QR History

What is a QR Code?

A QR code (or Quick Response code) is a scannable, two-dimensional barcode designed for digital devices like smartphones. They can store a wide range of information, including text, URLs, contact information, images, and videos.

A QR code can store information horizontally and vertically in a series of black-and-white squares or modules arranged in a pattern. Each module in the QR code's pattern represents a bit of embedded data, and can store up to 4296 characters or 7089 digits in a single code making it viable to hold large amounts of content.

They are notable by the three large squares (located at the corners) that contain the 'finder pattern' and a smaller square towards the bottom right corner that contains the alignment pattern. The three large squares allow the QR Code to be detected and interpreted by a QR Code reader, whereas, the smaller square helps align the QR Code and ensures it can be scanned even if the angle is screwed.

History

The QR code was developed in Japan in 1994 by Masahiro Hara, who worked for Denso Wave, stating the idea came whilst playing the strategy board game Go during his lunch break one day. The company was looking for a way to track spare parts during the manufacturing process, and found that QR codes provided a solution for storing more information than traditional barcodes.

Global Adoption

Their adoption around the world didn't come quickly, but as smartphones became more common in the early 2000s, QR codes gained much popularity in the United States and parts of Europe.

Barcodes spread quickly in the United States with the demand by supermarkets to develop a better method of processing products at the checkouts. The vertical barcode is still in use around the world today.

However, while barcodes were a significant advancement, their limitations became apparent over time. Due to their limited storage capacity, they struggled to meet the demands of more complex applications.

So, how did the QR code spread so quickly to be adopted on a global scale? At the same time, smartphones were also gaining in popularity, and with the introduction of high quality cameras, they had the ability to scan barcodes and QR codes with ease.

Uses

From their origins in the manufacturing industry, QR codes soon became popular for advertising and marketing as they could store more information than vertical barcodes and could be easily scanned with a smartphone.

Today, using QR code software is how QR codes are generated easily. These platforms allow users to choose different QR code solutions and offer customization options.

In recent years, the QR code has found new uses again. With the global spread of Covid-19 in 2019 and the subsequent vaccination, QR codes were used to identify vaccination centres and people. In the quest to keep human interaction to a minimum, restaurants and bars used QR codes for mobile ordering and payment - something that is still being used today.

Static v Dynamic Codes

QR codes can be grouped into two main types:

Static QR codes embed the data directly in the pattern, and once it is created - it cannot be changed.
Dynamic QR codes don't embed the whole data within the pattern, but rather store a shortened URL link, which redirects to the actual data. This reduces the size of data that needs to be stored and allows the user to change the actual data without having to create a new QR code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the QR code?Masahiro Hara is considered the father of the QR code. He invented it in 1994 while working on a project to improve efficiency in manufacturing.
What do the letters QR stand for?The letters Q and R stand for quick response. This code was so named because the main purpose of the code development was to create a code that could be read quickly.
What is the size of a QR code?The minimum size of a QR code should be 2cm x 2cm. However, the size of the QR code depends on the medium of the outlet chosen.
Can QR codes be edited?Once QR codes are created, only dynamic QR codes can be edited. Static QR codes cannot be edited once they are created.
Why do QR codes have 3 squares?QR codes have 3 big squares at 3 corners (bottom left, top left, and top right) that contain the finder pattern and a smaller square towards the bottom right corner that contains the alignment pattern.

The 3 big squares allow the QR code to be detected and interpreted by a QR code reader. Whereas, the smaller square helps align the QR code and ensures it is read even if the scanning angle is skewed.
Can the design of a QR code be changed?Yes, the design of a QR code can be changed. However, the design should not interfere with the readability of the code. The design should be such that the code can be scanned easily.