QR codes are officially back. Not only have they returned, but they have also evolved into a sleek and powerful tool for brands. Once seen as a clunky relic of early mobile tech, QR codes are now a perfect blend of creativity and functionality. With just a quick scan, they transform static designs into interactive, measurable experiences.
A Brief History of QR Codes
QR stands for Quick Response. These square codes were developed in the 1990s as an upgrade to traditional barcodes. They could store much more information, from web addresses and contact details to map coordinates and product data.
Their beauty lies in their simplicity: QR codes are easy to generate, easy to scan, and accessible to nearly everyone.
Why QR Codes Initially Fell Flat
In the early 2010s, QR codes struggled to gain traction. To use one, people had to download a third-party scanner app, which often delivered a poor experience. Early smartphones had weak cameras that struggled to read the codes, and links often led to slow or non-optimised web pages. As a result, many users were underwhelmed, and QR codes faded from view.
What Sparked the Revival?
The turning point came in 2017 when Apple and Android integrated QR code scanning into their camera apps. Suddenly, scanning became frictionless.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and QR codes became essential. They appeared on restaurant menus, NHS check-ins and marketing posters, offering a safe and contactless way to access digital content. This global shift sparked a renewed understanding of their value.
QR Code Marketing in 2025: Creative and Connected
Today, QR codes are more than a functional tool. At oodle, we treat them as an integral part of creative campaigns, a seamless link between print and digital.
What makes them especially exciting now is their customisability. Gone are the generic black-and-white grids. Modern QR codes can include:
- Brand colours
- Integrated logos
- Creative visual styling
This allows your QR code to become a visible part of your brand, rather than a functional afterthought.
How We Use QR Codes in Our Design Work
QR codes work best when used with intention. At oodle, we aim to enhance design, not disrupt it. The goal is to keep layouts clean and considered, with the QR code feeling like a natural part of the overall visual language.
You will see them used across a range of assets:
- Branded merchandise
- Exhibition displays
- Direct mail campaigns
- Print collateral and packaging
They are more than shortcuts. QR codes can deliver measurable engagement, particularly when paired with trackable URLs and analytics tools.
Simple Yet Powerful
QR codes offer brands a rare opportunity: a simple, accessible tool that creates direct digital interaction, supports brand consistency and delivers measurable insights. Whether you are guiding users to a landing page, linking a physical product to a digital platform, or adding a personal touch to your marketing, QR codes make it easy.
At oodle, we are always exploring new ways to use QR codes creatively and meaningfully.
Who knew something so simple could achieve so much?
