- Get samples of and test ALL intended components from the chosen retailer before the design phase. - Breadboard should include ALL components, even the most trivial ones. - Add badge aesthetics and durability to the design parameters. - Start the project early, but not too early, otherwise technology catches up. - Define and document the tooling for the project beforehand. - Advertise, get sponsors as early as possible. - Agree on and lock the budget in the startup phase. - Preferably use standard code and libraries available through the IDE UI.