I think the "Developer" tier has the most promise as a selling point. For apps you just want to get out there, I think some developers would be willing to pay 4.99 to quickly slap on a FAQ section. The reasoning might be "I'll do this for now, and implement my own solution later". Being able to update the FAQ instantly would be very important at first and is definitely worth 5 bucks. Very cool stuff!
Thanks! I think you're right, I'm going to get rid of the QR code reference in the landing page headline. Maybe just 'Hand-drawn, scannable web links'. I will then have an FAQ box that says 'How is this different than a QR code?' where I list a lot of the feedback I got from this thread.
Agreed. There's still no easy way to get from physical to digital.
Be sure to focus on the problem you are solving. Show how many mediums can be used as well to solve the problem. (chalk, toothpicks, box of pencils, bricks etc.) Maybe even one page dedicated to each use case. (retailers, restaurants, street performers, celeb events, app unlock codes, etc)
some other thoughts:
How can I get someone walking by my restaurant/store who has a question or is looking for more info to interact with my website and get today's coupon?
Be sure to allow camera photos/screenshots to be used via app. If I can scan a tag i see in a video or on a page then that's one more use case.
Your tag is simple enough, can I draw it myself in your app if it doesn't scan, or correct it if its unrecognizable? Knowing I can sketch it manually in your app might avoid some frustration.
Maybe reach out to some snapchat star and brainstorm innovative use cases you can highlight (xyz was here etc?)
good luck!
Sure, but you have to admit that history is littered with things like this where they still died anyway. Can you not see how people could have concerns over this?
(I've commented elsewhere on this page BTW; I don't think the fact these are valid concerns makes it inherently bad ...)
Thought I'd clarify generally a little bit. QR codes definitely have a lot of advantages over Meshtag - and they're perfect for what they do. I'm by no means suggesting this could "replace" QR codes.
Where Meshtag fits in is that it's aimed at users and not companies. I think a large reason most people don't scan QR codes is because they assume they're just trying to sell you something. But if you saw a meshtag that somebody drew on a wall somewhere, wouldn't you be curious?
Also, thanks for all the feedback! I have dreamed of being on hacker news since I started coming here. Any UI/UX designers in the Boston area, hit me up if you want to get involved!
Actually, when I see MeshTags I assume "they're" just trying to sell me an cumbersome url shortening serivce.
By the way, the assumption that people don't/won't use QR codes is wrong. Here's one example: Chinese associate QR codes with product information (ex.: scanning a code on a bottle of soda).
Many people don't use QR codes but I think your assumption (QR codes will evermore be perceived as commercials) is totally off base.
