QR Codes Make a Comeback

Who doesn’t remember the QR codes that were briefly introduced back in 2010? QR codes had very little success in the United States. The main barrier to entry was the fact that in order to scan a QR code you had to download a separate app. Another problem was that even if you did download the app and scanned the QR code, you would often times be lead to a non-mobile compatible website. QR codes seemed like a trendy, non-functional marketing fad.

QR codes, however, are making a full-force comeback this year. The biggest reason is the fact that you can now scan a QR code directly from the built-in camera on your iPhone. All you have to do is open your camera and get close to a QR code. You then click on the pop-up that will appear on the top of the camera screen. QR codes are also being backed by influential companies like Facebook, Amazon, Shopify, Spotify, Pinterest and of course Apple.

QR codes are not just for opening links to websites, they can be used to make payments, connect to wifi, apply for a job, investigate the ingredients of packaged food, order your favorite drink, rent a bicycle, purchase tickets, exchange contact information, etc. At least these are all the ways and more that other countries like Japan and China are using QR codes for. In China, QR codes are a way of life. About 1/3 of purchases are made using a QR code.*

The problem before was that QR codes were ahead of their time. They were introduced to the Western world too early. It is possible that QR codes could now be the future and the possibilities are endless.

*http://money.cnn.com/2017/09/08/technology/china-qr-codes/index.html