The design workflow for the lone developer


For my own projects, I prefer a different workflow

1- Lay out the schematics with the most important components
2- Draft mechanics and place core components
3- Add more items to the schematic diagram
4- Adjust mechanics if needed
5- Place and route the new items
6- Goto 3
7- Add anything optional that may be useful and fits mechanics
8- Place and route these extra things
9- Goto 7
10- Remove unused "options" before the mounting step
You really don't want solder alloy on your free pads

Everything must be performed with later steps in mind