8+ Unheard Facts About QR Codes in 2024
Picture this: You run a restaurant chain and want to track your customer’s food preferences or find out your best performing recipes across your different outlets. With QR menus you can easily track it all, without any hassle. Wouldn’t you be a fan of QR codes if you were a restaurateur?
Today you will see QR codes everywhere. From restaurant menus to marketing billboards But how much do you really know about them?
Did you know that QR codes were first invented in the automotive Industry, in 1994 by Denso Wave. It is a subsidiary of Toyota, in Japan. In the automotive industry, they were initially used to track vehicles and their parts. This ensured a smooth manufacturing process of vehicles at Denso Wave Facility.
However, impressed by this innovation, China also adopted QR codes and slowly integrated them in various industries. Soon after China, rapid adoption of QR codes was seen in countries like South Korea as well. Today QR codes are an integral part of many industries worldwide.
Here are some really intriguing facts you might have never heard before.
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1. Singapore's the first to launch a “Unified Payment” QR
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On September 17, 2018, Singapore became the first country to launch a “unified QR payment method” called SGQR.
Impressively, about 60% of Singaporeans use this system, while almost 75% of merchants use SGQR and 40% of hawkers accept QR payments.
2. You’ll see QR codes all over in Spain’s Public Transport
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Spain is now a leader in integrating QR codes into public transportation. 91% of public transport in Spain is now integrated with QR codes, or “smart tags”, making it the first country ever to achieve such a widespread adoption of QR codes in transportation.
3. Canada's Food Awareness trend with QR codes
In Canada, QR codes have changed the way people gain access to food information. A huge 57% of Canadians scan QR codes to know more about their food. This highlights a growing trend in consumer awareness and integration of new technology into people’s daily lives.
4. India is fastest growing in QR code usage.
Every year India sees a huge increase in QR code usage, making it the fastest growing in QR usage along with other South Asian countries.
This rapid adoption came after the launch of “UPI” and apps like BharatPay, PhonePay, and Paytm. This adoption of QR codes has changed how many Indians make payments and access information.
5. China's genius marketing campaign with a large QR code
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China is a global leader in the QR market and has taken QR codes to a monumental scale. They have built a large QR code with trees, which can also be visible to you from a flight, to promote tourism.
This innovative approach showcases how QR technology has grown diversely in China and how it can be used creatively for marketing and tourism purposes.
6. USA's restaurants are all in for QR menus
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As one of the top leaders in the QR code industry, the USA is revolutionizing the restaurant industry with QR codes. Approximately 52% of restaurants have switched from traditional paper menus to QR code menus.
This shift was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift, at the same time, is transforming the dining experience for millions of Americans while also promoting sustainability.
7. Sweden’s currency has a QR code!
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Sweden was the first country to launch banknotes with QR codes. This is a unique step towards enhancing security and traceability.
8. Russians use QR payments mostly to buy clothes!
In 2021, Russia saw a unique trend in QR code usage. Approximately 27%, which is the highest of all QR code transactions, were made in the apparel industry.
While on the other hand, 8% were used for insurance payments. This showcases the diverse domains where QR payments are being used.
9. Australia's crazy QR usage trend per week
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In Australia, QR codes are a weekly habit for many. Around 36.40% of people scan at least one QR code per week.
Australians have also made QR codes an integral part of their daily lives.
Here are some additional facts about QR codes you might find interesting as well
- Every year, 1.5M+ people scan QR Code Developer-generated QR codes.
- Every day, 3500+ QR Codes are generated by QR Code users.
- China leads worldwide in QR code usage.
- QR codes can store up to 2,509 numeric characters and 1,520 alphanumeric characters.
- The Royal Dutch Mint (KoninKliijke Nederlandse Munt) of the Netherlands was the first one to issue QR code-integrated coins.
In the field of QR codes, we have come a long way since their invention in 1994. From tracking car parts to taking over payments, menus, marketing, fintech, and even currency, these small, unique square patterns have made a big impact on our world.
Whether it’s for our convenience or obtaining information, QR codes are proving to be a powerful tool in every domain.
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