive to qyoos, we avoid this potential issue.

However, beyond this, we’re giving everyone the freedom to use and build on qyoos however you see fit. The code we’re releasing is open for you to experiment, modify, and adapt to your needs. And we’re more than happy to have conversations about your ideas — no compensation required. We’re here to help you make something great.

Qyoos aren’t just a new barcode — they’re a new way of thinking about interaction. From marketing that truly connects with people, to real-world experiences triggered by a simple scan, qyoos are redefining what’s possible with a 2D code. And as we move into the future — where blockchain gives you ownership and control — qyoos are no longer bound by static, outdated systems.

They’re yours to shape, to build on, and to transform into something entirely new. Because in the world of qyoos, every scan is an opportunity to create something unforgettable.

Get Started with Qyoos Today

Ready to create personalized, dynamic, and interactive experiences with qyoos? Dive into our open-source codebase and see how you can use qyoos for everything from immersive AR to real-time marketing tailored to your audience.

Whether you’re a developer, marketer, or creative, the possibilities are endless — and we’re here to help you bring your ideas to life.

Explore the repositories, contribute your own features, and shape the future of 2D barcodes. The only limit is your imagination.

Join us at github.com/qyoocode and start building something extraordinary!

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Jeffrey Berthiaume
Jeffrey Berthiaume

Written by Jeffrey Berthiaume

Jeffrey Berthiaume is a technology veteran and senior executive, who has spent decades creating and innovating technology.

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