Engagement with QR Codes: A Case Study with Smart Food Labels
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Liam Healy
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Computer Information Systems
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Kim Spaccarotella
Abstract:
A pilot test of a smart food label was conducted at Kean University's Cougar Pantry; this label includes a QR code to a recipe video and feedback survey. It was posited that this label would assist users of the food pantry by increasing their nutritional knowledge and intake. The Cougar Pantry was selected as the initial population due to the needs of such a community aligning with the pilot test’s goals. However, use of the QR code and responses to the survey from pantry users were low. Thus the pilot test was expanded to the whole of the Kean Community. This increased the sample size to 11.The low response rate prompted research on how one would best encourage a consumer to follow-through with scanning a QR code. User apathy was identified as a key issue. In order to mitigate that, a multifaceted approach is required by both making the QR design superficially eye catching while also clearly stating the real benefits of scanning without being overwhelming with information. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of QR code engagement by building on the results of previous study in this area. In the future, this deeper understanding may help to increase user follow-through for the smart food label and other QR-dependent projects.