Using quick response (QR) codes as an indoor wayfinding tool

Abstract

With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of quick response (QR) codes has increased rapidly in many areas. However, the adoption of QR code-based indoor wayfinding models is still limited. The reliance on location-aware technologies, the development of smartphone applications, and the need for programming language knowledge could be counted among the reasons for the limited use of these models. In the present study, we proposed a lightweight QR code-based indoor wayfinding model that is low-cost, easy-to-adapt, free of sensors, and solely functions with smartphones. Accordingly, we conducted two experimental studies to test the model under two conditions: first, in a complex university campus building with 38 participants; then in the virtual model of that building with 72 participants. In both environments, we compared the use of You-Are-Here maps displayed on smartphones by scanning the QR codes on the walls (the QR condition) to the use of the same maps located on the walls (the No-QR condition). We measured task performances, perceived ease of task, comfort level, and evaluations of the proposed model. To reveal the relationships between the variables and differences between conditions, we conducted the Pearson correlation coefficient test and repeated measure ANOVA. Our findings revealed that even though the participants completed the wayfinding tasks in the QR condition in a longer time than in the No-QR condition, the positive responses of the participants revealed that they would be willing to use QR codes in complex indoor environments. Findings and evaluations suggested that the proposed model, in its current form, may function as expected and be a useful, lightweight, and low-cost alternative to You-Are-Here maps.