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The automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by electrification, digitalization, and the integration of advanced driver assistance systems, leading to a significant increase in the complexity of vehicle electrical architectures. Within this context, the wiring harness represents a critical component, acting as the backbone for power distribution and data communication. Its increasing scale and complexity make the design phase essential, as early-stage errors can propagate into production, generating substantial costs and delays.This study investigates modern rules and methodologies for the design of automotive wiring harnesses, emphasizing best practices that enhance reliability, efficiency, and manufacturability. Key trends identified include the digitalization of the design process through advanced CAD/CAE tools, enabling the integration of 3D routing models with 2D electrical schematics and facilitating early detection of design conflicts. Additionally, the adoption of modular and standardized components supports flexibility, reduces development time, and lowers production costs. Strategies for optimizing mass and packaging space, as well as improving system reliability through preventive design measures, are also highlighted.The methodology combines the analysis of current industrial processes, the identification of recurrent design and production issues, and interdisciplinary collaboration between design and industrialization teams. Frequent challenges include assembly constraints, incorrect circuit sizing, routing interferences, and improper connector positioning. Addressing these issues requires coordinated validation processes, including digital simulations and physical prototyping.The main outcome of the research is a structured set of design rules grouped into four categories: electrical architecture, mechanical design, production compatibility, and maintenance. These rules provide practical guidelines for circuit sizing, routing, protection, component standardization, assembly optimization, and serviceability. Their systematic application has demonstrated a significant reduction in non-conformities by up to 30–40% and improved collaboration across development teams.In conclusion, the paper highlights the importance of adopting a unified, rule-based design framework supported by digital tools and cross-functional collaboration. Such an approach enhances the reliability, efficiency, and scalability of automotive wiring harnesses and provides a foundation for future developments, including automation and AI-driven optimization in design processes.