My actual preference for prototypes is to use board with this type of pattern:



This type of board has a pad on each side of the board at each hole and is plated through in the holes. This makes keeping components in place much easier and then I can apply the technique of the heavy wire or solder wick braid bussing on both sides of the board.

Once you have built a few prototypes you can see that the planning of the component parking spots and how to put in the GNDs and PWRs is the first thing you do. You can really never overdo the planning and fabrication of boards like these. Get it down for prototyping and then you'll find your self using the same successful concepts when you go to make a PCB layout in actual printed board.

Michael Karas