The QR code. It's the tech world's comeback kid, a digital phoenix rising from the ashes to become a critical component of modern business and marketing strategies.
Originally conceived in 1994 by a Japanese automotive supplier to track vehicle parts, QR codes quickly gained traction amongst manufacturers for their ability to streamline inventory management and logistics.
However, the potential of QR codes extended far beyond factory floors.
As mobile phones with built-in cameras became a standard feature, the QR code was poised for mainstream adoption. Yet, QR code technology nearly faded into obscurity due to technological limitations.
Early smartphones required separate apps to scan QR codes, making the process cumbersome. And to add insult to injury, the codes often led to websites that weren't optimized for mobile.
In 2017, the QR code caught a Hail Mary touchdown pass when Apple integrated a native QR code scanner into iOS 11. The need for contactless interactions during the pandemic further accelerated the mainstream adoption of QR codes.
Today, QR codes are as commonplace as the barcode – but infinitely more powerful and versatile.
Despite their widespread use, many still underestimate what QR codes are capable of. Their potential for creativity and strategic application is vast, offering businesses opportunities to engage audiences like never before.
Prepare to be inspired (and amazed) as we share our picks for the top ten most innovative use cases of the QR code.
1. A Retail Transformation: Beyond the Barcode
The barcode, a retail fixture for more than 50 years, is nearing extinction.
Its successor? The QR code.
Traditional, one-dimensional barcodes (like the ones on ketchup, cosmetics, and other consumer packaged goods) use varying widths of lines to store limited data, typically just product numbers.
Two-dimensional QR codes, on the other hand, utilize a grid of squares to encode information both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to store vast amounts of information—from a product's origin and ingredients to its expiration date and links to promotional offers.
The non-profit organization GS1, which oversees global barcode standards, is spearheading a movement to replace traditional barcodes with QR codes by 2027.
This will offer retailers a wealth of opportunities to engage consumers at the point of sale—using print packaging not just for identification but as a gateway to enriched engagement, targeted promotions, and customer feedback.
2. Early Innovation: Taco Bell’s 2012 QR Code Campaign
Though widespread adoption of QR codes didn’t begin until 2017, Taco Bell recognized the potential of QR codes five years earlier. 
In 2012, Taco Bell deployed a massive integrated marketing campaign for the product launch of a modern fast-food favorite: the Doritos Locos Taco.
As part of the launch, which focused heavily on customer engagement, Taco Bell put on the Feed the Beat Concert Series, which featured more than 50 artists.
For customers who could not attend the concert, Taco Bell engaged with them through QR codes placed on Doritos Locos Taco packaging that linked to exclusive videos from the event.
To keep the content fresh and exciting for customers, the QR code linked to a new video each week. This campaign was way ahead of its time (it was also the most popular product launch in Taco Bell’s history) and helped pave the way for the widespread adoption of QR codes.
3. QR Code-Powered Storytelling
Waterfall Glen Soap Company, an Illinois-based manufacturer of high-quality, ethically sourced organic and vegan soaps, utilized QR codes to improve its packaging and enhance the customer experience for its popular line of frog soaps.
"Our frog soaps began as a playful experiment but quickly hopped into the hearts of our customers," says Douglas Coggeshall, President and Founder. "What began as a single frog soap has now sprouted into a family of nine unique characters, each contributing to an evolving story."
Each shipment of frog soaps comes with a storybook that begins with the story about how they were found by siblings.
“Each new frog soap we introduced added another chapter to the storybook we include in each package,” said Douglas. "All this, plus the soap, decorative grass, and free sample made for a very crowded box."
To keep providing customers with the engaging brand experience they’d come to know and love–while also reducing packaging size and material usage–Waterfall Glen Soap Company switched to digital storytelling by adding dynamic QR codes to their packaging.
Since the company used a dynamic QR code on its packaging, the content that opens after scanning the code can be updated at any time, allowing for the story to continue and evolve as new frog characters are introduced.
4. Real Estate Refresh: QR Code Signage
Real estate agents are increasingly shifting away from the traditional "For Sale" sign design and moving towards signage that features a large QR code (and we mean LARGE).
These QR codes take up the majority of space on the sign, making it easy for potential buyers to engage with listings as they walk or drive by the property.
Instead of looking for a pen to write down an address, phone number, or website, potential buyers can simply scan the prominently displayed QR code for instant access to information about the property–including photos, virtual tours, pricing, and the listing agent’s contact information.
5. Authenticity Verification in Fashion
To combat counterfeiting, Diesel launched a product authentication system featuring a scannable QR code and a 12-digit numerical code.
When customers scan the QR code found on apparel tags, it takes them to a website where they are prompted to enter the unique 12-digit code found on the tag to verify the garment’s authenticity.
According to Diesel, counterfeiting of the brand has decreased noticeably since implementing this product authentication system.
6. Streamlining Facility Management with QR Codes
Fun fact: The “QR” in QR code stands for Quick Response. And that’s exactly how one airport is utilizing QR codes. At Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, you'll find QR codes posted in every public restroom for travelers to communicate maintenance issues.
Spotted a leaky faucet? Out of paper towels?
Just scan the code to report the problem and the facilities team will quickly respond.
7. An Art Museum in Your Pocket
Ohio State University is modernizing how we experience art by embedding QR codes into its public art collection.
Partnering with Bloomberg Connects, a platform used by major cultural institutions, OSU provides visitors with instant access to a wealth of information about each piece of art to enhance the visitor experience and promote the university's arts initiatives
8. Safety First with Equipment Rental QR Codes
In the equipment rental industry, providing clear and accessible instructions is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and safety.
QR codes offer an easy, convenient, and practical solution by connecting users with essential resources right when (and where) they need them: on the equipment.
Beyond basic instructions, QR codes can connect renters to troubleshooting guides that address common issues.
This is also a proactive solution that minimizes downtime and enhances customer satisfaction by allowing users to quickly resolve problems without needing to contact customer support.
9. The Digital Afterlife: QR Codes on Tombstones
Visiting a cemetery just got a lot more interactive thanks to QR codes.
Companies like Turning Hearts are preserving the memories and legacy of the deceased with their line of “memorial medallions”.
These small, durable medallions are made of high-grade aluminum and attached to headstones. Each medallion features a unique, laser-engraved QR code.
When scanned, the QR code takes visitors to an online profile of the deceased. These profiles can include photos, videos, biographical information, and even stories from loved ones.
10. User-Generated Content (UGC) Made Easy
Turn event attendees into brand ambassadors with a simple scan. Simply add QR codes to event signage, displays, and banners to make it easy for attendees to share their photos and videos from the event.
This authentic, user-generated content can be repurposed on social media, websites, and future marketing materials. As a bonus, this approach also adds highly credible social proof and amplifies brand reach.
About Artisan Colour
The QR code's journey is as captivating as its possibilities, and the potential for innovation and revenue growth is immense. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the applications for QR codes.
But to truly leverage their power, you need an integrated marketing partner who can seamlessly integrate QR codes into a multi-channel strategy that drives results.
The seamless integration of print and digital marketing is exactly what Artisan Colour specializes in.
Our extensive menu of print and digital services ensures every touchpoint strengthens your connection with target audiences.
- Print Services: Marketing collateral, catalogs, branded packaging, vehicle wraps, personalized printing, and specialty printing.
- Digital Marketing: Digital marketing strategy, graphic design, website design, content marketing, SEO, social media, software integrations, and Hubspot ecosystem management.
- Signage and Branding: Business signage, wall and window graphics, indoor and outdoor banners, trade shows and events, retail displays, and wall wraps.
- Direct Mail Marketing: Direct mail campaigns, personalized direct mail, mailing lists, Informed Delivery, and web to mailbox.
- Marketing Fulfillment: Web-to-print, warehousing and storage, inventory management, kitting and assembly, and promotional products.
- Color Management: Prepress, premedia, online image libraries, photography, graphic design, image retouching, and color management.
We can’t wait to show what Artisan Colour can do for your business.
Contact our team of print and digital artisans today.
