Designing a complete product in Flux is an iterative, integrated process: requirements → architecture → schematic → PCB layout → enclosure → firmware and validation → manufacturing files. The electronics and mechanical design stay in the same project, so connector positions, mounting holes, board dimensions, and enclosure openings can be checked together.
- PCB-first: Best when electrical requirements dominate or the board already exists. You develop and verify the schematic, size and lay out the PCB, route it, then build the enclosure around the actual board geometry. It is fast and practical for dev boards, instruments, and internal modules, but industrial-design constraints may force a later PCB revision.
- Enclosure-first: Best when ergonomics, appearance, controls, ports, or a fixed installation envelope dominate. You establish the product form, assembly method, user-facing features, and internal keepouts first; then shape and place the PCB to fit. This usually produces a more polished product, but requires earlier mechanical decisions and tighter coordination.
Most products use a hybrid loop: define the enclosure envelope and critical interfaces first, design the PCB within those constraints, then refine both together. No project changes were made in this session. Execution stopped because your ACUs ran out.