'Completely moronic': Sign QR codes have officially gone too far

An ANZ Bank branch is being called out for putting simple information behind a QR code - and people are over it.

When QR codes were first introduced as a simpler way for businesses to get more information to their customers, without having to print off extra pamphlets that no one was going to read, it seemed like a genius idea.

Personally, I think my life changed for the better when QR code menus became a thing. You’re telling me I can see pictures of every menu item AND I can order without having to speak to anyone?? Huge win.

But, we've now hit the point where it’s officially gone too far.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Image: Reddit.

RELATED: The unlikely reason families are flocking to IKEA

“What ever happened to having a simple sign?”

An Aussie Reddit user has taken to the platform to share a poster on the wall of their local ANZ branch.

The poster, situated where a list of opening hours should be, is instead a line asking customers to scan a QR code for opening hours and branch information, and head to their website for more.

Needless to say, the Redditor was pissed.

“What ever happened to having a simple sign detailing opening hours?” they wrote.

“Now I have to scan a QR code and look up the branch in a shitty website. And since when did banks close at 4pm?”

RELATED: Aussie warns of ‘hidden cost’ with online deliveries

“This is horrendous”

Commenters on the post were just as annoyed, calling the move unnecessarily inconvenient.

“Would have been so easy to just put the damned hours on the sign…” said one commenter.

“This is horrendous, in my opinion,” another agreed.

“This is completely moronic. Why complicate something simple? Why should anyone go through multiple steps to find out info that SHOULD BE THERE??? Talk about creating complexity out of simplicity and creating a problem where none should exist,” said a third.

Some even pointed out how frustrating it would be for those visiting who have difficulties using QR codes, such as elderly people, and people with disabilities.

“Great for elderly folk, you know the ones that actually go inside banks the most,” one commenter said.

“The people who need to know the most are probably the same people who are not tech savvy enough to know what QR codes are…” another agreed.

“That's terrible considering that most people who actually go in and visit branches are older and are generally not as up to date with technology,” another person asserted.

Is efficiency really worth it?

Commenters who had a little sympathy for the chain pointed out that there may be a real reason for the use of QR codes - albeit not a great one.

“Fun little way for them to change their branch hours without having it printed somewhere,” one commenter pointed out.

“This seems like some efficiency measure to save them updating the sign but results in poor customer experience,” another stated.

And, according to ANZ, this point is true.

"ANZ introduced QR codes so customers can access the most up to date information about our trading hours. From time to time we may change our branch opening hours, as we wish to ensure our staff can be available when they're needed most – helping customers achieve their financial goals, whether it’s owning a home, growing a business, or managing their everyday banking needs," an ANZ spokesperson told Kidspot.

"We understand the importance of accessibility and our branch staff are here to help all members of our community to access the services they need."

Originally published as 'Completely moronic': Sign QR codes have officially gone too far