Helping Millions of People with Accessible QR Codes – Caspar Thykier

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Caspar Thykier is the CEO and co-founder of Zappar (zappar.com), a company focused on augmented reality (AR) technology. With a background in marketing and advertising, Caspar has been exploring the potential of AR for over 13 years.Key Takeaways:

• AR Evolution: Zappar has been at the forefront of AR development since mobile devices made the technology more accessible.
• Problem-Solving Focus: The company's approach is centered on finding practical applications for AR that solve real-world problems.
• Adaptability: Over 13 years, Zappar has navigated changing markets, evolving technology, and competition from tech giants.
• User-Centric Approach: Caspar emphasizes the importance of focusing on user experience and value rather than the technology itself.
• Diverse Applications: Zappar has found uses for AR ranging from enhancing children's toys to improving accessibility on product packaging.

Caspar's journey into AR began with a background in virtual worlds, particularly with PlayStation Home. The founding of Zappar was driven by the question, "What is AR on mobile devices good for?" This question has guided their innovation process for over a decade.The company's approach to innovation is multifaceted.
They focus on creating practical applications that people will actually pay for, rather than relying solely on investment. This has led them to explore various use cases, from entertainment with Hasbro toys to accessibility solutions for Unilever product packaging.
A key insight Caspar shares is that people don't care about AR as a technology; they care about the value it provides. This user-centric approach has helped Zappar navigate the challenges of creating a market for a new technology while competing with larger tech companies.
Caspar highlights two significant projects that showcase Zappar's evolution:

1. Collaboration with Hasbro to enhance toys with AR, which required solving technical challenges like printing codes on various materials at high speeds.
2. Developing Zapvision, an enhancement to QR codes that improves accessibility for visually impaired individuals, in partnership with Unilever.

About Caspar Thykier

Caspar Thykier is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zappar, the world’s leading computer vision company, specialising in AR, MR and WebAR technologies. Caspar and the Zappar team have been vanguards in the XR industry for over 13 years, pioneering the tools, technology and hardware used by brands, businesses and XR creators across the world. Prior to founding Zappar, Caspar spent 15 years as a board director and managing director of major advertising agencies.

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