# Intuitive Prototyping Apps The Easel Web App Launched at SXSW Interactive 2014 By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-03-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easel-web-app References: [time](http://time.com/20204/inventables-launches-easel-a-free-web-app-for-designing-real-world-physical-stuff/) & [easel](http://www.easel.com/) At SXSW Interactive, Inventables unveiled its Easel Web App, a free online service that simplifies the process of creating 2D shapes on a computer, which makes it easier to manipulate 3D materials, such as with a [CNC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundlink-plus) machine. Inventables is a self-proclaimed "designers hardware store" that’s helping to shift the manufacturing process from the hands of large corporations to individuals. The Easel Web App enables designers to create in 2D and view their design in real time in 3D simultaneously. As well, it’s made apparent how changes to bit size and material choices will also influence the final product. Since it is so intuitive, Inventables CEO Zach Kaplan describes that the web app will appeal to beginners and professionals who want to [rapidly prototype products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autodesk-fusion). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Intuitive Prototyping:** The Easel Web App simplifies the process of creating 2D shapes and manipulating 3D materials, appealing to beginners and professionals for rapid prototyping. - **Online Design Tools:** The Easel Web App allows designers to create in 2D and view designs in real time in 3D, highlighting the potential for more online design tools and services. - **Shift to Individual Manufacturing:** Inventables' Easel Web App contributes to the shift of manufacturing from large corporations to individuals, indicating opportunities for personalized and small-scale production. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Product Design:** The Easel Web App disrupts the product design industry by enabling intuitive prototyping and real-time 3D visualization. - **Manufacturing:** The Easel Web App disrupts the manufacturing industry by empowering individuals to create and prototype products without reliance on large corporations. - **Online Tools and Services:** The Easel Web App highlights the potential for disruptively innovative online design tools and services that simplify the prototyping process. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Frontend Prototyping Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/devcanvas.md) - [No-Code App Builders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ezyis.md) - [AI Web Builders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gptengineerapp.md) - [AI-Assisted Jewelry Design Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blng.md) - [3D Cloud-Based Design Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-cloudbased-design-tools.md) - [No-Code Drawing Design Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hatch-draw.md) - [Digital Manufacturing Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prodesk.md) - [No-Code Online Prototyping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jitblox.md) - [Pro-Grade Desktop CNC Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makera-z1.md)