A scannable link which connects words on packaging to digital content has been launched in Australia.
Called Shomi Link, the font-based scannable technology opens up more digital content in packaging design and provides data tracking in real time.
Melbourne creator Tony Williams told PKN a unique nine-character font was generated, then copied and pasted into printed materials.
“Each link connects to a specific piece of digital content and can be amended at any time,” he said.
“It makes the content dynamic.
"A manufacturer gets information about such things as whether the consumer left the product on the shelf or put it in their basket.
"It's a great marketing tool."
The Shomi Link comfortably fits into a line of text, in any size or colour, allowing more online resources to be included in a single packaging design.
“It provides the versatility packaging designers need, particularly when there are space constraints,” Williams said.
The idea was born when Williams came across a scannable square code in a magazine ad.
Williams felt it took up too much printed space, and he set about creating a more versatile solution which maintained a physical similarity to the widely used QR code.
He pitched his idea to Google Australia and became one of the top 10 Australian businesses selected to participate in Google Australia’s Start-up program in 2014.
The ability to add more links increases access to a variety of multimedia content that manufacturers can potentially promote, including videos, contact forms, and frequently asked questions.
"Manufacturers can make as many links as they want," Williams said.
"It has more in common with a barcode than a QR code in that it is a unique identifier.
"Everything is trackable, and it provides access to allergy and dietary information as well as country of origin details."
The Shomi Link is also capable of real-time data tracking and end-user feedback, which will be developed further in its next phase.
