QR codes are becoming more prevalent in the community. You will find them at restaurants to order your meal, get games on your phone, and obtain information about a community event. QR Codes, or Quick Response codes, have been described as a “modern three-dimensional” form of the traditional two-dimensional bar code. Each code is a unique square usually made up of black and white dots. In comparison, a traditional bar code is a unique pattern of of vertical bars of black or white.
These codes are printed on paper or otherwise displayed on flat surfaces. They can be difficult to locate or be missed altogether if you cannot see them. Since QR Codes connecting you to digital content are becoming more prevalent, how can we access the same information as sighted individuals? Below is one example of QR Codes on Coca-Cola Freestyle machines found at some fast food restaurants. I experimenting using this machine to determine the accessibility successes and challenges.
It is critical to mention digital security when discussing QR Codes. Scanning unknown QR Codes can be dangerous since they cause your device to run scripts or programming which connect you to a website, app, or other digital content. This connection could have hidden malicious code. Sscanning QR Codes from unknown or untrusted sources is not recommended.
On the iPhone, there are two ways to activate QR Codes, the Camera app and Code Scanner via the Control Center. The easiest way to access QR Codes is via Code Scanner through Control Center. Using this method will automatically activate the link built into the code, whereas using the Camera app will bring up a Banner Notification to interact with. In my testing of the Camera app, the Notification was inconsistent in showing up as a banner.
The Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain dispensers are those pesky touch screen soft drink machines found in some restaurants. You might find them at Five Guys, Wendy’s, Noodles & Company, Burger King and AMC Theaters, to name a few.
Low vision users will be presented with graphics representing each drink choice on the first webpage. Flavor choices listed on the second webpage are noted by color. For example, a Fanta Orange will have an orange border and a Cherry Coke will have a darker red border around the graphic icon.
Note there is a time limit. If you take too long making your selection, the connection to the machine will terminate and/or it may not control the machine as expected. For example, when activating the pour button, it may not begin pouring.
QR Codes, when implemented correctly, can be accessed by people who are blind or have low vision. These codes link a person to accessible digital content and can make life better for the public. To achieve this, QR Codes, and the digital content they connect to, must be implemented with Universal Design in mind. The problem of discoverability is still unanswered and better guidance to locate a QR Code is needed. The audible feedback offered by apps like Seeing AI for barcodes may be one option. Implementation of a similar feature in Code Scanner would provide a way to zero in on a QR Code to scan it. Adding in tactile feedback would make it accessible to those who are deaf-blind.
Share your thoughts and experiences with us below in the comments.
Sources:
Coca-Cola News Posting: https://www.coca-colacompany.com/news/pour-by-phone-coca-cola-freestyle-; First accessed July 2022, last accessed 09/14/2022
Find Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain machines near you (Note: not tested for accessibility): https://www.coca-colafreestyle.com/find-freestyle-locations/; Accessed: 09/14/2022
Related Articles:
Perkins School for the Blind Post about Coca-Cola Freestyle focused on the app: https://www.perkins.org/resource/using-coca-cola-freestyle-machines-low-vision/; Accessed 09/14/2022
Richard is the Assistive Technology Instructor at Second Sense
Why do we not have this in the US?
https://www.braillehouse.org.au/2021/08/27/qr-code-tactile-indicators/#:~:text=Braille%20House%20has%20launched%20of,to%20get%20used%20to%20them.
We are looking for a solution to Braille indicate that there is a QR code and where to scan for an accessible trail.