The QR Card makes room for “authentic human connection”
A technology that began in Japan 27 years ago found a new resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
QR, or Quick Response Technology provided businesses with a touchless way to scan and provide information including menus, online links, COVID testing schedules, vaccination schedules and more throughout the pandemic. In Pueblo, two young entrepreneurs are exploring the possibilities of QR technology with their new business, the QR Card.
“However, what’s unique about the QR card is that this particular QR is not static, but dynamic,” said Christopher McGurn, Chief Executive Officer of the QR Card. “Most QR codes that you see out there are called static QR codes. What that means is that when you scan the QR code, it does one function and only that one function.”
McGurn operates the QR Card with Chief Operating Officer Stephen Snyder Jr. With dynamic QR technology like that of the QR Card, a single QR code can serve a multitude of purposes. Functions may include but are not limited to exchanging contact information, downloading files, exchanging coupons, accessing Google Reviews, Google Maps and Paypal accounts.
With the business card function of the QR Card, McGurn and Snyder look to minimize time spent entering contact information and maximize human interaction and networking.
“There is so much time and energy wasted on manually entering information and so we want to focus on the authentic human connection; the human interaction,” McGurn said. “Let the card do the hard work for you; all the busy work, all the entering the data, all that stuff. Let the card do that while you can focus on human interaction.”
The multi-use QR Card is made of water resistant, anodized aluminum, a more environmentally conscious alternative to a traditional paper business card. Customizable information like a business logo or name may be laser engraved onto the card. The QR card is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones. A tree is also planted for every card sold, McGurn said.
While QR technology may be growing in popularity, McGurn said he understands that some may be hesitant to embrace a new technology.
“What’s important to understand is that it’s not to compete with all the other ways of doing things; it’s to compliment,” McGurn said. “Even though it will by its nature replace 95% of paper business cards, it’s not necessarily there to replace 100% of them… it is becoming more and more popular and preferred. It’s easier and it is actually very secure as well.”
For more information, visit the QR Card website at www.theqrcard.org. The QR Card can also be followed on Instagram at theqrcard_co and emailed at theqrcard@gmail.com.