The UX of Covid-19 Health Codes in China

In China, Health Codes are digital passes invented in response to COVID-19. They come in the format of QR codes generated on phones. These codes assess if the user has traveled to areas with high risks of infection.

• Every city has its own Health Code mini program, which shows your health condition in real-time. The color of the Health Code indicates whether you’ve been to a high-risk area.
• Health codes come in green, yellow, or red depending on the places visited by the user.
  - Green: Currently safe and free to go.
  - Yellow: Been to high-risk locations, and need observation.
  - Red: Diagnosed or a probable case.
• People are required to show their codes while entering residential areas, office buildings, malls, hospitals, and other public spaces.
• Health codes rely on big data gathered and models built by public administrations.
  - Input name, phone & ID number.
  - Face recognition through video to confirm the identity.
  - Code appears, with color indicating the health status.
  - Scan the code to reveal places the user has visited
• The codes represent a health certificate system designed for the masses; they are easy to access and understand.
  - Active users: 1 billion+
  - Ideation to rollout: 14 days
  - Cities covered: 400+