When Better Creative Delivers Better Results: How a Campaign Achieved a 600% Increase in QR Code Scans

In Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, visibility is only the first step. What ultimately matters is whether an advertisement inspires people to take action. 

A recent campaign across Stellar Ace's transit media network demonstrated just how significant creative execution can be. In June 2026, a campaign recorded a 600% increase in QR code scans compared to its six-month historical average – achieved by optimising the advertisement's creative design for better call-to-action bias. 

The results reinforce an important principle for marketers: creative is often the biggest driver of campaign performance.  

The challenge in converting attention into action

QR codes have become one of the simplest ways for OOH advertisers to bridge the gap between physical advertising and digital engagement. Yet many still struggle to convert attention into action. While audiences may notice an advertisement, they will only scan if the value proposition is immediately clear and the experience feels effortless.  

This campaign focused on exactly that. After a creative refresh of the advertisement, the campaign achieved a 600% uplift in QR code scans compared to the previous six-month average with higher intent from audiences without changing media formats.   

Spot the difference that drove action 

Old Design

New Design

Several creative enhancements contributed to the significant increase in Call to Action (CTA) uptake . 

1. Make the CTA impossible to miss: The QR code was given clear visual prominence, allowing commuters to identify it within seconds when looking at the advertisement. 
2. Tell people exactly what they will get: Essential information such as price, exact number of available workspaces, key value proposition and booking details were presented clearly in the advertisement to ensure clarity for audiences.  
3. Actual visuals instead of abstract creative: Replacing abstract visuals with authentic images of the co-working spaces allowed audiences to quickly understand what they were signing up for and built greater confidence and trust.  

Turning Attention into Action 

OOH advertising often has only a few seconds to capture attention. During those moments, audiences should not have to search for information or guess what happens next. The strongest-performing creatives reduce cognitive effort by making every important detail instantly visible. 

For campaigns incorporating QR codes, design can be just as important as placement. Small improvements in layout, messaging and imagery can have a measurable impact on engagement and conversion. 

At Stellar Ace, we combine audience insights, creative thinking and measurable performance to help brands transform everyday commuter journeys into meaningful engagement and business results. If you’re ready to drive more action in your next campaign, contact us here now.