Make preferences optional and undoable, so that companions (and your game) don't get broken along the way. Provide companion features that are familiar and useful but also engaging and interesting. Be compatible with as many other mods out there as possible, so that you can use it alongside your favorites.
Look no further, Nether's Follower Framework is that and more! Looking for a multi-follower framework that is easy on game resources and gives you the choice between animal or humanoid companions, with as little as one or as many as 10 at a time? How about a system that also provides a wealth of interesting features, both immersive and quality-of-life, to allow you to tailor the framework to your own style of gameplay?