Most of the time when we use the term ‘barcode design’ there really isn’t much design work involved outside of making sure the right data gets encoded in the right symbology. Creativity and barcode design software don’t often make it into the same sentence but it’s one area where you can really improve and have some fun with your product packaging.

Artist Steve Simpson has been making the most of UPC barcodes with some very interesting and creative takes on how a product code can be better integrated into packaging design. He even provides some tips and rules to follow to make sure the code is still readable.

Though they may not take center stage most of the time, barcodes are a part of everyday life even if we don’t realize it. From every product you buy or use to tracking patients at a hospital, barcodes have become deeply integrated into modern life.  It’s no surprise then that such a culturally embedded technology would effect other realms like architecture and design.

These are some of the more interesting examples of buildings that take their design inspiration from the humble little barcode.

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