History and Facts about QR Codes!

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The Fascinating World of QR Codes: Evolution, Facts, and More!

QR codes, those pixelated black and white squares that seem to be everywhere these days, have become an essential part of our digital lives. But what exactly are QR codes, who invented them, and how have they evolved over time? In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of QR codes, uncovering interesting facts, key moments in their history, and how they’ve come to be such an integral part of our daily lives. So, buckle up and get ready for a fact-filled journey!

How to Use QR Codes

It’s easy! The most common purpose of QR codes these days is to use them as a means of getting the word out about something, or as a quick way to provide a means of contact. Whenever you see a QR code somewhere, such as on a brochure, flyer, or TV commercial, just take out your smartphone and open your camera app. Focus it on the QR code, and something will pop up on the screen that will probably be a message, a phone number, email address, or a link to a website.

Anyone can generate their own QR codes. There are a number of free resources online that can easily be found through a Google search. All you do is type in the message or website URL, and they will generate a QR code that you can download and save to your computer or mobile device. Then all you have to do is add that image to a design that you’re going to have printed or displayed. Some couples even use QR codes on their wedding invitations that link directly to an online RSVP list or gift registry

The Birth of QR Codes

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, were invented in 1994 by a Japanese company called Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota (QRcode.com, n.d.). They were originally created as a solution for tracking automobile parts throughout the manufacturing process. Masahiro Hara, an engineer at Denso Wave, led the team that developed the QR code (Nakamura & Nicholson, 2018).

How QR Codes Work

QR codes consist of a matrix of black and white squares arranged on a square grid. They can store a variety of data types, including numerical, alphanumeric, and binary data. When scanned by a smartphone or QR code reader, the data stored in the QR code can be quickly and efficiently decoded, providing users with access to relevant information, such as websites, contact details, or product information.

The Evolution of QR Codes

Since their inception in the 1990s, QR codes have evolved considerably. Some key milestones in their development include:

  1. 1999 – QR codes became an international standard (ISO/IEC 18004:2000) (International Organization for Standardization, 2000).
  2. 2010 – The rise of smartphones and QR code scanning apps propelled QR codes into mainstream use.
  3. 2011 – QR codes began to be used for mobile payments, such as Alipay in China (Zeng, 2016).
  4. 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of QR codes for contactless services, such as menus, ticketing, and check-ins.

Fascinating Facts about QR Codes

  1. QR codes can store up to 3,000 alphanumeric characters or 7,000 numeric characters (Denso Wave, n.d.).
  2. They can be read at high speeds, typically taking less than a second to scan and decode (QRcode.com, n.d.).
  3. QR codes are highly resistant to damage; they can still be read even if 30% of the code is damaged or obscured (Denso Wave, n.d.).
  4. The use of QR codes for mobile payments has skyrocketed in recent years, with a 2020 survey estimating that 1.65 billion people worldwide use mobile QR code payments (Juniper Research, 2020).

The Power of QR Codes Today

QR codes have found their way into numerous industries and applications. Some popular uses of QR codes today include:

  1. Marketing and advertising: QR codes can link to websites, videos, or promotional materials, making it easy for consumers to access information about products or services.
  2. Contactless services: QR codes are used in restaurants for digital menus, in public places for contact tracing, and in event venues for paperless ticketing.
  3. Social media: Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have incorporated QR codes, known as “Nametags” and “Snapcodes,” respectively, to help users find and connect with others more easily.
  4. Education: QR codes can link to educational resources, such as videos or documents, providing students with quick access to learning materials.
  5. Anyone can generate their own QR codes! There are a number of free resources online that can easily be found through a Google search. All you do is type in the message or website URL, and they will generate a QR code that you can download and save to your computer or mobile device. Then all you have to do is add that image to a design that you’re going to have printed or displayed. Some couples even use QR codes on their wedding invitations that link directly to an online RSVP list or gift registry!

The Future of QR Codes

As technology continues to advance, QR codes are likely to evolve further, becoming even more integral to our daily lives. Some potential future developments include:

  1. Increased integration with augmented reality (AR) applications, providing users with interactive, immersive experiences through QR codes.
  2. Improved security features to protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of fraud in QR code-based transactions.
  3. Enhanced customization and design options for QR codes, allowing for greater creativity and brand recognition.

 

From their humble beginnings in the automotive industry to their widespread use in various aspects of our lives today, QR codes have come a long way. With their versatility, ease of use, and potential for further growth, QR codes are here to stay. As we continue to embrace digital technology, QR codes will undoubtedly play an even more significant role in our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we interact with the world around us.


Fact Sources:

Denso Wave. (n.d.). QR code features. https://www.denso-wave.com/en/technology/qrcode/feature.html

International Organization for Standardization. (2000). ISO/IEC 18004:2000 – Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — QR Code bar code symbology specification. https://www.iso.org/standard/43655.html

Juniper Research. (2020). QR code payment users to exceed 1 billion by 2022, as Covid drives contactless payments. https://www.juniperresearch.com/press/press-releases/qr-code-payment-users-to-exceed-1-billion

Nakamura, A., & Nicholson, J. (2018). Toyota engineer’s invention has saved countless lives. Nikkei Asia. https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Toyota-engineer-s-invention-has-saved-countless-lives

QRcode.com. (n.d.). History of QR code. https://www.qrcode.com/en/history/

Zeng, D. (2016). Alipay and QR code revolution in China. PaymentsJournal. https://www.paymentsjournal.com/alipay-qr-code-revolution-china/