Industrial Designer + Prototyping/Electrical Integration (3-Phase, Fixed Price)

Description: I'm looking for a designer/maker who can take a consumer electronics device from concept through a working prototype — covering industrial design, mechanical prototyping, and basic electrical integration (rechargeable battery, USB-C charging, button, LED indicator) as a single point of contact. This is a first-of-its-kind handheld product with a genuinely novel internal mechanism. I'm not sharing full technical details publicly at this stage — qualified candidates will review a detailed brief and sign an NDA before Phase 1 begins. Project structure: Discovery milestone ($125.00 3–5 days): Review a written brief, confirm you can execute all three phases (or clearly identify what you'd subcontract and how), flag anything unclear, and propose a timeline and cost estimate for Phase 1 that reflects your actual availability and working style. Phase 1 — Concept design + basic functional testing: Industrial design concepts, plus basic 3D-printed test prints of the core mechanism (validating fit, angles, and key functional dimensions) — not just sketches. Physical, hands-on validation of the core mechanism starts here, not in Phase 3. Phase 2 — Refinement: Iteration based on Phase 1 feedback, finalized CAD. Phase 3 — Prototyping: Full physical working prototype with basic electrical integration, functional testing. Each phase is a separate fixed-price milestone, funded and paid on completion/approval. Budget: $1,500–$4,000 for the full 3-phase scope, depending on your proposed approach and timeline. Please propose your own estimated cost and timeline in your application, with brief reasoning (e.g., broken down by phase). I'm looking for a fair, well-reasoned estimate more than a specific number. To apply, please answer: Describe a past project where you personally handled both industrial design and mechanical/electrical integration for a physical product. What was the hardest problem you solved? What is your estimated cost and timeline for a 3-phase project like this (concept → refinement → working prototype)? Briefly explain your reasoning. Preferred (not required): Some overlap with North American or European business hours for collaborative calls.