The QR code, standing for Quick Response code, was created in Japan by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, and became one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes.

QR codes are two dimensional barcodes that can be scanned via camera phone, and can store information such as website URLs, text notes, product identification, or map locations.

While QR codes have seen a large uptake in Japan and South Korea the adoption in the West has been slower, but it is gaining popularity through the rise of the smartphone market. According to a study of ScanBuy mobile barcode scanning went up a staggering 700% during the last year.

Much is made of the opportunity to connect the digital world with the physical. The scanning of barcodes or QR codes on books, packaging and even ads enables people to initiate as digital experience from a physical product.