Top 7 QR Code Augmented Reality Examples

By scanning a simple QR code, consumers can be transported to an augmented reality experience. From product packaging to OOH advertisements to web pages, you can launch an interactive marketing campaign that takes your brand to the next level. We’re going to show you how with the following top QR code Augmented Reality examples.

QR Codes and Augmented Reality

QR codes are commonly used as a “trigger” to launch AR experiences. QR codes are simple and effective and consumers are already using them on a daily basis for a range of purposes, so it only comes naturally to utilise a QR code in your AR experience. Using a QR code is a familiar action to consumers, making them feel more confident when accessing an out of this world AR experience.  The QR code launches interactive AR content that typically ends with a call to action or a landing page.

The interactive content augments the world around the user. Essentially, you can add any digital information, like a cartoon character or a digital version of your product, into the user’s real environment. We will show you plenty of examples below but just think of Pokémon Go or Snapchat’s face filters. In Pokémon Go, you can see Pikachu in your backyard. In Snapchat, you can add doggy ears and tongue to your real face. That’s Augmented Reality in a nutshell. 

However, there is one BIG difference between Pokémon Go and Snapchat’s AR than the experiences you offer through a QR code. When users scan the QR code, Augmented Reality experiences are immediately launched through a web browser. This is known as WebAR. That means, unlike Pokémon Go and Snapchat, no app is required! 

Web AR is the reason why there’s been a huge surge in Augmented Reality marketing! 

No app required means:

• No investment into an expensive app (so any size business can utilize AR)
• Much faster production time (often 6 weeks or less)
• A seamless experience for the user (just point their phone’s camera and voila!)

Other Triggers to Launch Augmented Reality Experiences

It’s important to note that you don’t have to use a QR code! Augmented Reality experiences can also be triggered by clickable links or certain programmed images, like your logo. Here is a quick example of using an image trigger instead of an AR QR code:

Now that you know what an Augmented Reality QR code is (and that it’s not the only trigger option), let’s look at some examples! 

Top 7 Examples of QR Code Augmented Reality

The following examples have taken excellent advantage of the QR code. Augmented Reality experiences, as you’ll see, can range from simple butterflies to portals to a magical realm—all accessed by a pixelated square!

We’re going to look at progressively more complex examples of what you can achieve!

#1 3D Animated Butterfly Experience

Something as simple as butterflies can completely engage your customers. The card in this example releases butterflies as if it’s a cocoon. It’s an intriguing metamorphosis from traditional print marketing, don’t you think?

#2 Vodafone Direct Mail

Vodafone took a standard postcard promotion and turned it into a fun experience by adding an AR QR code. Augmented Reality makes it appear like the postcard is torn open like a wrapped present to reveal a gift inside. So, users get not only a great offer but also a fun experience!

#3 Porsche Taycan WebAR Magazine Advertisements

Porsche uses Web-based Augmented Reality (WebAR) to transform their print marketing used within major magazines across the Middle East. This print-based WebAR experience for Porsche AG to promote the all-electric Porsche Taycan. The experience was featured in Vogue, GQ, Emirates Woman & Forbes.

#4 WebAR Print Advertisement in the LA Times

Golden Road Brewing’s WebAR print activation was featured in the L.A. Times, to help Dodgers fans celebrate the World Series win. See how quick and seamless WebAR activations can be. A 2D image transforms into a 3D interactive experience as a video jumps off the page and into the world around the reader.  It’s exciting, it’s fun, and most importantly, it’s memorable. Readers won’t forget the experience, and they won’t forget your brand.

#5 Bon V!V Out-of-Home AR Ad

If you want to go bigger than a business card, you can use an entire wall like Bon V!V did. In their OOH campaign, they transformed a storefront into a virtual vending machine. Passers-by could dispense the newest flavors of Spiked Seltzer, making them thirst for a real taste. 

It’s a great example of how QR code Augmented Reality can go big… but it’s not the only example! Let’s take a look at two more.

#6 Kinder’s Jump Into Africa

The beloved chocolate company, Kinder, created an in-store experience that certainly earned shoppers’ attention. By scanning a QR code, Augmented Reality opened a portal into Africa. Customers could step into a safe, adorable Africa that both adults and kids could enjoy!

#7 Verizon Media Santa’s Grotto

The previous example transports you to Africa. In this example, Verizon transports user’s to Santa’s Grotto! It’s a dream come true for any kid or kid-at-heart to explore the North Pole and Santa’s workshop. This AR experience makes it possible. And what better way to end the experience than with a selfie with Santa?

Augmented Reality Solution Providers

We didn’t boast about it before, but our team created all of the above examples. At Aircards, we excel at bringing brands and their messages to life. Our case studies prove just how effective our AR experiences are, with engagement rates of 35% and above! That’s more than 5x as effective as stagnant print marketing!

Contact Us to learn how we can help you add Augmented Reality to your marketing strategy. 

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