QR codes, short for “Quick Response” codes, have a fascinating history that dates back to the 1990s. Here’s a brief overview of their development and evolution:
QR codes – An invention by Denso Wave
QR codes were invented in 1994 by a Japanese company called Denso Wave, which is a subsidiary of the Denso Corporation, a global automotive parts manufacturer. The primary motivation behind their creation was to improve tracking of automotive parts during the manufacturing process.
QR code improvements over barcodes
QR codes were developed as an improvement over traditional barcodes. They can store significantly more information in a smaller space and can be scanned from any angle, making them more versatile for various applications.
QR codes and public domain usage
Denso Wave decided not to exercise its patent rights on QR codes, making the technology open and available to anyone for free. This decision contributed to the rapid adoption of QR codes worldwide.
QR code adoption in Japan
QR codes gained early adoption in Japan, where they were used for tracking parts in the automotive industry, as well as in logistics and inventory management.
QR code use with mobile phones
In the early 2000s, QR codes started to gain popularity for consumer use, particularly in mobile phones. Mobile phones with built-in cameras and QR code reader apps made it easy for people to scan QR codes and access information, such as website URLs, contact details, and more.
QR code applications
QR codes found applications in various fields, including marketing (QR codes on advertisements and products for easy access to websites and promotions), ticketing (airline boarding passes, event tickets), payments (QR code-based mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay in China), and healthcare (patient information, medication tracking).
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a resurgence in QR code usage, especially for contact tracing and digital menus in restaurants to reduce physical contact.
QR codes in e-commerce
QR codes have become an essential part of e-commerce, enabling customers to quickly access product information, reviews, and purchase links by scanning codes on physical products or in advertisements.
Evolving design and security
QR codes have evolved beyond the traditional black and white square patterns. They can now include logos and other design elements for branding purposes. Additionally, security measures have been implemented to prevent malicious QR codes from leading users to harmful websites or apps.
QR codes and modern technology
QR codes are now widely recognised and used globally. They are an integral part of modern technology and have found applications in nearly every industry.
Overall, QR codes have come a long way from their origins as a tool for tracking car parts in Japan to becoming an integral part of everyday life for people around the world, serving a wide range of purposes across various industries.