QR codes history
It’s fine if you don’t know what QR codes are (yet!).
Before we leapt headfirst into the world of QR codes at Unitag, we couldn’t have explained what a QR code was convincingly either. So you’re in good company!
Let’s dive in together and get a clearer picture of exactly what a QR code is and how it can open up a new world of possibilities for you and your business.
First, what exactly does the QR stand for?
It stands for “Quick Response”!
And that’s precisely what it does. It gives you a quick response. But how exactly? And what does that even mean? How will it help you? Let’s dig into the backstory of QR codes.
QR codes have been in use since 1994, when Denso Wave, a Japanese company, created them. Denso Wave developed them to meet the need for a new type of barcode. One that could unlock new possibilities by storing more information than traditional barcodes could.
Traditional barcodes simply can’t store as much information and aren’t as efficient as QR codes.
Also, unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes can be scanned easily from multiple angles.
Also, unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes can be scanned easily from multiple angles. You remember when you got held up in a queue at the supermarket because the barcode wouldn’t scan until the cashier got the angle, correct? It’s annoying.
That doesn’t happen with QR codes! And that matters because because your customers need quick, easy access to the information you’re sharing. Otherwise, they’ll get frustrated and move on.
QR codes were first used in manufacturing, where Denso Wave developed them to store more information and speed up scanning. Unlike regular barcodes, they’re much easier to scan, making it possible to process hundreds quickly and efficiently.
Over time, QR codes have gone way beyond their origins in manufacturing; we see them in museums, product packaging, and restaurant menus.
Here at Unitag, we believe that this is just the beginning. QR codes will find their way into many more aspects of our everyday lives. That’s why we started Unitag. We want to be part of what comes next: supporting your business, listening to your needs, and finding new ways to use QR codes to solve real-world problems.
Want to learn more about how easy it is to set up and use Unitag’s QR code solutions for your business?