Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Jerome H. Saltzer and M. Frans Kaashoek's "Design Principles"

Study these principles. This reading provides a list of important design principles, applicable to any type of design and, in particular to computer system design, software or hardware. Consider these principles as well as other design considerations as a guide to computer system design.

Click http://ocw.mit.edu/resources/res-6-004-principles-of-computer-system-design-an-introduction-spring-2009/online-textbook/principles_open_5_0.pdf link to open resource.