QR codes are not just for a pandemic

Not long ago, QR codes were easy to overlook. They appeared on the backs of product packaging or in the corners of advertisements, often ignored by the very people they were meant to engage. For many, they felt like a passing tech fad from the early 2010s.

Yetover the last few years, QR codes have not only re-entered the mainstream, they’ve become a common part of everyday interactions. More surprising still, they’ve moved beyond purely transactional uses and into areas like networking and personal branding. Their return wasn’t accidental; it was the result of shifts in technology, behavior, and necessity.

‍The First Wave: Promise and Limitations

‍QR codes (short for Quick Response codes) were developed in the 1990s in Japan as a way to track automotive parts. By the early 2010s, they began appearing in marketing campaigns worldwide. In theory, they offered instant access to websites, videos, and promotions without typing a URL.

In practice, adoption lagged. Most smartphones at the time required a third-party scanning app, creating friction for users. Marketers often linked QR codes to poorly optimized mobile pages, leading to underwhelming experiences. As a result, many people saw them as awkward rather than innovative.

‍Creator of QR Code, Masahiro Hara, DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED Source: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED

The Decline: A Solution in Search of a Problem

‍As mobile apps, NFC tags, and social media platforms made sharing information easier, QR codes began to feel unnecessary. Their presence dwindled in everyday marketing, and many professionals stopped considering them a relevant tool for engagement. The technology didn’t disappear entirely, it still had strong adoption in certain regions like China, but in many markets, it faded into the background.

‍The Pandemic Effect: From Niche to Necessity

‍Then came 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need for touchless interactions. Restaurants replaced physical menus with QR-based ones. Event check-ins, payment systems, and information sharing all shifted to scanning codes from a safe distance.This moment solved two major barriers:

1. Technology friction – By then, most smartphones had native QR scanning built into the camera, eliminating the need for a separate app.

2. Behavioral resistance – Millions of people, across age groups and industries, became comfortable scanning QR codes in their daily routines.

In just a few months, what was once niche, became normal.

QCard’s Approach: The QR Code as a Digital Handshake

‍QCard integrates QR codes directly into its digital business card platform. Rather than being a generic black-and-white square, each QR code is customized to fit a user’s brand identity. When scanned, it opens a polished, mobile-friendly profile containing contact details, social links, and multimedia content.

The value here isn’t just the technology, it’s the context. QCard’s implementation makes the QR code part of the user’s professional presentation, whether on a phone lock screen, printed card, or presentation slide. The result is a “digital handshake” that feels intentional and professional, rather than an afterthought.

‍Designing QR Codes That Enhance Your Brand

‍Simply placing a QR code on your materials is not enough to make it effective. To ensure it strengthens your personal brand, consider:

‍• Clear purpose – Make it obvious what the scan will deliver. Adding a short call-to-action (“View my portfolio” or “Save my contact info”) increases engagement.

• Destination quality – The page or profile the code links to should be mobile-optimized, relevant, and easy to navigate.

• Trust and placement – Use placement that feels intentional, and avoid contexts where scanning feels risky or out of place.

Not Just for a Pandemic

‍While the pandemic accelerated their adoption, QR codes have moved into a more permanent role in communication. They’re now embedded in payment systems, event tickets, product authentication, and increasingly, professional identity.

For personal branding, the advantage is two-fold:

‍Speed – No typing, no searching, no friction.

Depth – The scan can lead to far more information than could ever fit on a traditional business card.

In a networking environment where attention is scarce and follow-up matters, this combination is powerful.

‍A Small Square with Lasting Impact

‍With QCard, your QR code isn’t just a square, it’s a gateway to your professional identity. Instead of a generic link, it becomes a customizable, branded experience that makes it effortless for others to connect with you, explore your work, and remember you long after the first meeting. We’re currently inviting select professionals to join our Pilot Program, where you can test QCard’s features before the full launch and help shape how digital connections are made.

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