About

Kate Nartker is an Associate Professor at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. She is part of the faculty within the Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management program. Her work is focused on textiles, with a particular emphasis on textile chemistry, textile design, and functional textiles. She is involved in research related to textile fabrication, textile chemistry, and the development of innovative textile products. Her role includes teaching, research, and contributing to the advancement of textile sciences and technologies at NC State University.

Research topics

• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social psychology
• Psychiatry
• Marketing
• Advertising
• Geography
• Public relations
• Medicine
• Medical education
• Business

Selected publications

• A value-driven business model framework for fashion print-on-demand platforms

  International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management · 2026-04-05

  articleSenior author

  Purpose The fashion industry is undergoing a significant transformation with print-on-demand (POD) production leading the way. However, the diverse services offered by fashion POD businesses add analytical complexity. This study aims to conceptualize a competitive yet parsimonious framework for business models used by fashion e-commerce POD platforms through empirical observation. Design/methodology/approach Data from 21 fashion e-commerce POD platforms are analyzed, applying qualitative content analysis and quantitative multiple correspondence analysis. Findings Active fashion POD business models are identified and described in terms of value proposition (i.e. end-consumer service model and professional service model), value creation (i.e. hybrid printing approach), value delivery (i.e. live chat and express delivery services) and value capture (i.e. shop service revenue and integration). Practical implications The outcomes of this study serve as a guide for prospective fashion POD marketers to build value and recognize opportunities for their own entrepreneurial activities. The study implies a number of managerial recommendations that are presented in order of the unique dimensions. Originality/value This study employs a priori deductive theoretical categories to analyze data from real-world POD platforms using an inductive approach. This establishes a solid theoretical foundation while generating practical insights beneficial for POD stakeholders. Additionally, the study introduces an innovative methodological approach that combines qualitative content analysis and quantitative multiple correspondence analysis to explore an emerging business area with limited prior knowledge.

  PublisherDOI

• Incorporating Universal Design: Evaluating Its Role in Textile Design Education for Accessible Home Textiles

  International Journal of Art & Design Education · 2025-03-12 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract Universal design (UD) is a design philosophy that offers effective concepts and tools to help designers develop accessible products, services, and environments. Despite the growing need for inclusive design strategies, UD is not typically integrated into design education, particularly textile design. Textile design is associated with the process of utilising aesthetic and technical elements to develop fabrics but is rarely seen as a contributor to solutions in the realm of inclusivity. This study explores students' understanding of accessibility in the context of textile design and the impact of integrating UD into a textile design project. Thirty‐one Bachelor of Science students majoring in textile design participated in a one‐day workshop on UD and completed a project focused on applying the principles of UD to a home textile collection. Student mind maps and design projects were examined to assess their understanding of how textiles and accessibility intersect as well as the application of UD principles to design projects. Results show that students leveraged design elements in textiles, such as colour and texture, as communication tools, therapeutic interventions, and elements that contribute to the function and safety of a space. However, the low use of certain principles in the UD framework demonstrates that further examination on the application of UD to textile design is also merited. It is possible that modifications to the UD framework may be located to increase applicability to the field of textiles and textile design education.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A New Era in Fashion: Analyzing Print-on-Demand Online Business Models

  SSRN Electronic Journal · 2024-01-01

  preprintOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Assessing the impact of multisensory attributes of Textile-based Assistive Devices (TADs) on the experiences of end-users

  Journal of Textile Engineering & Fashion Technology · 2023-09-07

  articleOpen access

  Researchers have defined and measured functional attributes of assistive devices, yet there are multiple dimensions of a device worn temporarily or for life that remain unexamined. The purpose of this study was to explore how the sensory attributes of assistive devices impact consumers in order to build a foundation for a holistic approach to product development. Two online surveys targeting wearers of textile-based assistive devices (TADs) (n=29) and caregivers (n=8) were used for data collection. Survey questions related to sensory experiences (visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory) and describe how device usage and purchasing was impacted. Results suggest that multisensory experiences of users and caregivers involve more complexity than functionality alone. Multisensory effects were diverse in both groups. Some expressed a desire for their device to be more visible and expressive, while others chose not to use, expressing fear of judgment based on visibility. Insight into multisensory aesthetics and how design can be used to conceal, reveal, or provide opportunities for self-expression, as well as avoid embarrassment for the wearer, will help designers understand how assistive devices can be improved and developed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Findings suggest that existing measures of success should include questions about sensory attributes.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• <i>Annet Couwenberg: Sewing Circles</i> , <i>Annet Couwenberg: Sewing Circles</i> , Symmes Gardner, Annet Couwenberg, Caroline Kipp, Lori Rubeling, Mary Savig, Baltimore: Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture at the University of Maryland, 2023

  TEXTILE · 2023-03-09

  article1st authorCorresponding

  Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size Additional informationNotes on contributorsKate NartkerKate Nartker is an Assistant Professor of Textile Design at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States and internationally, including The Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco, The Contemporary Austin, and the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art.kenartke@ncsu.edu

  PublisherDOI

• Crafting in COVID: Engagement With Textile Arts and Crafts Among Senior Living Residents Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine · 2022 · 10 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public relations

  When the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the elderly were identified as a vulnerable group due to their significantly higher risk of severe or fatal outcome of COVID-19. Senior residential facilities were heavily affected and in an effort to constrain the spread of the virus, many organized enrichment programs were paused. This was a concern to many as clinical literature in the fields of Occupational Therapy and Art Therapy has found that art enrichment courses, including textile arts and crafts activities, are effective in managing excess time and coping with loneliness and other emotional challenges. The purpose of this research is to understand how senior residents engaged with textile arts and crafts independently and through a time of increased stress. Due to socializing restrictions, the pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the benefits and challenges seniors face when working with textile crafts. Twelve interviews with senior participants were conducted and analyzed to locate key themes related to their experiences. Results of this analysis have applications for enrichment programming in senior housing facilities, design planning for senior housing, and in shaping further clinical research on the potential benefits of textile crafts.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Impact of Emergency Remote Learning on a Studio Curriculum Analyzed via Case Studies

  Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice · 2022-09-02 · 1 citations

  article

  This paper examines the impact of emergency remote learning on a studio-based curriculum via case studies of three woven design courses within a comprehensive textile design curriculum. The pedagogy of the textile design studio is characterized by a physical space with appropriate resources for the techniques to be taught, learning through extended practice in that space, collaboration with peers and experts, and critique. Moving a course out of the physical studio space and into the remote learning environment makes the implementation of traditional studio practice and proven teaching methods unattainable, creating extensive challenges. However, the necessity of transitioning studio courses to emergency remote learning also led to innovations in teaching practice and new approaches to achieving learning outcomes. Using case studies the authors analyze the advantages and limitations associated with the transition to remote learning within the framework provided by Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy. Through the analysis, the authors bridge in-person and online experiences to identify key components of studio learning in a woven design curriculum. The role of the physical studio environment in helping students progress from understanding basic concepts to creating innovative design solutions is discussed. Due to the commonality of studio-based instruction across textile and apparel design curricula, results of this analysis have application to a range of fashion and textile design disciplines.

  PublisherDOI

• Consumer perceptions and concerns regarding aesthetic attributes of textile-based assistive devices: a qualitative analysis of online retail product reviews

  Research Journal of Textile and Apparel · 2022 · 6 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Psychology
  • Advertising
  • Marketing

  Purpose The purpose of this paper was to examine consumer perceptions of aesthetic attributes of textile-based assistive devices (ADs) and the language used by consumers to express those perceptions and concerns. Previous investigations of user feedback for ADs have largely focused on functional attributes rather than aesthetics. Design/methodology/approach An interpretivist research philosophy was selected to investigate the meaning behind consumer perceptions and to understand their viewpoints on the aesthetic dimensions of ADs. Using product reviews for two ADs sold on Amazon.com as data, the researchers conducted qualitative data analysis through coding and interpretation of meanings behind reviews to determine consumers’ perceptions related to their ADs. Findings The authors identified consumer concerns linking to aesthetics evidenced as a multisensory integration of visual, tactile and olfactory cues. Consumer-preferred language used to address aesthetic preferences was found to supplement the literature. Aesthetic considerations were found to be impactful on avoiding stigma and encouraging or discouraging continued use of the devices. Practical implications Findings may contribute to the development of textile-based ADs with improved aesthetics to enhance user experiences. New ways of using consumer language to interpret user needs may assist in future research and design practice for consumer products. Originality/value The use of consumer product reviews as a rich source of user data is discussed in this paper. As previous research on assistive technology has largely focused on functionality, results of this analysis offer insight into consumers’ aesthetic judgments related to ADs and bring a sensory perspective to the research area.

  PublisherDOI

• Focus and Dissolve: The Use of Cinematic Concepts in Developing Woven Textile Designs

  Journal of Textile Science & Fashion Technology · 2021-08-09 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  This paper examines an interdisciplinary approach to the textile design process via two case studies of woven pattern development. Through the use of cinematic concepts and motion graphics software, woven structures are designed for textile applications. The role of experimentation and inspiration sourcing is discussed with an emphasis on new uses for unconventional technologies. Due to the commonality of creative workflows in the fields of fashion and textile design, results of this analysis have application to a range of disciplines.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Live recruiting on the web

  2009-04-04

  articleSenior author

  This animated video describes the concept of recruiting participants for remote user research.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Katherine Annett-Hitchcock

  North Carolina State University

  5 shared

• S M Azizul Hoque

  North Carolina State University

  4 shared

• Yanan Yu

  1 shared

• Traci A. M. Lamar

  North Carolina State University

  1 shared

• Janie Woodbridge

  1 shared

• Marguerite Moore

  1 shared

• Robert Handfield

  North Carolina State University

  1 shared

• Anne Porterfield

  North Carolina State University

  1 shared