QR codes have a lot to live up to, but they’ve come a long way from awkward scanning postures and terrible placement. If you are unconvinced that QR codes can be effectively deployed, look at these amazing examples of how they are creatively changing mobile interactions in real life.

Istanbul’s Berrge Tattoo wanted to find the next great tattoo artist, so their ad was a QR code that worked when it was filled in – a task that requires as much dexterity as inking.

Korea’s Emart Sunny Sale Uses a 3D QR code that only works between the sunny hours of 12:00 – 1:00. The campaign was so effective Emart saw an increase of 25% in lunchtime sales. Read more

Where is the strangest place you ever saw a QR Code? Quiring Monuments has developed a method to put a QR code on a tombstone, an evocative way to use apps in the cemetery.

Check it out: “Quiring Monuments combines technological memorialization with traditional granite memorials by adding a link to the granite memorial which enables users of smart phones to connect to your personalized website. It can be viewed on the phone as visitors wander through the cemetery or on your computer by typing the unique web address into your internet browser. Although others may view the information, only visitors authorized by the family administrator can post information on the web page.”

The video embedded above outlines the technology. If you want to use QR codes in your own work, we’ve created a long list of QR code tools for booksellers, authors and publishers. (Via Caitlin Shamberg)

South Carolina-based writer Tim LeVan Miller wants to bring short stories to readers in independent coffee shops. He has created a way to do so using QR codes through a program called Sips Card.

The Sips Card website explains how it works: “Customers at participating venues can pick up a Sips Card with their drink order. Each card contains a QR code, loaded with a short story from an independent writer meant to last as long as their drink. The cards are venue specific and include their business information as well as that issue’s author, story title, and website.”

The site is currently looking for submissions for short stories through March 16th. Authors don’t have to pay an entry fee and they retain the rights to their story. Entries should be limited to 3,000 words.