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Design Technology aims to develop internationally-minded problem-solvers whose deep understanding of the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the planet. This course is for students interested in solving problems through investigation, applying knowledge, and design principles to develop and manufacture optimal solutions. The iterative Design Cycle is at the core of the subject, used in both practical investigative work and theory.
Design Technology interfaces well between the sciences and the arts, owing its knowledge base to the former and its emphasis on creative flair to the latter. The resulting creative tension between theory and practice achieves a high level of design literacy, enabling students to develop critical-thinking and practical design skills that are applied within an essential ethical framework.
Course content
Course content
Skills developed
Skills developed
Conceptual and Critical Thinking Skills
Analysing existing products, technological systems and design scenarios to evaluate solutions by weighing up their strengths and limitations
Design thinking to reframe complex, ambiguous problems into clear, user-focused problem statements and design specifications
Critical thinking to support design decisions with valid reasons, evidence and data
Understanding and applying core concepts from materials, systems (mechanical, electronic, structural) and manufacturing in practical contexts
User-Centred Research and Inquiry Skills
Conducting and synthesizing data from user-centred research methods such as interviews, surveys, user observation, and task analysis
Building a deep empathy for the user population, often by creating primary personas and user journey scenarios
Interpreting both qualitative data (feelings, opinions) and quantitative data (measurements, statistics) to inform design requirements.
Applying anthropometric data physiology, and psychology factors to ensure designs are efficient, safe, and comfortable for the target user
Practical and Communication Skills
Mastering iterative design cycles by creating, testing and refining different-fidelity prototypes and models
Producing a range of technical drawings to explore and communicate ideas, from free-hand sketching to formal CAD drawings
Selecting and justifying materials based on their physical and mechanical properties and designing for efficient manufacturing and assembly
Applying knowledge of fundamental systems, including calculating simple mechanical advantage and understanding the logic of electronic systems to enhance product functionality.
Assessment
Assessment
STANDARD LEVEL
STANDARD LEVEL
HIGHER LEVEL
HIGHER LEVEL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I be disadvantaged if I have not studied DT in Grades 9 & 10?
No. The course is ab-initio (no prior experience is necessary).
DT is open to all students studying the IB Diploma.
Am I expected to be good at drawing?
No. While the course requires you to sketch, you will complete several mini briefs designed to develop your skills.
There are many ways to communicate design ideas and drawing is only one of them. The use of ipads is also common now.
Will I have to use Computer Aided Design?
Yes! CAD (Fusion 360) makes up a significant part of the Design Project for SL and HL students but we will start with the basics.
There is no expectation that you have any CAD experience. It will be pitched to beginners. More experienced users will be able to further hone their skills.
What kind of projects do students design and make as part of their final IA?
Every year there are a wide range of design projects. The project is student-driven and directed. Your teacher will be able to advise you on the ideas that have the greatest potential.
Students in the past have focussed on :
Constructive discontent (dissatisfaction with current design solutions)
Coding, robotics, electronics, systems
Inclusive design (design for disability, the aged, psychological and physiological enhancements)
Sustainable design (SDG goals, eco design, circular economy)
Textiles, fashion, jewellery and wearable design (including electronic-textiles)
Entrepreneurial/Innovation (based on market pull/push)
How do I choose a design project?
Rather than choose a material, process or a product to make, student-designers must discover a need or a design problem to solve.
The nature of the problem to be solved will inform the selection of materials and processes. The focus is on designing solutions that meet real design problems.
Will I have to draw in the examination?
No. The examinations are multiple choice and short written responses.
Which university courses have students of DT gone on to study?
Industrial Design, Product Design, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Landscape and Urban Design, Interior Design.
Why is Design Technology a Group 4 Experimental Sciences course?
Science and technology share a fundamental connection with design. While technology initially emerged before science, contemporary technological advancements are now largely grounded in scientific knowledge.
Historically, technology focused on creating practical products with limited insight into the underlying science. In contrast, modern technology harnesses scientific discoveries to develop innovative products.
By applying scientific insights to address challenges, designers can create new technologies, which can subsequently influence the pace of scientific exploration. This course seeks to deepen our understanding of design and the technological landscape, promoting our collective responsibility for the planet.
What other IB Diploma subjects do DT students tend to study?
Architecture, Mechanical, Structural, Civil Engineering, Product/Industrial Design tend to do Maths, Physics with DT
Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Manufacturing tend to do either Business or Economics, Maths with DT
Broad Design fields (including product/industrial design, digital art, gaming, etc) tend to do Art with DT
Environmental or Sustainability courses at Uni tend to do Geography or ESS with DT
Architecture, User centred design or Systems design students do Psychology with DT
Computer Science with DT is also a great combo if interested in both systems and physical products and Computational Cognitive Science
Fashion and textiles tend to do Art with DT
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