Incorporating Technology in Lapel Pins: From QR Codes to NFC Chips

Lapel pins have a long and fascinating history. They date all the way back to the bronze age when they served the functional purpose of fastening clothing or cloaks together. Brooches and pins also grew more popular during the Byzantine era (between 330 and 1450 CE). Although they were now becoming popular as ornamental pieces, they still served the functional purpose of securing pieces of clothing such as scarves or shawls.

In modern times, the use of lapel pins became more popularized during the Civil War era. Soldiers wore these pins to identify their units. They were also used as a symbol of merit and services. Today, lapel pins have evolved even further. Thanks to modern innovation, lapel pins can now be customized with new technology that increases their functionality significantly. In this post, we’ll explore the different innovative ways manufacturers are embedding technology into lapel pins to boost their functionality, especially for digital-savvy consumers.

How Technology Is Transforming The Lapel Pin 

Today’s lapel pins are more than ornamental accessories. Brands and businesses can create customized lapel pins that feature their logo, mascot, tagline, or motto as part of their branding and marketing efforts.

These days, they even take things further by incorporating various technological features into lap pins. Instead of just printing attractive designs on enamel pins, here are some of the ways manufacturers are using technology to transform lapel pins. 

QR Codes

A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional image that can be used to store digital information. By scanning this code with a smartphone or QR code reader, you can reveal the information stored on it. QR codes can be used to store all kinds of digital information such as URLs, texts, contact details, social media pages, secret messages and so on. 

Brands can incorporate QR codes into custom pins to make the pin more functional. A lapel is one of the smallest merchandise options you can create. It stores less information compared to custom patches, stickers, or medals. However, by creating pins with QR codes, you can store more information about the brand, its products, or an event. You can also use QR code lapel pins for gamification. Customers can collect these pins for the chance to activate scavenger hunts or complete quests to unlock virtual rewards.  

QR codes are extremely easy to use, as most smartphones now come with inbuilt scanners to easily access the information stored on them. QR code pins are also more visually impactful and memorable compared to regular custom pins. 

NFC Chips

Near-field communication chips take interactivity even further than QR codes. This technology allows the sharing of information between devices in close proximity (usually within a few centimeters). 

One of the ways manufacturers are doing more with lapel pins is by embedding NFC chips into the pin to enable contactless data transfers. This opens up a new world of possibilities with just a simple tap with their smartphones. Businesses can share contract details, and enable access control or mobile payments in the most seamless way possible using NFC-enabled custom lapel pins. 

Businesses can also embed special content into their pins with NFC chips. A good example is hidden interactive art such as videos or animations that unlock when the pin is tapped. 

Event organizers can also use NFC pins for registration, granting access or providing downloadable schedules to users with the pins.

Blinkers and LED Lights 

Although this is less sophisticated compared to NFCs and QR codes, blinkers and LED lights can make your lapel pins more attractive. Blinkers grab attention, which is why they’re particularly effective for promotional purposes. 

Similar to this are pins with Tiny LED lights programmed to display different colors, patterns and animations. The feature miniature battery packs are designed to be discreet, ensuring the pin remains portable, yet functional. 

You can share lapel pins with blinkers and flashy indicators to publicize parties and other fun events. Imagine customized lapel pins featuring a company logo that lights up, or a pin with a light that flashes based on user interaction. 

The Benefits of Tech-Powered Pins

Tech-powered pins and other merchandize can expand your branding and marketing efforts in various ways.  For starters, they make your pins more engaging. Unlike regular pins that are easy to miss due to their small size, tech-powered pins tend to grab attention faster and can create better engagement between the brand and people who see the pins. 

Tech-powered pins also create a longer-lasting impression. While static traditional pins are still visually appealing, there’s nothing close to the excitement that comes from scanning a QR code to reveal a special gift or donating a gift to charity using NFC chips on a personalized pin. 

Embedding technology into customized lapel pins can also expand a brand’s marketing campaigns. Instead of ordinary visual campaigns, you can encourage users to take specific actions like visiting a website, following a social media account, or visiting a website. This can significantly increase conversion rates and the overall impact of your campaigns at minimal extra cost. QR code scans and NFC chips also help businesses take customer interactions online where they can be tracked and analyzed to generate valuable data on campaign effectiveness.

Conclusion 

As this post shows, there are several ways to enhance the functionality of your lapel pins with technology. While conventional pins still work effectively, you can supercharge your campaigns and get your pins to do even more by leveraging simple technology like QR codes and NFCs. 

At THE/STUDIO we specialize in both traditional and tech-powered customized lapel pin production. We understand the potential impacts of embedding technology into lapel pins and other forms of merchandize and can help supercharge your marketing efforts with our advanced tech-enabled pins. Contact us now to learn more and order tech-powered pins for your business.