Suggestions from a frequent user (1/2)


It's trivial stuff, but usually untold

In schematic drawing
Make drawings small, or you'll use up too many pages (hard to manage)
Default resistor, inductor, etc may be too big: make yours
Use smaller-than-default text: 0.04 or 0.03 inches is best
Use labels rather than wires, so you can change pin assignment while routing
Add diagnostic leds for your microcontroller
Use spare pins for board identification
Always include a power-on led
If it fits, add self-test circuitry
Be generous with 0R resistors for options and tests
Be generous with 0R1 or 1R0 resistors as amperometers
If they fit, provide multiple alternative components