Nowadays, QR codes are ubiquitous, with millions of people using them at any given time around the world. However, despite their popularity, they are often underutilized by marketers who could benefit from them. Let’s take a closer look!
What Is a QR Code?
QR codes are like barcodes on steroids. Like barcodes, they allow you to access information by scanning them with a device—typically a smartphone. However, QR codes can store and reveal much more data at incredible speeds. In fact, “QR” stands for “Quick Response.” Additionally, QR codes are more visually appealing than traditional barcodes.
A single QR code can store up to 7,089 digits or 4,296 alphanumeric characters, making them highly versatile for encoding various types of data, such as URLs, text, or contact information.
Another key advantage is their reliability. QR codes are designed with built-in redundancy, meaning that even if up to 30% of the code is damaged, it can still be scanned and decoded successfully.
A Brief History of QR Codes
As is often the case with technological innovations, QR codes were invented for a specific industrial need. In the mid-1990s, Denso Wave, a Japanese manufacturing company, sought a more efficient way to track vehicles and parts for Honda. Their goal was to develop a system that could store more data than traditional barcodes while remaining fast and reliable.
A team of engineers tackled numerous challenges to create a solution that worked even in imperfect conditions. Fortunately for the digital world, Denso Wave open-sourced the QR code technology in 1999, leading to rapid adoption across various industries. Developers and marketers quickly recognized its potential for making data easily accessible from printed materials—and beyond.
How Are QR Codes Used Today?
QR codes gained widespread use in the 2010s, but their popularity skyrocketed in 2020 due to the global pandemic. Governments and businesses used them for contact tracing, digital payments, and touchless interactions. This sudden necessity accelerated public familiarity with QR codes, making them a mainstream tool practically overnight.
Today, QR codes are everywhere, serving countless purposes:
- Event tickets & boarding passes
- Mobile payments & restaurant menus
- Wi-Fi & location sharing
- Marketing campaigns & instant video access
For marketers, QR codes have opened up a world of creative possibilities, allowing seamless connections between physical and digital experiences.
About the Author
Mirko Humbert
Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.