A QR Code Is Not Automatically Accessible

The Accessibility Gap Before the Scan

QR codes have become common in menus, payments, product packaging, events, museums, transport, and public services. They can connect users to digital information, but a standard QR code was not originally designed as an independent navigation or information tool for blind users.

A survey by VocalEyes involving blind and visually impaired smartphone users found:

• 66% agreed that a QR code would not be visible to them.
• Around 60% reported difficulty using QR codes independently.
• The main challenge was often locating the code before scanning it.

This creates an important distinction:

• Digital accessibility concerns the content users reach after scanning.
• Physical discoverability concerns whether users can locate and scan the code in the first place.

WCAG standards provide recommendations for making websites and digital content accessible. However, they do not by themselves solve the physical problem of finding a code printed on a wall, menu, sign, shelf, or product.

Why Standard QR Codes Can Fail

Unknown Location

A blind user may not know that a code exists or where it has been placed.

Limited Detection Distance

Standard phone cameras typically require the code to occupy a sufficient part of the camera frame.

Precise Aiming

The user may need to move the phone repeatedly to align the camera with the code.

Angle and Lighting

Glare, shadows, low contrast, reflective packaging, and oblique angles reduce scanning reliability.

Inconsistent Placement

A code may be on the front, back, side, top, shelf, counter, door, or wall.

Inaccessible Destination

Even after a successful scan, the linked webpage may not support screen readers or may contain complex visual content.

Saudi Arabia and the 2D-Code Transition

GS1 is leading a global transition known as Sunrise 2027, with the goal of enabling retail point-of-sale systems to process next-generation 2D codes, including QR Codes powered by GS1 standards. These codes can connect products to information such as expiry dates, batch numbers, instructions, sustainability information, and recalls.

GS1 Saudi Arabia is actively promoting this transition, describing 2D barcodes as part of the Kingdom’s digital future and a method of improving traceability, expiry management, transparency, consumer engagement, and operational efficiency.

This presents an important opportunity: accessibility can be embedded into Saudi Arabia’s transition toward connected packaging and digital environments before inaccessible practices become standardized at scale.

An Accessibility-First Code Strategy Should Address

• Whether the user knows that a code is available.
• Detection from a practical distance.
• Tolerance for different scanning angles.
• Strong visual contrast.
• Consistent and predictable placement.
• Audio and vibration confirmation.
• Arabic and English information.
• Screen-reader-compatible linked content.
• A fallback option when scanning fails.
• Testing with blind and visually impaired users.

Strategic Relevance to Noor Path

Noor Path should not be described as “a QR-code application.” Its value lies in the wider system:

• Markers designed for detection.
• Structured installation inside the environment.
• Information assigned to specific locations or products.
• Audio, directional, and distance-based feedback.
• Consistent content and marker management.
• User testing and implementation support.

A code stores information. An accessible system helps the user find, understand, and act on it.

Key Messages

• 66% of surveyed blind and visually impaired users said a QR code would not be visible to them.
• Around 60% found independent QR use difficult.
• Accessible digital content does not solve an undiscoverable physical code.
• Saudi Arabia’s transition to 2D codes creates a timely opportunity to build accessibility into the system.