Loading subject…
Loading subject…
Loading subject…
Develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP science subjects
Acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterize design technology
Develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize information and claims relating to technological systems
The help center covers plans, billing, marking and troubleshooting, and you can message us from there.
Visit the help center
Browse IB Design Technology notes, questionbank questions, and flashcards, and revision tools for SL and HL.
IB Design Technology is a Group 4 subject in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It explores human factors and ergonomics, resource management and sustainable production, modelling, innovation and design, and the journey from raw materials to final products, with a strong focus on design thinking processes, problem-solving, prototyping, and user-centered design approaches.
The course is available at Standard Level (SL), 150 teaching hours and Higher Level (HL), 240 teaching hours, with first assessment in 2027.
Design Technology
| Assessment | Format | SL | HL | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Multiple-choice questions | 1 hour | 1 hour | 20% |
| Paper 2 | Short response and extended answer questions | 2 hours | 2 hours | 40% |
| Paper 3 | Structured questions with case study (HL only) | N/A | 1 hour | 20% (HL only) |
| Internal Assessment | Design project following design thinking process | 40 hours | 40 hours | 40% (SL), 20% (HL) |
A1.1 Ergonomics
A2.1 User-centred research methods
A2.2 Prototyping techniques
A3.1 Material classification and properties
A3.2 Introduction to structural systems (HL only)
A3.3 Introduction to mechanical systems (HL only)
A3.4 Introduction to electronic systems (HL only)
A4.1 Manufacturing techniques (HL only)
B1.1 User-centred design
B2.1 The design process
B2.2 Modelling and prototyping
B3.1 Material selection
B3.2 Structural systems application and selection (HL only)
B3.3 Mechanical systems application and selection (HL only)
B3.4 Electronic systems application and selection (HL only)
B4.1 Production systems (HL only)
