As I’m looking to spec my next project I have to wonder if there is a way to future proof or at least not have a standard or group obsolete in a year. Right now I have Campy 10 speed on 2 bikes. As far as I know my wheels will work if I upgrade to 11 or 12 speed. But I’m seriously thinking about switching to Shimano. I used to think Campy was rebuildable and much nicer looking. Now they’re as ugly as everyone else.
I’m going to assume you’re getting a new frame for this project.
The best standard for bottom brackets is BB386. It will fit shimano HT2, SRAM DUB, and various 30mm spindles and allows for a plastic or metal sleeve around the bearings unlike BB30. (The worst is BB90, if you’re wondering). The cup size for BB386 is the same as PF30, PF30A, BBright, etc. so you have plenty of aftermarket support.
Obviously you want 12mm TA, not QR or 15 front. Flat mount brakes as well.
The safest hub to buy is DT Swiss. They are the most popular hub mfg out there right now, and one of only a handful that has access to the Shimano 12s Microspline license. Even if you get an 11s freehub, you can swap it later. They also have replaceable endcaps. I would personally also get straight pull spokes because it seems like that is the way the industry is heading, but that’s really far in the future.
You don’t want a Shimano Direct Mount rear mech hanger - those never caught on, and probably never will.
It seems that you’re mainly asking about groupsets. It’s odd that you’re considering Shimano because Shimano is the only company that is almost guaranteed change next year and go 12 speed with a new freehub/cassette standard. That being said, Shimano still makes 7 speed freewheels and 8 speed cassettes. I don’t think you need to worry about having a future-proof groupset.