Which reproduction technique was developed to minimize the storage needed for original drawings?

The microfilm process was developed specifically to reduce the amount of physical space required for storing original drawings and documents. By capturing images of these drawings on a much smaller scale, microfilm allows large amounts of information to be condensed into a small, easily storable format. This technology was particularly useful before the advent of digital archiving, offering a practical solution for organizations that needed to keep extensive records without sacrificing physical space.

When compared to other options, the blueprint process produces large-format copies of designs and does not minimize storage needs effectively. Xerographic reproduction produces physical copies that require the same storage space as traditional paper documents. Digital archival, while modern and efficient, requires a digital infrastructure and does not directly pertain to the specific historical context of minimizing storage with a singular, established method like microfilm. Therefore, the microfilm process stands out as the correct answer for reducing the physical footprint of document storage.