In a very quick turnaround time, our group put together a survey intended for both users and non-users of additive manufacturing. It was difficult to create a short survey that could speak to the various stakeholders within our three verticals, as well as those outside of those industries. Thankfully, our client had only minor suggestions, and we were able to launch the survey on LinkedIn and Twitter by Wednesday afternoon. Today is Sunday, and our total number of responses is ... 17.
We are not entirely surprised, as this is a technology that even early adopters have not considered as a full-scale alternative to traditional manufacturing. The perception is that this is an emerging technology, one that is not that far away from the science fiction realm (think of the replicator on Star Trek!). But in reality, it's a technology that has been around for 30+ years.
We are also aware that there is a shortage of talent in the industry, so getting the survey on LinkedIn, even via 3d printing user groups, will only spread it so far. Not enough people can design for 3D or operate the machines, and the next generation of designers are still tinkering with desktop MakerBots in their science class.
Given that we are not permitted by our client to speak one-on-one with manufacturers, we're operating in a bit of a vacuum, relying on publically available "teaser" data that is written with the aim of getting people to click on their article or buy their analysis.
We hope that the survey will give us some insights, but we are running out of time. Based on the feedback from our preliminary presentation, our content is moving in the right direction. It would be great to gather more evidence and possibly even to test some prototype marketing messages with real manufacturers.
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