AI & The Future of Personalized Print-On-Demand Products

April 8, 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Businesses worldwide are leveraging AI to meet the growing demand for personalization, particularly in the printing, gift retail market, and apparel industry. As consumers seek customized experiences and products, smart technologies are reshaping how companies approach print and design. But why is this shift so critical, and how do businesses stand to benefit? Let’s break it down.

The Broader Implications of AI Adoption

As AI continues to influence personalization trends, its role in setting new standards becomes increasingly evident. The projected growth of AI in the e-commerce market—from $5.83 billion to $64.03 billion by 2034—signals an urgent need for businesses to prioritize the integration of advanced algorithms. Personalized experiences are no longer optional; they’re essential for fostering lasting customer relationships and ensuring brand loyalty.

Today’s consumers demand tailored interactions, with many expressing frustration when personalization is lacking. Businesses that effectively leverage AI report substantial benefits, including significant growth and enhanced efficiency. In essence, AI is more than a technological advancement—it’s a strategic imperative for success.

Infographic titled “The $64 Billion Wake-Up Call: AI Personalization Is No Longer Optional” illustrating the growth of AI in e-commerce market size from 2023 ($5.83 billion) to 2034 ($64.03 billion). Highlights key stats on AI-powered personalization, such as 15% growth in businesses using AI, a 915% increase in conversion rates, and customer preferences for personalized experiences. Displays the benefits of personalization, including 78% of customers choosing brands offering personalized touch, 80% shopper preference for personalized experiences, and a 20% sales boost when personalization is included.

The Power of AI in Print and Design

In the swiftly transforming world of print retail, adapting to change is key. Printbox provides tools like Masterpiece AI and Smart Creation to help businesses meet the growing demands for personalization and efficiency. These solutions focus on enabling meaningful changes in how companies operate and engage with their customers.

Masterpiece AI empowers businesses to create custom artwork efficiently. Consider Printshoppy, an example from the Indian e-commerce sector. By adopting Masterpiece AI, they transitioned from basic designs to more complex image-to-image creations. This shift led to the rapid generation of over 150 renders and engaged users significantly, with nearly 30,000 prompts produced, highlighting improved customer interaction.

On the other hand, imagine offering a service where every consumer can create their own unique photobook with just a few clicks. AI-driven photobook creation is transforming this vision into reality. By utilizing advanced algorithms, intelligent automation enables the creation of personalized photo products that cater to individual tastes and preferences. This transformative technology not only sets new standards in the photo printing industry but also drives engagement and loyalty.

Printbox’s Smart Creation plays a crucial role in this transformation. Among our largest photobook clients, users of our solution now have a 50% higher likelihood of converting into buyers compared to previous data. In 2024, the conversion rate rose significantly from 24.58% in 2023 to 35.25%, indicating enhanced customer engagement and sales potential. This surge underscores how effective photobook software can elevate results by streamlining the design process and accelerating user experience.

Real usage data from Printbox platform, 2023/2024

Together, Masterpiece AI and Smart Creation offer businesses the tools needed to keep pace with a fast-changing industry, focusing on practical enhancements and customer satisfaction.

Enhancing User Experience and Efficiency

In an age where mobile devices dominate, adopting a mobile-first design strategy is crucial. Customers want the convenience of creating and editing print-on-demand photo products on the go. The development of mobile web (RWD) and personalized photo product editors ensures that businesses meet these expectations. By offering a seamless, cross-device experience, companies can enhance user satisfaction and expand their reach.

An analysis of usage patterns from early 2024 to Q1 2025, shown in the graph “Desktop vs. Responsive (RWD) Usage,” highlights important trends. Initially, desktop usage led to responsive design (RWD) by 25–30%. However, by the end of 2024, the gap had narrowed to nearly zero. This trend underscores the increasing importance of responsive design, as usage across both channels became closely aligned by Q1 2025.

Usage data from Printbox platform, 2024–Q1 2025

Flexible buying paths for photo products further enhance sales by providing customers with an intuitive purchasing journey. This flexibility not only streamlines the buying process but also significantly boosts conversion rates—a vital aspect of maintaining competitiveness in the photo printing industry.

Photo products like photobooks and personalized gifts often involve numerous customization options—far more than typical e-commerce items. Without the right approach, this complexity can disrupt the shopping experience.

Printbox offers a solution with dynamic, flexible buying paths explicitly designed for photo commerce. Whether you’re offering premium layflat albums or print-on-demand items, our platform empowers you to:

  • tailor the user journey based on product type,
  • implement smart logic with calculators, dependencies, and rule-based exclusions,
  • build seamless and intuitive purchasing flows.

These adaptive paths help eliminate bottlenecks, reduce confusion, and encourage higher cart values. Our clients report improved upselling potential and fewer support requests—thanks to a clearer, more customized shopping experience.

Conclusion

As smart technologies reshape print and design, integrating AI has become essential for business success. The growth projection for AI in e-commerce—from $5.83 billion to $64.03 billion by 2034—underscores its importance. Personalized experiences drive customer loyalty, and businesses that effectively embrace AI see substantial engagement and efficiency gains.

Tools like Masterpiece AI and Smart Creation from Printbox enable companies to enhance creative and operational capabilities, ensuring they stay competitive. By focusing on practical enhancements and tailored solutions, businesses position themselves to meet evolving market demands and deliver exceptional value to their customers. Wondering how these tools can benefit your business? Contact us now!

Content & Communication Manager in Printbox. She has over 8 years of experience in expert content creation, communication in social media, and PR. In her spare time, she listens to true crime podcasts and takes long walks around Krakow.