Electronic Checklist

Check out this list as you're working on your project. Double check if you need to add any of these features! This isn't about major design elements, but rather smaller features that many look over.

Suggested on power inputs where its easy to reverse polarity. Schottky or P-MOS
Resettable PTC fuses, single-blow fuses or load switches
TVS diodes on voltage rails or data lines that go to connectors
E.g on I2C busses. Can be left NP if decided that they aren't needed. Useful for analog bias adjustments, voltage converter feedback pins and MOSFET gate pins
Useful on MOSFET drains, signal lines, I2C busses or chip config pins
2-pin shorted header or 2 pads connected with a 0 ohm resistor
Can be a button or just 2 pads in close proximity that can be shorted with a spare wire or tweezers
For main voltage rails, especially after switching converters
Such as LEDs and connectors. Can be not-populated
Probe points, unpopulated components, solder pads and jumpers. Free to add and extremely useful
Use plenty of these where possible, so bodge wires can have a short path
Plated through-holes typically for M3 to M2
Usually just makes your board look a little nicer
Clearly indicate the location of pin 1 on connectors and chips. Makes visual inspection easier
For header pins, some round holes may have a square outline instead. Used for identifying pin 1, GND pins or VCC pins
Logos, graphics and labelled pads/pins