Design Technology (DT)

Group 4


Design Technology aims to develop internationally minded people whose enhanced understanding of design and the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the planet and create a better world. This course is aimed at students who are interested in solving problems through investigation, applying knowledge and design principles to develop and manufacture optimum solutions. The design cycle is at the core of the course and students use this process in practical investigative work as well as in the theory.


Design Technology interfaces well between the sciences and the arts, owing its knowledge base to the former and its emphasis on a creative flair to the latter. The creative tension between theory and practice is what characterizes design technology within the Diploma Programme experimental science. Design Technology achieves a high level of design literacy by enabling students to develop critical- thinking and design skills, which they can apply in a practical context. While designing may take various forms, it will involve the selective application of knowledge within an ethical framework. A high level of commitment and motivation is essential for success in this creative and demanding course.

Design Technology HoD.mp4
Design Technology Students Video.m4v

Course content

SL and HL courses share the core syllabus. Core syllabus component covers the following topics:

  • human factors and ergonomics

  • resource management and sustainable production

  • modelling

  • final product

  • innovation and design

  • classic design


Additional topics (HL students only)

  • user-centred design (UCD)

  • sustainability

  • innovation and markets

  • commercial production


Practical work

  • Over the period of the course, all students (SL and HL) will work on teacher-directed activities, a Design Project and the Group 4 project.


For DT syllabus, click here.


Skills developed

  • creative thinking and problem solving

  • investigation, analysis, design, realisation and critical evaluation

  • communication through the use of IT and graphical techniques

  • making skills through working with materials, machinery and tools

  • time management, organisation and planning


Assessment

SL external assessment – 60%

  • paper 1 (1 hour) – 30%

  • 30 multiple choice questions on the core

  • paper 2: (1 hour 30 minutes) – 30%

  • section A: one data-based question and several short answer questions on the core (all compulsory)

  • section B: one extended response question on the core (from a choice of three)

HL external assessment – 60%

  • paper 1 (1 hour) – 20%

30 multiple choice questions on the core

  • paper 2: (1 hour 30 minutes) – 20%

  • section A: one data-based question and several short answer questions on the core (all compulsory)

  • section B: one extended response question on the core (from a choice of three

  • paper 3 (1 hour 30 minutes) – 20%

short-answer and extended response questions on the additional higher level topics (all compulsory)


Internal assessment, Group 4 and Design Project – 40%

The internal assessment, Group 4 and Design Project are an integral part of the course and are compulsory for both SL and HL students. All enable students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge and to pursue their personal interests, without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with written examinations. The internal assessments are woven into normal classroom teaching with a range of activities conducted through the course.


The internal assessment requirements at SL and at HL are different. The first four assessment criteria (A-D) are common between SL and HL, however, HL design projects have additional requirements, which are assessed using two additional criteria (E and F). Below are the assessments criterion for internal assessment.

  • criterion A: Analysis of a design opportunity

  • criterion B: Conceptual design

  • criterion C: Development of a detailed design

  • criterion D: Testing and evaluation

  • criterion E: Detailed development of a commercial product

  • criterion F: Making choices for commercial production


University courses and careers

Design Technology is an excellent preparation for tertiary level courses in engineering (such as structural, mechanical, aerospace, automotive, electrical and civil) , architecture, product design, industrial design and technology.