Why haven’t QR codes taken off in the Caribbean?

QR (Quick Response) codes are 2-dimensional barcodes that consist of black squares on a white background, which are readable by smartphones, QR readers and computing devices with a webcam. Although similar to a standard barcode, they can store considerably more information – up to 7,089 numeric, or 4,296 alphanumeric characters (Denso Wave) – and are usually used to encode text, URLs and other data.

QR codes were developed in Japan where they have been used widely for a number of years. Although their use has been gradually spreading across the globe, reports are that they are truly poised to take off, due to the proliferation of smartphones worldwide, along with the code’s ease of use and flexible application.

QR codes in the Caribbean

So why haven’t QR codes taken off in the Caribbean? There are perhaps a number of reasons for this. Firstly, it might be ignorance – people are just not aware of how easy it is to create QR codes and how they can be used. Secondly, and perhaps more critically, there is a sense that we are still grappling with harnessing the Internet, i.e. to take advantage of the myriad tools and features that are available to promote our businesses or interests.

In that regard, we must acknowledge that although mobile phones are virtually ubiquitous, and smartphones ownership in the region is quite high, most web content is not optimised for access via mobile phones. Websites are usually designed for PCs, which have considerably greater processing power and larger viewing areas (screens) than most mobile devices. With regard to mobile or smartphones, the emphasis is still on mobile applications (m-apps) – programmes created to bring specific services and capabilities to mobile devices, with little consideration being given to improving the mobile web browsing experience.

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