# Scannable Obsession Barcodes and QR codes permeate design as consumers accept digital culture. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jul 8, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/scannable-obsession ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Scannable Obsession trend? **Scannable Obsession:** Consumers find barcodes or QR codes commonplace symbols and have come to celebrate their incorporation into all areas of culture and design. Recognizing the inane simplicity attached to the use of scan technology, consumers are coming to find the beauty in digital codes to make the continued assimilation of technology in everyday life more colorful. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 18, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014 - Published: Jul 8, 2014 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Scannable Obsession trend ### Digital Integration Consumers accept the integration of scan technology into all areas of culture and design as a commonplace symbol. ### Customization Unique bar code-inspired designs on various products offer infinite individual customization, attributed to subtle changes. ### Artful Applications Utilizing barcodes in creative ways, such as barcode galleries, illustrated barcode designs, barcode cable organizers, and barcode-inspired artwork. ## What the Scannable Obsession trend means for industry ### For Retail Retailers can enhance customer engagement with creative uses of scan technology in product designs. ### For Design and Art Barcodes have inspired unique art pieces such as barcode pillows, barcode-inspired artwork and personalized barcode designs. ### For Office Space Organization Barcode-inspired cable organizers have the potential to offer a fun and easy way to declutter office spaces, while also adding a creative twist to the process. ## Trend signals for Scannable Obsession Trend score 3.1 out of 10, from popularity 34%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 34% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Scannable Obsession trend 6 featured examples from Jun 18, 2013 to Sep 16, 2014. - [Barcode Cable Organizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/declutter-your-office): Duncan Shotton Offers a Creative Way to Declutter Your Office (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Office supply companies can explore the creation of innovative and fun desk accessories that help with productivity and organization. - [Illustrated Barcode Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barcode-design): Spice Up Your Packaging with a Clever Barcode Design (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Consumer goods companies can differentiate their products with creative packaging designed to engage customers. - [UPC Code Bracelets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bar-code-bracelet): Giorgio Bonaguro's Bar Code Bracelet Can be Individually Customized (Category: Fashion) Implication: Customized jewelry trends offer opportunities for innovative designs and personalized experiences. - [Scannable QR Code Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qr-code-art): Deris Patent Set Up a Booth with Framed QR Code Art to Engage You (Category: Tech) Implication: Art galleries can use QR codes to create interactive exhibits and engage with younger audiences. - [Anti-Establishment Scanner Tattoos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/temporary-barcode-tattoo): Rage Against the Machine with Your Temporary Barcode Tattoo (Category: Special) Implication: Fashion designers and retailers can leverage Anti-Establishment sentiments to spark new clothing lines and accessories. - [Organic Art Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barcode-pillows): These Barcode Pillows by Kate Banazi and Joanna Fowles Add Color to Clean Spaces (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating handmade and customizable home decor products that stand out in the market. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)