... or the QR code isn't meant exclusively for direct human consumption? A QR code is quite information-dense. With even the highest error-correction rates, a

... or the QR code isn't meant exclusively for direct human consumption? A QR code is quite information-dense. With even the highest error-correction rates, a 53x53 QR code will store 100 bytes of information (https://www.qrcode.com/en/about/version.html https://www.qrcode.com/en/about/version.html). That's more than you can replicate in a URL intended for typing. For the case of the 'Show HN' here, think of semi-automatic uses of the QR code that still use the provided aesthetic potential, such as inventory-control stickers that look like the owning organization's logo.