How to plan a game? (Design doc)

[jcb]

I'm embarking on a largish project. Client-server model, database, 3d client--the thing every guy and his dog wants to make. I've realized that given the inherent level of complexity in this project, I need to formalize my planning to a greater degree than I've done before. What I need is a Design Doc.

Can anyone recommend an approach? What should a design doc look like? Are there certain standards?

[mice]

I generally follow these suggestions:
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/19991019/ryan_pfv.htm

Think I found that link through this site, somehow, a while back.
Don't know if it will do you any good, but read it if you haven't.

[bladder]

http://www.ihfsoft.com/

Some example design documents there.