How to Choose Between QR Codes, Touchscreens and Kiosks

QR codes, touchscreens and kiosks are not interchangeable. They create different types of shopper behaviour. Choosing between them requires a clear view of whether the experience should be personal, shared, guided or operationally simple.

Practical example

A retailer may use a touchscreen as the shared entry point for a category, then product-level QR codes to let shoppers continue on their own phones after choosing a model.

Implementation note

For developer hand-off, make sure the QR destination, redirect logic, analytics parameters and retailer-approved onward links are confirmed before any code is printed or embedded in artwork.

Step-by-step guide

Use QR codes for personal continuation

QR is ideal when the shopper wants to use their own phone, save content, open a retailer PDP or continue after leaving the fixture.

Use touchscreens for visible shared engagement

Touchscreens are better when the display itself should invite interaction and help multiple shoppers or staff use the content.

Use kiosks for deeper journeys

Kiosks work when the experience needs more structure, range navigation, guided selling or assisted service.

Combine formats when journeys differ

A touchscreen can introduce the range while QR codes let shoppers continue with a specific product on their own device.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid forcing a single format across every store and category. Retail behaviour changes by product complexity, space and shopper intent.

What to measure

Compare scan rates, session depth, product views, finder completions and onward actions by format.