In order to create my own design document, I first needed to understand what that means and how to make my own one great! So I began by researching what makes a successful design document by reading the works of Tzvi Freeman...
(source:https://goo.gl/BB3xCo)
Document everything!
It's so important to note down every single idea and thought you have. Note down everything including discussions and avenues to explore and develop even if it's something you think you won't end up using.
There are three main development stages:
CONCEPT, DESIGN and PRODUCTION.
In the first stage, all goals should be set out clearly and ideas need to be presented in a way that can be shared, and used as a sales tool.
During the design stage, discussions with other practitioners should be documented and organised so it can be shared between different parts of the team and they can collectively try different things out.
Product management during production would be dependent on all planning and ideas being documented.
The design document has to be clear and representative of the collective idea that the team have all created together. It must "allow your projects to tolerate surprise adaptions without losing the integrity of its original dimension and shape".
Three stage documentation:
Concept Paper - The contents of this includes the genre, target audience, description, most compelling features, marketing information, cost and the time it will take to develop. The purpose of this is to define the concept, scope, worthiness and feasibility. It sells the idea!
Design Document - This includes the description of the body and soul of the project, all the details and the method by which each game element will be implemented. This ensures that what is produced is what you actually want to be produced.
Production Documents - Time management charts, task database, budget spreadsheets, technical information and survey data.
For my Games Design Document, I will try to include all of these features. It would be good idea to write a list of things i want to include and rate them by priority and importance.
Points for a successful design document:
Describe the feel that the game should have (the essential experience), the purpose behind each element and the experience of the player etc.
Make sure it is CLEAR to read.
Prioritise tasks. Try using this rating system - Indispensable, important, if possible and rejected.
DETAILS. Describe what will happen in ANY circumstance.
Demonstration! Use more detailed and visual skills to clearly explain a concept or idea. Sometimes a prototype will explain something much better than words can.
Not just "WHAT", but also "WHY" and "HOW"! Document the full process, what materials and equipment was used.
Provide alternatives - Have a plan A,B,C and so on.
LEAVE ROOM FOR CHANGE!
Allow the document to tolerate adaption and development by yourself and others.
But make it clear what can and cannot be changed.
CROSS-REFERENCE repeated information.
Keep the document updated!
Document rejected ideas so things are not discussed repeatedly.
Use a table of contents for organisation.
Deliver it in good condition