FAQs
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON USE CASES FOR SCANNING (WHEN USED IN AN APP)?
Asian companies have been using QR codes in apps for many years for a wide variety of use cases. More recently, Snapchat have led the way in the west with Snapcodes - unique scannable codes for each user. Facebook and Kik have followed in the messaging space. New use cases such as media sharing are coming to market regularly. Person-to-person payments are also popular as the simple scan can avoid users having to share account details with each other. Quikkly codes can help in any situation where the user-to-user or physical-to-digital flow has friction in it (such as requiring the user to manually search for something or enter details manually). Most often, a simple scan reduces the number of clicks by 50% or more.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON USE CASES FOR SCANNING (WHEN THE CODE IS USED ON PRINTED MATERIALS)?
Traditionally QR codes have been the most used scannable code in print. But users don’t like QR because it’s unclear and unfriendly. As mobile users become increasingly familiar with Snapcodes and similar efforts by major players, these are migrating from digital-only in-app environments onto everyday products and places. When designing your custom code with Quikkly, keep in mind the possibility that users will take screenshots of your code and share it socially and, ultimately, brands and others may wish to use the code on printed materials.
DO PEOPLE ACTUALLY SCAN WITH THEIR PHONES?
Yes. Billions of them. The most successful use case for scanning to date is that of Snapcodes which is hugely successful for Snapchat with hundreds of millions of users using the feature every month. Over 2 billion people have scanned a QR code at some point. QR codes are very successful in Asia, but less so in the west. Interestingly, younger audiences (under 25s) in the west scan more than others - they do not have the behavioural scars of having tried QR codes in 2010 when neither the technology nor the marketing executions worked well. And therefore they are more open to scanning. Finally, hundreds of millions of people have used their mobile to scan barcodes, particularly when checking prices.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUIKKLY CODES AND QR CODES?
What’s the difference between Quikkly codes and QR codes? We like to think that Quikkly is to QR as smartphones are to feature phones. They’re:
Visual - clear and friendly for users;
Brandable - with Quikkly you can have your full brand on display, not just a tiny logo in the middle of a mass of QR-code dots!
Powerful - Quikkly codes give you the ability to not just link to a URL, but to take any digital action you wish. Why link to a webpage when your user can be given a much more direct and immersive experience?
Smart - QR codes are static once printed. Quikkly codes can be updated and managed so they always stay fresh and on-message.
IS A SNAPCODE A FORM OF QUIKKLY CODE?
When Snapchat wanted to enable users to connect and follow each other fast, they turned to scannable codes. But, like Quikkly, Snapchat realised that using traditional QR codes was not clear for users, lacked branding and was not smart and dynamic enough. So they came up with Snapcodes. Quikkly does not support the generation or scanning of Snapcodes. Quikkly works on the principles of highly branded, visually obvious and smart codes.
WHAT COMPANIES ARE USING SMART SCANNABLE CODES?
The most famous examples of in-app usage include Snapchat, Facebook and Kik Messenger. Thousands of companies have used Quikkly codes in a wide variety of situations, such as product packaging, outdoor, print and more. Companies include Nike, DHL, Unilever, Sky and many more.
I LIKE YOUR STANDARD CODE DESIGNS, BUT I'D LIKE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR MY BRAND/APP. CAN I GET ONE?
We're happy to talk about custom code designs - in fact we've already done loads. Just get in touch using the contact link below.
WHAT APPS CAN SCAN QUIKKLY CODES?
Any app that has the Quikkly SDK embedded can scan Quikkly codes.
HOW SMALL CAN THE CODES BE?
We recommend 2 cm and larger. Smaller may be possible in optimal lighting conditions (e.g. backlit displays), but it is important to have something large enough to also capture the user’s attention.
WHAT RESOLUTION DOES QUIKKLY PRODUCE CODES IN?
Quikkly codes can be scaled up for large uses, e.g. billboards. For the best quality on large-scale displays, contact us and we can produce super high resolution as needed.
HOW MANY UNIQUE ITEMS CAN QUIKKLY CODES ADDRESS?
Our smallest code design supports about 4 billion unique items. Our largest code format supports quintillions of items. So you won't run out :)
DOES QUIKKLY SUPPORT GUID?
Quikkly currently supports numeric encoding rather than alpha numerics. However, if you use GUIDs in your system, we suggest either mapping them to numeric IDs or we can provide a mapping service. Talk to us and we will figure out the best way to support your requirements.
WHAT RESOLUTION DOES QUIKKLY PRODUCE CODES IN?
Quikkly codes can be scaled up for large uses, e.g. billboards. For the best quality on large-scale displays, contact us and we can produce super high resolution as needed.
DO I HAVE TO USE THE QUIKKLY SCANNER IN MY APP TO DETECT QUIKKLY CODES?
The Quikkly code detection module is mandatory as Quikkly codes are a proprietary solution developed specifically to serve the needs of app developers or businesses with apps. However, you do not have to use the Quikkly camera feed/viewfinder and can write your own UI.
CAN QUIKKLY WORK IN OFFLINE MODE?
The Quikkly SDK is able to detect and decode Quikkly codes in offline mode. Depending on your implementation, other features may require internet access. A wholly offline-mode implementation is possible.
HOW MUCH DOES QUIKKLY COST?
It’s always free to get going. You can find details of our standard pricing on our Pricing page. For quotes on consultancy and custom work, contact us.
HOW SCALABLE IS QUIKKLY?
Quikkly uses cutting edge tech. We’ve got a micro-service architecture, based on Amazon Web Services all ready for tens of thousands of simultaneous requests. And with the ability to scale that up in an instant. We're designed to support hundred of millions of users.
WE MIGHT NEED HELP WITH OUR SCANNABLES STRATEGY - DOES QUIKKLY OFFER CONSULTANCY?
We get this question a lot. No-one knows the world of smart scannables as well as Quikkly. Scanning and the overall space of “offline-to-online” can be complex with tonnes of solutions with everything from scannable codes through to beacons and NFC. Whether it’s just about scanning and codes or something more wide ranging, get in touch and we can help. With over 10 years combined experience in this space, we know what we’re talking about and we’ve experienced successes and failures. For some clients, a one-day workshop is enough. For others, we are actively involved in creating an offline-to-online strategy and plan over the course of several weeks. Consultancy is available on a time and materials basis. For specific quotes, get in touch.
IS QUIKKLY PATENTED?
Yes. Quikkly holds patent claims in the area of visual branded scannable codes and in the execution of direct actions from such scannable codes.
