Reply to UMC 32 for custom controller

How should i start if i want to make a custom controller with this? Should i use ribbon cables to connect components? what rotary encoders/pots whould i use? what buttons should i use? how should i go about putting this together? what are good places to get cases? basically, i want to learn how to make a custom midi controller, but i thought it would be easier to learn if i said specifically what platform im starting with.