We design almost 150 new projects for our woodworking plan catalog each year. (www.meiselwoodhobby.com) We begin each project with an artist’s sketch. We then meet to discuss construction steps, types of joints and fasterners, type of wood, overall size etc. Next our draftsman makes full size drawings on AutoCad. Our draftsmen often sees additional ways of simplifying construction. We then build the proto type. During construction as well as after it is built, there is about a 30 percent likelyhood we will discover an improved way to build it. This results either in a modification or a complete rebuild. Out goal is always to improve the design or construction techniques, making it more builder friendly and/or asthetically pleasing.
From our experience, I would suggest that individuals designing projects on their own should start by making accurate drawings. This should help you zero in on the appearance and look. But you will likely think of a better way you could have done some things as you go through the building process.