Posted on 24th February 2025
by Steve Goy
QR codes are well and truly back, and they’ve had the ultimate glow up. These little black-and-white squares are a perfect partnership of creativity and functionality, turning static designs into interactive experiences and connecting the physical world to the digital with just a quick scan.
QR codes (short for ‘Quick Response’) were first developed in the mid-1990s. Designed to outsmart traditional barcodes, they could store all sorts of useful information – web addresses, contact details, geolocations, and more. What makes them even more brilliant is their simplicity: easy to create, easy to scan, and universally accessible.
Despite their potential, QR codes initially fell flat. Back in the early 2010s, using them was a clunky process. Separate apps were required to scan them, and those apps weren’t exactly user-friendly. Early smartphone cameras didn’t help, often struggling to focus on the codes. Worse still, many of the links led to poorly optimised, frustratingly slow websites. It’s no wonder people lost interest.
Fast-forward to 2017, and the game completely changed. Both Apple and Android integrated QR code scanning into their native camera apps, removing the need for clunky third-party downloads. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which propelled QR codes into the spotlight. Suddenly, they were everywhere – menus, posters, check-ins. They became the ultimate tool for contactless communication, offering a practical, hygienic solution to a world in need.
Today, QR codes are no longer just functional – they’re a design opportunity. At oodle, we see them as a creative bridge between the physical and digital worlds, particularly in campaigns that combine print and digital marketing.
What’s even better? QR codes are customisable. Gone are the days of generic black-and-white grids. We can integrate brand colours, logos, and even creative patterns into QR codes, turning them into an extension of your brand identity.
We’ll use QR codes thoughtfully, for a branded and uncluttered look, designs should not be dominated or users distracted. It’s a subtle balancing act, and one that we’re frequently judging on a wider range of products than you would think. Beyond paper, we include QR codes on branded promotional products and exhibition displays. They’re a direct link to your audience, providing not only interaction but also valuable data insights.
At oodle, we like to explore the way that QR codes can add value to your creative! Whether it’s guiding a user to an interactive website, adding a personal touch to a product, or seamlessly connecting a physical campaign to a digital experience, QR codes offer endless possibilities.
Who knew something so simple could be so powerful?
