Codecheck enables web users to easily access detailed information on products by entering their barcodes (EAN, UPC). The site links information about products from manufacturers, dealers, relevant laboratories, consumer organizations and consumers. Users are given expert definitions and opinions on ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate or E250. The outcome is a reference work that can be continually expanded and updated with explanations and comments by everyone involved.

At the Internet platformCodecheck, users can obtain the information they need about a product in a number of different ways: they can enter the name of the product or its barcode number, or pick out the category that fits from those listed. Since Codecheck is connected to scientific and technical databases, including ones for allergies and encyclopedia, it can automatically and comprehensibly specify the ingredients in a product as well as add explanations based on expert knowledge. By comparing divergent viewpoints on a product, a dialog is generated which derives its momentum from the convictions and interests of the different parties. Hence consumers can draw on information, ideas and reports from a wide range of users, and form their own opinions about products that interest them. More detailed and readable instructions for consumers, requiring no specialist knowledge, are the outcome.

Manufacturers and dealers answer questions posed by consumers and report on the latest developments of their products. In return, they receive valuable feedback about consumers’ experiences with individual products. By actively participating in Codecheck, organizations raise consumers’ awareness of them, which in turn increases their influence on the market.

Head of project, concept, development, programming, graphics: Roman Bleichenbacher; editorial staff: Anna Pfeiffer, Bozena Civic, Markus Pacher; graphics assistance: Barbara Schuler; illustrations: Corinna Staffe