The Origins and Evolution of QR Codes
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Where Did QR Codes Come From?
QR Codes, short for Quick Response Codes, were first developed in 1994 by a Japanese company called Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. The aim was to improve the efficiency of tracking automotive parts during the manufacturing process. Unlike traditional barcodes that store data in a single, linear format, QR codes were designed to hold much more information by encoding data both vertically and horizontally.
Their fast readability and ability to store a wide variety of data made them an instant hit in manufacturing. Over time, businesses in other industries saw the potential, and soon QR codes became popular in retail, marketing, and even personal use. As smartphones evolved to include built-in QR scanners, their use exploded globally, helping bridge physical objects with digital content.
Today, QR codes are used everywhere—from restaurant menus and product packaging to innovative uses like Spoonomics, where we engrave QR codes onto spoons for a unique and functional blend of technology and craft. These codes can lead (link) to anything from a music video, social media post, personal website and be accompanied by a custom message, making each engraved spoon MUCH more than just an ordinary utensil.
Their fast readability and ability to store a wide variety of data made them an instant hit in manufacturing. Over time, businesses in other industries saw the potential, and soon QR codes became popular in retail, marketing, and even personal use. As smartphones evolved to include built-in QR scanners, their use exploded globally, helping bridge physical objects with digital content.
Today, QR codes are used everywhere—from restaurant menus and product packaging to innovative uses like Spoonomics, where we engrave QR codes onto spoons for a unique and functional blend of technology and craft. These codes can lead (link) to anything from a music video, social media post, personal website and be accompanied by a custom message, making each engraved spoon MUCH more than just an ordinary utensil.