Widthwise 2025


Data analysis: Technological outlook


Progress in technology is often guided by market priorities, and companies work hard to try and innovate in the best way possible for their customers. Sometimes though, progress isn’t always pushed by the latest gadgets, as assistant editor Benjamin Austin reports.


due to several key factors, but the main one was their accessibility and ease of integration into our lives. It is a common thought that advances


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in technology are meant to push the latest gadgets and buttons, but actually, what seems to drive the more popular changes in tech is functionality. Take the console wars of the 1990s.


Nintendo had just had huge success with its Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and was looking to capitalise further on greater tech and games within its N64. About the same time, Sony released its


direct competitor in the PlayStation, which, despite Nintendo’s head start in the console race, ended up winning. Te N64 had the latest graphics and running capacity, but the PlayStation was cheaper, and because of its choice to use compact discs over cartridges for its games, third-party developers preferred working with Sony. Tis led to loyal Nintendo titles like Final


Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid becoming exclusive PlayStation partners by the 2000s, giving the console a bigger game library and making them the winners of the console wars. A slight tangent, but one that shows


technology isn’t necessarily progressed by the most up-to-date specifications, but more by what market trends dictate and how easily the latest innovations can be integrated into our day-to-day. Companies looking to drive innovation


would be better off finding out the common issues with the current market and finding a way to remedy them. By listening to


8 | Widthwise 2025 | www.imagereportsmag.co.uk


HS beat Beta Max, CDs surpassed cartridges, and Apple became the choice of smartphone brand over BlackBerry. All three outperformed their rivals


the market, you could predict its needs and, from there, have a greater chance of predicting the next big thing. According to our survey, the biggest issue


facing the wide-format industry is system integration issues and workflow, with 26% of respondents highlighting it as their primary concern. As technology changes, so does its


soſtware and its compatibility, which could raise issues when it comes to replacing older kit. 68% of those surveyed expressed they were looking to invest in new kit, but of those, 43% said they would look to invest no more than £75,000; 16% said it would be less than £20,000. Tis would suggest the want to invest


is out there, but as small adjustments, perhaps to update ageing equipment and soſtware for a more modern version. But these purchases would need to slot in with little to no hurdles, so the investment and installation have the smallest impact possible on the manufacturing process.


Going back to the PlayStation analogy,


people were willing to invest in it, as it more easily fitted into normal life with it also working as a DVD player and then when it came to the next generation the PS2 outsold the GameCube as it allowed backwards compatibility; I’m sure Nintendo would have done too but for its ditching of cartridges for tiny CDs. It shows people are willing to invest when


tech integrates with their lives more easily, which is why the majority of those surveyed (32%) said their next investment would be for a UV curable printer. It is the newest form of ink, boasting


quicker drying times, thus ensuring fewer mistakes through ink running, as well as being better for the environment. It is an increasingly popular piece of


kit, with 71% of respondents saying they already own some form of UV curable printer, which could suggest it substitutes well for older kit, and with its advantages, improves the workflow, which addresses the


What wide-format equipment do you own? Finishing – laminator


Finishing – contour cutter Solvent printer


Print & cut roll-fed printer Latex printer


 Aqueous printer


Finishing – straight line cutter UV curable roll-to-roll UV curable hybrid Dye sublimation


Finishing – specialist textile Inkjet 3D object printer


6% 37% 28%


26% 25% 25% 25%


20% 19%


14%


47% 47%


56%


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