My Project Workflow

Projects can take a long time to bring to fruition. This means that I often have several on the go at the same time, which in turn can cause me to miss out some important steps. So I thought I'd gather all of the tips and tricks I've learned in one place as a reference.

The idea

• scratch an itch
• read other makers (for example on hackaday)
• that new-fangled youtube can be useful too

Prototype

• use a breadboard and dupont connectors for speed
• sketch the schematic on paper as you go
• use an llm for advice or as a search engine to find similar projects
• plagiarise other people's designs, you might find one which does everything you need

Schematic

• break out KiCad or similar and copy the paper schematic
• separate subsystems and connect with labels
• add test points (and expansion points if that makes sense)
• use the electrical rules checker
• rebuild the schematic on breadboard to test it

PCB Design

• add component footprints
• use the design rules checker
• print the PCB at 1:1 on paper and check footprints
• make holes in the paper with a pin and check footprints again!
• use a ground plane and mounting holes
• use the silk-screen for component values, labels and version information
• add your email address (you never know)
• use a plugin to send your design for fabrication (for example to PCBWay)
• save the design and its firmware in version control (for example GitHub)

Board Assembly

• don't rush!
• add low-profile components first
• socket everything you might want to reuse
• solder up each subsystem and test immediately
• clean off flux with isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush

Post Mortem

• if it works, document it on a blog like this one
• if it doesn't, fix it immediately, update the version, and document it on a blog like this one
• don't worry about anyone caring about your successes or failures!