explore your omaha with obd’s qr code tour
September 26, 2011
OMAHA – So, what exactly is Omaha by Design? What does it do for the community?
We get that a lot. Our standard response goes something like this: Omaha by Design is a civic planning organization focused on the development, implementation and monitoring of urban design and environmental public policy in the metro. We facilitate partnerships between the public, private and philanthropic sectors to execute projects that improve the quality of Omaha’s built and natural environments.
Okay, but what does that really mean? We’ve decided it’s high time to show you. That’s why we’re launching “Explore Your Omaha” – a QR code tour of urban design and environmental concepts at work across the city.
For those of you who don’t know, a QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode designed to be read by smartphones. Initially used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now used in a much broader context. In our case, we’re using the technology to bring you to 10 locations in the metro and then explain what you’re seeing while you’re seeing it.
Each location is marked with an Explore Your Omaha sign. The sign’s “start” QR code directs you to www.exploreomahaobd.com, the tour’s web page. The sign’s “learn” QR code explains the concept or concepts at work in that particular location. The sign’s “explore” QR code directs you to the next stop on the tour.
Some of the locations involve projects Omaha by Design has been directly involved with, like The Cole Creek Project in Orchard Park. Others illustrate urban design and environmental concepts that stem from recommendations outlined in the two major public policy pieces we helped the City of Omaha and its citizens create during the past decade – the Urban Design Element and the Environmental Element.
The temporary QR code signs will be up for 90 days.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your smartphone and some friends and explore your Omaha. Before you start, make sure you’ve got a QR code app on your phone – there are several free options you can download.
When you’re done, tell us if the tour helped you understand what Omaha by Design is and does for the community. Comments and questions can be sent to info@omahabydesign.org.