Thursday, 18 October 2012

popular QR codes on GRAVES?!

(definitely not a typical post of QR code!)

Popular QR code on graves!
Japanese are popular with their great invention from their great minds. But does producing grave stones with QR codes a good idea?

What is QR code: They are small, square deigns that act like barcode where users can scan with their devices’ camera

These digital tombstones are introduced in 2008 and they are named as Kuyo no Mado referring to ‘Memorial service window’. They are made by Ishinokoe, Voice of the stone’, a company who hope the family and friends can stay to talk about their memories of the deceased for longer. They stated that most memorial services take less than five minutes with just incense and flowers. Therefore, they came up with this idea where contents can be retrieved using QR code. The contents include pictures, messages, videos, family information and other items.
 How to use:
1)      Users using their mobile to scan the QR code
2)      Retrieve memories within a scan
3)      Share and enjoy the moment from looking at the online content

·         PROS: Easy to use, quick, innovative, interesting
·         CONS: Unacceptable (cultural and religion), inappropriate, require significant technical skills and knowledge

Not everyone would accept and get used to this new combination of an engraved stone with data encoding code through telecommunications are brilliant. As the growth of digital media industry, I personally like the idea of the loved ones using this approach to remind them of the deceased relative or friends when visiting a graveyard. They might not be long lasting as the permanent engraved text, even if the QR code has worn off or no longer scannable in 20 years of use. We can still rely on the slab of stone with engaged text and language written on it!  I would also recommend it can link to genecology websites, or some family surname or family tree related information. 
What do you think of this idea – YAY or NAY?  Can you accept and actually use them if you like this idea?
(the idea of this article is taken from Shifteast)


ending this post with a smart advertising method for QR code...

2 comments:

  1. I really don't like this idea at all. I just feel it desensitises everything about people passing dying, funeral's and graves. Couldn't the QR could just be a picture of the person? Wouldn't that be more appropriate at a graveyard? If I were to die tomorrow, I certainly wouldn't want a QR code on my tombstone.

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  2. I think this idea is good for people to remember their deceased relatives or friends and is also very interactive especially in this society where everyone is using social media to communicate. However, I don't think it will be acceptable in Eastern countries where people are still close-minded. And even for me, I think it is kind of non-respectful to the passaways.

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