A Framework for Comparing Proximity Technologies
A repeatable framework for comparing Bluetooth beacons, NFC, QR and other proximity options by journey, environment, adoption, privacy and lifecycle.
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Knowledge area
NFC and QR
App-free interactions, deliberate taps and scans, dynamic redirects, security checks and realistic technology comparisons.
17 published guidesEvidence, limitations and next steps
What this area covers
App-free interactionsSecure redirectsDeliberate taps and scansTechnology selection
Recommended starting points
Begin with the core decisions.
These guides establish the practical foundations before you move into narrower comparisons and implementation details.
NFC for Retail Product Information
Practical guidance on NFC for retail product information, covering visitor needs, venue constraints, measurement and ongoing operation.
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NFC for Exhibit and Asset Information
Practical guidance on NFC for exhibit and asset information, covering visitor needs, venue constraints, measurement and ongoing operation.
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Explore the topic in depth
NFC for Event Ticketing and Access
Practical guidance on NFC for event ticketing and access, covering visitor needs, venue constraints, measurement and ongoing operation.
Read guideNFC and QR Mistakes
Practical guidance on NFC and QR mistakes, covering selection, pilot evidence, ownership and ongoing operation.
Read guideMalicious QR Codes and Phishing
Practical guidance on malicious QR codes and phishing, covering realistic threats, practical controls, testing and incident response.
Read guideLocking and Write-Protecting NFC Tags
Practical guidance on locking and write-protecting NFC tags, covering realistic threats, practical controls, testing and incident response.
Read guideApp Required vs No-App Experiences
How to choose between a native app, a mobile website or an app-free NFC and QR journey for physical-space experiences.
Read guideBeacon vs NFC vs QR: Choosing the Right Technology
A practical comparison of Bluetooth beacons, NFC tags and QR codes by range, user effort, compatibility, privacy and maintenance.
Read guideBuilding a Technology Mix for Complex Venues
Practical guidance on building a technology mix for complex venues, covering selection, pilot evidence, ownership and ongoing operation.
Read guideBuilding for Native Apps
Practical guidance on building for native apps, covering objectives, dependencies, pilot evidence and ongoing ownership.
Read guideBuilding for Web and Progressive Web Apps
Practical guidance on building for web and progressive web apps, covering objectives, dependencies, pilot evidence and ongoing ownership.
Read guideCommon NFC Deployment Mistakes
Common NFC deployment failures involving metal surfaces, unclear interaction cues, incompatible tags, fragile content and missing maintenance ownership.
Read guideCommon QR Code Deployment Mistakes
Common QR deployment mistakes involving size, contrast, glare, distance, redirects, accessibility and unowned destination links.
Read guideDynamic QR Codes Explained
How dynamic QR redirects work, where they are useful, and how to manage provider lock-in, security and link maintenance.
Read guideHow NFC Tags Work
Practical guidance on how NFC tags work, covering objectives, dependencies, pilot evidence and ongoing ownership.
Read guideHow QR Codes Work
Practical guidance on how QR codes work, covering objectives, dependencies, pilot evidence and ongoing ownership.
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