Today Google launched a new program (United States only for now) called “Favorite Places.” Here’s a short 2 minute video showing how the program will work. (Click here if reading in Facebook)

The basic premise behind the program is to use a window sticker that has a Google Maps logo and a one-inch-square with a series of pixelated black-and-white cubes called a QR Code and a smart phone with a bar code reader to allow visitors/customers to get more information about the location. The type of information which can be made available is limited only by our imaginations.

What interests me is how such a program might be used at the Sochi 2014 Olympics. While the program is currently limited to the United States, I have to think that it won’t be long before we see QD barcodes popping up around the world. This is the type of program that could really add a lot of value to the spectator experience but there will also be a ton of planning and work required.

One idea would be to create special QD bar codes which configured to look like country flags (with corresponding color combinations) to offer information in numerous languages to visitors at each venue. While currently, as shown in the video, the information conveyed through each bar code is primarily text, there’s no reason why in 4 years spectators might not receive audio and video, as well. Think about a concession stand with its standard Russian menu translated into French, English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, etc. QD barcodes on a special sign at the beginning of the line to order.

Additionally, why limit the placement of QD bar codes only to physical structures such as walls, signs, windows, etc? Maps, tickets, programs, flyers, etc. could all have QD bar codes printed on them ahead of time. Don’t forget that in 2014 almost everyone attending the Olympics will have a smart phone and thus, QD bar codes will be the primary method of communicating lots of information to lots of people from around the world all speaking dozens of languages.

The possibilities are endless and actually quite exciting. Let me know if you have some creative ideas of your own how QD bar codes might be used in 2014. In the meantime, let’s hope that the 2014 Organizing Committee will partner with an agency that can develop, implement, and manage such a program.

Here’s the Favorite Places website at Google.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Explore a whole new way to window shop, with Google and your mobile phone (googleblog.blogspot.com)
• Putting a Bar Code on Places, Not Just Products (bits.blogs.nytimes.com)
• The web meets world: Google favourite places, Sixth sense and augmented reality (trak.in)
• Why Google’s Slapping Decals on Small Businesses (mashable.com)