Lookup Numbers and QR Codes
You can help visitors make the connection between what they see in your physical space (e.g., a painting on your wall) and the content available in your guide (e.g., an Item that includes audio from the artist explaining their process) using lookup numbers and QR codes.
You can use lookup numbers and QR codes together to appeal to a variety of visitor preferences, or you can choose just one type of lookup option.
Lookup Numbers
Lookup numbers prompt on-site visitors to explore guide content related to an artwork or object on view.
You can assign a lookup number when adding or editing content in the CMS.
If you are using lookup numbers as part of your Bloomberg Connects on-site experience, they should:
- Be nearby: If the number corresponds to a piece of artwork, the lookup number should be next to it. If the number corresponds to a room or gallery, place the lookup sign by the entrance.
- Be readable: We recommend that you use at least a 60 pt. type for the number. The graphic should be at least 2 inches/5 centimeters in height. If your visitors are unable to see or find the lookup numbers, they will not be able to have the full experience of the app.
- Provide context: When possible, include a brief overview of lookup content – get more information, hear audio, watch a video, etc.
Lookup numbers can be incorporated into existing wall labels or created as a separate piece placed next to labels.
Lookup QR Codes
QR codes have gained popularity in recent years and are now a familiar way to connect your physical and digital experiences. QR codes encode a URL that takes a visitor directly to a piece of content in your guide.
Lookup QR codes are intended to be used just like a lookup number. That means they should be placed on your on-site signs to provide visitors with an easy way to pull up object-specific content during their visit. These codes include metadata about how many people scan the code to find the object, so you can see how many visitors get to your content through the code. Lookup QR codes should not be used for any other purpose.
You can report how many people access a piece of content via a lookup QR code in the Data Dashboard. For more, see Data Dashboard Overview > Understanding QR Code Usage.
If you need QR codes for any purpose other than on-site object/artwork lookup (e.g., printed collateral, general signage, or digital/social materials), you can send a request to the Bloomberg Connects marketing team to create them. For more, see QR Codes & Tracking Links.
Downloading Your Lookup QR Codes
The CMS generates lookup QR codes for all objects automatically, so you just need to download them when you're ready to create your signs.
When you download QR codes for an Exhibition or Tour, the zip file contains details on the Exhibition/Tour and all of its child Items. When generated for an Item or Event, the zip file only contains details on that Item/Event.
Steps
On a content grid (e.g., Exhibitions), on the right side of any row, click the three dots, then select Get QR Codes.
In the confirmation window that appears, select Download QR Codes for Lookup.
A zip file is downloaded onto your computer. The zip file contains 2 variations on each object's QR code (white QR code and black QR code, both on transparent backgrounds) and a CSV file with details for all objects.
If you're creating your signs yourself, you can pull out the QR code images from here. If you're working with the Bloomberg Connects Marketing team, you can send the zip file(s) you create to marketing@bloombergconnects.org.