Running head: EVOLUTION OF THE QR CODE

Natalie Bertelson
Azusa Pacific University
EDUC515: Evolving Educational Technologies
Dr.Jason Seliskar
Case Study: Evolution of the QR Code
June 8, 2015

EVOLUTION OF THE QR CODE

One of the emerging technologies in todays society is the quick response, or QR code
(History of QR Code, n.d.). Named for its rapid speed and complexity, this technology has
become a natural part of the modern world. Although its name may be unknown to many, its
symbol is recognized world-wide. What is it? How can it be used? To understand the purpose
of this technology, we must look into its past.
Evolution
In the 1960s, Japan experienced a major economic growth (History of QR Code, n.d).
At the time, cashiers input prices manually which sadly resulted in carpal tunnel syndrome.In
response to this need, the one dimensional barcode was created by the Denso Wave company
(History of QR Code, n.d). This new invention was a major breakthrough for Japan, but its
limitations soon became apparent (History of QR Code, n.d). The barcode allowed only 20
alphanumeric characters of information and users pleaded for more (History of QR Code,
n.d). A two-man development team from the Denso Wave company was established to
accommodate user needs (History of QR Code, n.d). What was created in response to this
need was the QR code.
Masahiro Hara, leader of the QR code project, wanted to create a 2D code, due to the
limitations of the 1D barcode (History of QR Code, n.d). He understood that a 2D code with
information going both vertical and horizontal, would yield to a easier and faster read (History
of QR Code, n.d). After much trial and error with the design, the development team landed on
a square shape pattern that was black and white in color, could hold about 7,000 numerals,
and was 10 times faster than other codes (History of QR Code, n.d).
By 1994, the Denso Wave released the QR code and it was adopted by the auto
industry where it served as a management aide (History of QR Code, n.d). Similarly, the code
became wildly popular in response to the public's need for transparency from food, and

EVOLUTION OF THE QR CODE

pharmaceutical companies during the time when food safety was a major concern (History of
QR Code, n.d).
The code became even more popular due to Denso Waves decision to make QR Code
publicly available (History of QR Code, n.d). The Denso Wave company has patent over the
QR code, however due to its purpose of being used by as many people as possible it has
become an open source technology (Release of the QR section, para 4). By 2002, the QR
code had become accessible to the general public in Japan due to the marketing feature of QR
code scanners on cell phones (History of QR Code, n.d). In 2010, the code made its
appearance in the United States (The History of QR Codes, n.d). As the code has grown in
popularity, adjustments have been made to it.
There is a micro-code, which was created for smaller code, the iQR code, which uses
rectangular code, and many more (History of QR Code, n.d).The code has evolved into
several varieties with high-level design features and enhanced user friendliness (Global
Expansion section, para 2). Due to the evolution in design and use, the QR code has
expanded worldwide and is used in a variety of ways.
Usage and Function
Since the original purpose, the context of the QR code has evolved.When the QR code
was first created, it was intended to be used as an efficient barcode (History of QR Code,
n.d). Due to Denso Waves decision to allow QR codes to be an open source technology, the
opportunities with QR codes has become seemingly endless (History of QR Code, n.d). Now,
it is primarily used as a marketing tool for companies. Industries are using the QR code to
promote ideas, share information, access coupons,websites, and much more. They are even
being used to access electronic tickets, share contacts, and send messages (History of QR

EVOLUTION OF THE QR CODE

Code, n.d). A quick Google search of creative ways to use QR codes yields thousands of
hits, which is proof to its growing popularity and usage.
In addition, QR code readers are free, making it an easy way for users to be a part of
this technology trend. Not only are scanners free, creating them is free too. Websites like
www.qrsuff.com are just one of the websites that will generate personlized codes for any
resource with a link. This feature has subsequently personalized the QR experience even
more. We see this particularly in education.
One way that QR code usage has evolved is in education. Teachers are currently
exploring the potential of QR codes in several ways and for many reasons. Application of QR
codes in the classroom can range from posting code around the room, creating code
associated with homework and tutorial videos, and sharing codes with parents at back to
school night (QR Codes In Education, 2010). The opportunities are vast, and the creative
minds of a teachers will continue to use them in a meaningful way.
Future
According to David Erickson, publisher of the e-Strategy Blog, QR codes are a
transitional technology and will soon be replaced by Google Classes which are a form of
augmented reality (2013). He goes on to say that accessing a QR code is a cumbersome
process and will eventually be obsolete (Erickson, 2013). However, given the free nature of
the QR code, and the expensive augmented reality products, the likelihood of that happening
is rare. Regardless of their shelf life, QR codes have made a major impact on the way
information is shared.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the QR code is an evolving technology that is currently a popular
resource in society. It was created to improve upon the 1D barcode, but has since been used

EVOLUTION OF THE QR CODE

for much greater things. As time goes by, and technology continues to evolve, the function of
QR codes will be transformed. Until then, there are still meaningful ways to use it that have yet
to be discovered.

EVOLUTION OF THE QR CODE

Works Cited
Erickson, David. "QR Code Use Examples & Case Studies." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 8
June 2015.
History of QR Code How was the QR Code created? | How has it come to be used so
widely? | And what is its future? (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015, from
http://www.qrcode.com/en/history/
The History of QR Codes - QRCodesinMarketing.net. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2015,
from http://www.qrcodesinmarketing.net/history-of-qr-codes.html