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Let us discuss another case study that explain the concept of Systems thinking.
CASE STUDY 21 st Century #Information Literacy
Skills
The System Behind the Square: The Story of the QR Code
Background
In the 1990s, industries around the world faced limitations with traditional barcodes. These
linear codes were slow to scan, stored very little information, and were not suitable for the
growing needs of a digital world.
Problem
Masahiro Hara, an engineer at Denso Wave (a subsidiary of Toyota), noticed the growing
frustration with barcodes in industrial settings. They were outdated, inefficient, and couldn’t
meet the increasing demand for speed and data capacity. The system was no longer working
effectively.
Systems Thinking Insight
One evening, while playing the strategic board game GO, Hara observed the game’s use of
a grid system and contrasting black-and-white patterns. This inspired him to rethink the way
information could be stored and accessed. Rather than improving barcodes marginally, he
envisioned an entirely new system that could address the limitations from multiple angles—
scanning speed, capacity, and flexibility.
System Design and Innovation
The new code, called the QR Code (Quick Response Code),
was developed. It used a two-dimensional square layout,
allowing it to be scanned from any direction and to hold
significantly more data than traditional barcodes.
System Success/Impact:
The QR Code was a breakthrough in data accessibility and
resilience. Its key features include:
Omnidirectional readability (can be scanned from any
angle),
Error correction (can be scanned even if partially damaged),
High data capacity (stores URLs, payment information, text, and more).
Today, QR Codes are used everywhere—from accessing restaurant menus and making digital
payments, to retrieving medical data and joining online events—demonstrating the power
of systems thinking in solving real-world problems.
Why is Systems Thinking Important?
Systems thinking is important because it helps us understand and address complex problems
more effectively. Let’s explore it in more detail:
• It gives us a holistic perspective of the system, not just the individual parts.
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