Job Title:
Industrial Designer for Modular Wall Storage System (Dovetail Locking Concept, Consumer Product)
Job Description:
I’m developing a modular wall storage system (garage / workshop category) and need an experienced industrial designer to help bring the concept to life.
This is NOT just a CAD job.
I’m looking for someone who understands:
- Product-market fit
- Real-world usability
- Manufacturing constraints
- Consumer product design (not just engineering)
The Product Concept:
The system is similar to:
- Gladiator wall systems
- Slat wall / French cleat systems
BUT with a key innovation:
A dovetail-based mounting system that:
- Locks into place (no sliding like French cleats)
- Can be repositioned quickly
- Feels premium, precise, and modular
- Supports meaningful load (tools, gear, etc.)
Goal is to create something that is:
- More intuitive than French cleat
- More flexible than fixed hook systems
- Clean, modern, and scalable into a full product line
What I Need From You (Phase 1):
- Concept sketches (multiple directions)
- Mechanical concept for locking mechanism
- Mounting interface design (rail + accessory interface)
- Early-stage CAD (Fusion 360 or SolidWorks preferred)
- Design thinking around:
- Strength
- Ease of use
- Manufacturability (injection molding, extrusion, etc.)
Bonus if you can:
- Suggest improvements to the concept
- Challenge assumptions (this is encouraged)
- Think in terms of product line expansion
What I DO NOT Want:
- Someone who just executes drawings with no input
- Pure mechanical engineers with no consumer design experience
- Generic “product designers” without a physical product portfolio
Ideal Candidate:
- Industrial designer with real consumer product experience
- Has designed:
- Hardware products
- Storage systems
- Modular systems
- Understands:
- Injection molding basics
- Tolerancing / fit
- Functional design
- Can communicate ideas clearly (sketches to long explanations)
Budget:
Starting with a fixed-price Phase 1 project ($1,000–$3,000)
If the collaboration is strong, this will expand into:
- Full product development
- Additional SKUs
- Long-term partnership
REQUIRED — Application Filter:
To be considered, you MUST include:
1. Links to 2–3 relevant products you’ve designed (physical products, not just renders)
2. A short answer to this question:
"How would you approach designing a locking mechanism for a dovetail wall system that prevents sliding but allows quick repositioning?"
3. Your preferred CAD software
Applications without this will NOT be considered.
How I Work:
- Very hands-on
- Strong manufacturing background
- Will prototype and iterate quickly
- Focused on building a real, sellable product
Goal:
Create a market-ready, differentiated wall system that can compete with major brands and expand into a full ecosystem of accessories.