Why does it still suck?
Every now and again, I encounter an issue that reignites a thought process I have never managed to dismiss. In a world of self-driving cars and iPhone 4000 pro maxes, why does some technology suck just as bad as it used to?
This month I witnessed a brand-new printer defeat everybody who stood near it, which wouldn’t be the first time and certainly won't be the last. This naturally sparked the conversation as to why. Why in the year 2025 do printers still suck at printing? For some reason, the technology of printing ink on paper just feels like it stopped developing 20 years ago. Did we decide it was good enough and give up? Or do we just not need it anymore? The demand for printing in a digital world has no doubt played its part. However, even with a drop in demand the idea that we just decided the technology was good enough, doesn’t sit well with me.
Printers are certainly not alone here. The development of other technology has also stood still for similar reasons. There is far less need for a landline phone in 2025 however if you had one it would probably function a lot better than your printer. It’s understandable, that the demand for a product will hinder its development. Unless the need or desire for this ‘retro’ tech returns. Either as a change in society's interest or a rebounding need for its function. Much like the film cameras return to popularity. This is where the printer throws a curve ball for me. The development somehow seems to have stopped before the demand, which makes me question what truly determines the reduction in development. I can’t help but feel like society subconsciously decided that everything will at some point have a development limit. A point where the need for thought and development no longer outweighs the demand and desire for genuine progress. If this is the case, I question what defines that limit, what determines it, and what can we do about smashing passed it. As for my mate the printer. I guess we will just have to wait and see. Maybe we will be able to print without stress one day soon.
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