Industrial Designer Needed: Gym Microplate Tool Bag - Manufacturing-Ready CAD + Full Spec Package Ended

Overview:
I am developing a highly specialized gym bag designed for strength athletes and lifters. This is NOT a generic gym bag — it's a hybrid between a durable tool bag, tactical gear, and precision weight plate storage solution. I am seeking an experienced industrial designer with expertise in both soft goods and semi-rigid products to translate my fully fleshed-out vision into precise CAD files, manufacturing blueprints, and a full spec package.

Key Design Elements:
• Bag size roughly based on a 16-inch large-mouth tool bag footprint (final dimensions will be finalized together based on weight plate geometry and balance)
• Internal vertical plate storage:
o Holds (4) 5lb rubber bumper microplates and (2) 2.5lb plates
o Plates sit vertically, each in their own padded, finger-accessible slot
o Dividers must be thick enough for easy grip and stability, but durable enough to handle iron plates if used
• Book-style center opening:
o Bag opens fully down the middle like a book for maximum plate accessibility
o Two reinforced ergonomic handles meet at the top for easy single-hand carry
• Hybrid structure:
o Exterior is durable, abrasion-resistant soft material (think rugged ballistic nylon or canvas)
o Internal structure has rigid or semi-rigid reinforcement to prevent sagging and maintain form under full load
o Fully rigid hard bottom frame for maximum stability
• Additional compartments:
o Side cavity for barbell clamps
o Open interior cavity for bands and accessories
o Optional small external pocket for phone or valuables on short end
• Security features:
o Zipper lock loop option for theft prevention (premium versions)
• Branding:
o Discreet patch area for logo / future customization

Deliverables Needed:
• Full 3D CAD files (format to be discussed)
• Manufacturing-ready technical drawings with exact specifications
• Material suggestions and bill of materials (BOM)
• Assembly recommendations for manufacturing feasibility
• Optional: photorealistic renderings for early marketing and prototyping

Ideal Designer Requirements:
• Strong industrial design background with portfolio examples of soft goods + rigid hybrid products
• Experience designing bags, tactical gear, luggage, tool bags, or similar
• Familiarity with manufacturing constraints for both soft and hard components
• Excellent communicator who can collaborate as this design evolves into prototype stage
• Able to sign NDA + full work-for-hire agreement (provided)

Important Notes:
• This is an exclusive one-on-one project, not a design contest.
• IP protection is very important — NDAs and work-for-hire will be mandatory before full design brief is shared.
• The product is aimed at serious gym-goers who are tired of never finding 2.5 lb and 5 lb plates in commercial gyms.
• Long-term partnership possible if initial project goes well.

If you're passionate about creating practical, durable, highly functional products that solve real-world user pain points, I want to work with you! read less