Print-on-demand inkjet digital textile printing technology: an initial understanding of user types and skill levels

Inkjet digital textile printing (IJDTP) is an emerging technology that offers product development opportunities for a number of niche markets. To effectively use IJDTP, users must possess skills in computer-aided design (CAD), colour control, and print design. To address impediments to effective implementation of IJDTP, a study was conducted that assessed the user skill level of crafters, designers, artist/artisans and small business owners/entrepreneurs. Data were collected from an international user base of a US print-on-demand IJDTP company to address the study's objectives (N = 624). The majority of participants self-identified as crafters (47%) and self-reported below average skills in CAD, colour control and creating repeat patterns. Significant differences emerged between the four user types and their skill levels. The study's results inform both educators and practitioners who use IJDTP and who require adequate skills to implement this emergent technology.