QR code: what is it exactly?
Here's everything you need to know about the QR code you've been seeing everywhere lately…
You've definitely seen one before: the QR code has been everywhere for a while now. But what exactly is it and what is it for? We'll try to explain it through a practical example.
Why use a QR code?
First of all: QR code = quick response. Put simply, it's a two-dimensional barcode shaped like a square of pixels. Scan it and you get access to a whole range of information in under 3 seconds.
It's a fairly recent invention. Created in 1994 (in Japan), but only made public in 1999, it was a resounding success across Asia. In Europe, it only really started popping up everywhere in 2020.
In France, its best-known use today is the pass sanitaire (health pass). But you can also use it to open a restaurant menu, pay the bill at that restaurant, go to the cinema, hire a bike and much more.
StyQR: a good example
With StyQR you get access to a complete digital welcome book. Simply scan the QR code when you arrive at a property and you'll find:
- Thewifi code
- Thedoor code
- Theuseful numbersin case of emergency
- Theowner's local recommendations...
So with a single gesture, you'll find everything you need for a pleasant stay. The owner takes a few tasks off their plate and you, the guest, save time.
The bonus here? The QR code can be personalised and displayed anywhere (a frame, a candle, a door, a book...). One click and everything is said! There you have it! The QR code now holds no secrets for you. And if we happen to have made you curious about our digital welcome book, you can read this article for more details!
The QR code brings benefits to both property owners and guests. Here's what changes when it's present in an accommodation.
| Time during stay | For the property owner | For the guest |
|---|---|---|
| On arrival | Fewer repetitive questions | Instant access to wifi code, door code, emergency numbers |
| During the stay | Fewer calls and messages | Discovery of recommended local spots |
| Visual integration | Customizable to match décor | Discreet, blends with the space |
| Display options | Frame, candle, door, book | Time saved : one action, all the information |
Frequently asked questions
What does the “QR” in QR code stand for? QR is short for quick response. In practice, it is a two-dimensional barcode, a square of pixels that you scan. The name keeps its promise: the information appears in less than three seconds.
Is the QR code a recent invention? It was created in Japan in 1994 and only made public in 1999. It first took hold in Asian countries, where it was a real success. In Europe, it took until 2020 to see it appear everywhere.
What is a QR code used for day to day? In France, its best known use is still the health pass. It also opens a restaurant menu, pays the bill, gets you into the cinema or unlocks a rental bike. The principle never changes: one scan, one piece of information.
What does a guest find when scanning the QR code of a StyQR welcome book? The wifi code, the door code, useful numbers in case of emergency and the owner’s favourite addresses. Everything needed for a pleasant stay, in a single gesture, right on arrival at the property.
What does a QR code change for the owner? It takes off their hands part of the questions that come back with every arrival. Guests save time too, because they no longer wait for an answer. Nobody loses out.
Where can the QR code be displayed in a property? Just about anywhere: a picture frame, a candle, the door, a book left on the table. It is also customisable, so it blends into the decor instead of spoiling it.
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