The worst technology of the 21st century: QR code menus at restaurants.
The best definition of technology: The ability to do more with less.
Based off this definition, QR code menus at restaurants might be the worst technology ever made.
QR code menus do the opposite of technology: They do less with more.
You have to view the menu on a tiny phone screen AND an asocial experience of everyone being on their phones.
The QR code menu adds time to find the item, whilst also killing all social interactions around the table you came to the restaurant to have.
It has simultaneously made finding food harder whilst also killing the the ambiance of a restaurant.
Why?
The paper menu was fantastic. And it was re-usable. It didn’t need to be replaced.
If the QR code menu could visualize the food I was about to order with augmented reality — then it would be technology. It would be doing more with less.
Until then, paper menus do more with less. Paper menus are a better technology. If you walk into a restaurant that insists on using QR code menu’s — don’t be afraid to leave the venue. Join the rebellion.
