io.tt, the global connected products platform born out of the SharpEnd creative studio, and Zappar, creators of Zapvision and Accessible QR (AQR) technology, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the rollout of inclusive, connected products and packaging experiences for global brands.
This partnership combines io.tt’s enterprise-grade connected product platform with Zappar’s award-winning AQR technology, creating a single pathway for brands to deliver inclusive, standards-compliant digital experiences, meaning every consumer, whatever their visual acuity, can independently access vital product information and engagement opportunities.
Accessible QR codes from Zappar build on the global GS1 Digital Link standard, enhancing ordinary QR codes with a small “dot-dot-dash” corner pattern that makes them detectable from greater distances while unlocking structured, accessible product information such as ingredients, allergens and usage instructions through leading accessibility apps including Be My Eyes, Microsoft Seeing AI, and Envision.
The same code remains fully functional for sighted consumers, who can scan it in the traditional way with their smartphone camera to launch a connected web experience delivered via io.tt. Combined with io.tt’s Connected Experiences Platform, AQRs make it possible for brands to deliver inclusive, compliant and scalable digital experiences across SKUs, markets and languages.
“Accessibility and connected products should go hand in hand,” said Cameron Worth, Founder and CEO, io.tt. “Our partnership with Zappar means brands can now create a genuinely inclusive connected journey - from the physical pack all the way through to the digital experience. It’s about making sure every consumer has equal access and doing it at the same enterprise scale we deliver for our clients across the world.”
“Access to product information should be a basic human right,” added Max Dawes, COO, Zappar. “By connecting Zapvision’s Accessible QR technology with io.tt’s powerful connected product platform, we’re helping brands make inclusion a builtin part of their connected packaging strategy – simply, globally, and at scale.”
io.tt continues to expand its footprint globally, following a series of major enterprise wins across FMCG, beauty, beverages, and healthcare, with this partnership unlocking further opportunities in the packaging ecosystem.