[Request for Proposals] Injection Molding Design for a Firefly Pixie Case
Estimated Project Duration: 4–8 weeks
Budget Range: $5,000 USDC (fixed bounty, paid upon completion)
Background
Firefly is an open-source, open-hardware Ethereum wallet designed for developers and crypto-native builders. The Firefly Pixie device uses the ESP32-C3 microcontroller with a 240×240 IPS display and 4 tactile buttons. To date, prototypes have been shipped with 3D-printed harness cases.
As Firefly moves toward larger distribution at hackathons and community events, an injection-molded transparent case is required. This enclosure must balance manufacturability, durability, and aesthetic quality while remaining faithful to Firefly’s open-source ethos.
The purpose of this RFP is to select a designer or engineer who will then produce manufacturing-ready CAD files, technical drawings, prototypes/renders, and cost analyses for the Firefly Pixie case.
Note: Proposals are only applications to take on this work. The actual design work and deliverables listed below are expected after award, not at the proposal stage.
Project Objectives
The project aims to deliver a complete, production-ready design package for the Firefly Pixie transparent case.
Scope of Work (Post-Award)
The selected designer/engineer will complete the following work areas after award:
Phase 1: Analysis & Planning
- PCB & Component Study: Precise dimensional analysis using provided files and/or physical device
- Material Selection: Compare transparent polymer options (e.g., PC, PMMA)
- Draft Angles & Mold Release: Engineering analysis of mold feasibility
- Assembly Planning: Define method (snap-fit etc.)
Phase 2: CAD Design & Technical Documentation
- 3D CAD Models: STEP + native CAD formats for housing, buttons, screen lens
- 2D Drawings: Dimensioned PDFs and DWG/DXF files
- Injection Molding Specifications: Parting lines, gate placement, ejector pins, cooling, tolerances
- Assembly File: With fit clearances and annotations
Phase 3: Cost & Feasibility Study
- Tooling Estimates: For small and large production runs
- Per-Unit Cost Modeling: At 1k, 10k, 50k volumes
- Alternative Methods: Explore CNC, resin casting, or hybrid approaches if relevant
Phase 4: Optional Enhancements
- Logo or branding integration
- LED light pipes
- Surface finish options
Required Deliverables (Post-Award)
- Design Specifications Document (materials, tolerances, assembly method, mold analysis)
- 3D CAD Package (STEP + native files, annotated assemblies)
- Technical Drawings (PDF/DWG/DXF, injection molding specs, QC criteria)
- Prototypes or Renders for Review (3D renders or sample prototypes for visual evaluation)
- Cost Analysis Report (tooling + per-unit breakdown at multiple volumes)
- Alternate Manufacturing Recommendations (e.g., CNC, resin casting, hybrid methods)
Proposal Requirements (Pre-Award)
At the proposal stage, applicants should submit an application to do the work, not the completed design. Proposals must include:
- Executive Summary: Overview of approach and expected outcomes
- Technical Approach: Methodology for design, analysis, and documentation
- Risk Assessment: Potential manufacturing risks and mitigation
- Team & Qualifications: Relevant background and portfolio evidence
- Timeline & Milestones: Key deliverables and estimated completion (within 4–8 weeks)
Submission Requirements
- Submit in PDF/GoogleDoc/Notion/HackMd format
- Include CAD portfolio samples (or links to prior work)
- Provide timeline estimates (4–8 weeks)
- Email to: hi@alisha.xyz
Evaluation Criteria
Design Quality (40%)
- Functional completeness and manufacturability
- Clarity of button, port, and screen access
- Premium, compact aesthetic
Technical Documentation (30%)
- Quality and completeness of specifications and drawings
- Manufacturing readiness
Cost Effectiveness (20%)
- Realistic tooling and per-unit costs
- Value engineering considerations
Experience & Portfolio (10%)
- Previous work in consumer electronics, transparent plastics, or injection-molded parts
- Portfolio demonstrating similar design challenges
Budget Guidelines
- Total Bounty: $5,000 USD (paid in USDC)
- Payment Schedule: Paid upon completion of required deliverables
- Ineligible Expenses: Manufacturing costs (this RFP is design-only)
Timeline
- RFP Publication: 2 October 2025
- Proposal Deadline: 24 October 2025
- Review Period: 1 week
- Award Notification: 10 November 2025
- Project Completion: 4–8 weeks from start date
Resources & References
- Firefly GitHub: Firefly · GitHub
Post-Award Requirements
- Deliverables must be complete and manufacturing-ready
- Final files will be released as open source
- Designer credited in Firefly documentation and public announcements
- Winner retains right to include work in portfolio