DP Design Technology at GESS
At GESS, Design Technology is an innovative and hands-on subject that empowers students to engage with the dynamic world of design, technology, and engineering. The course integrates creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, allowing students to explore how products are designed, developed, and evaluated. The program emphasizes the importance of human-centered design and provides a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of design technology. By applying design thinking, students tackle real-world challenges and create meaningful solutions.
💠 Why Study Design Technology at GESS?
👉 Concept-Driven Learning – Students engage with key concepts such as ergonomics, user-centered design (UCD), prototyping, sustainability, and product evaluation, building a holistic understanding of design.
👉 Hands-On Experience – The course integrates theory with practical application, allowing students to create prototypes, model designs, and test solutions through the design thinking process.
👉 Innovative Thinking – Design technology fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging students to develop new ideas, solve problems, and consider the ethical, social, and environmental impact of their designs.
👉 Real-World Application – Students apply their knowledge to a range of industries, from product design to sustainable technology solutions. The course promotes collaboration, ethical decision-making, and practical problem-solving.
👉 Global Perspective – The curriculum encourages students to consider the global implications of design, including sustainability, life-cycle analysis, and the role of technology in society.
💠 Core Units
The course is structured into three key areas:
Design in Theory – The foundational concepts and principles of design, including ergonomics, material properties, and manufacturing techniques.
Design in Practice – The application of theoretical knowledge through hands-on activities such as prototyping, user-centered design, and testing.
Design in Context – Understanding the broader implications of design, including sustainability, life-cycle analysis, and the ethical responsibilities of designers.
💠 Assessment
🔸 Internal Assessment (IA) – Students complete a design project where they apply the design thinking process to solve a real-world problem, from ideation to evaluation.
🔸 Examinations
Paper 1 (SL & HL) – Students demonstrate their understanding of design theory, principles, and methods through multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Paper 2 (SL & HL) – Students apply their knowledge in extended-response questions related to design practice, user-centered research, and prototyping.
Internal Assessment (IA) – The design project, where students explore a problem and develop innovative solutions based on research and prototyping.
💠 Design Technology at GESS: HL vs. SL
🔹 Higher Level (HL): HL students explore advanced topics such as structural systems, manufacturing techniques, and life-cycle analysis, providing a deeper understanding of product design and production. They are also required to complete a more extensive internal assessment project.
🔹 Standard Level (SL): SL students focus on the fundamentals of design technology, covering essential topics like user-centered design and material properties, while engaging in practical design projects.
At GESS, Design Technology equips students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in fields such as product design, engineering, architecture, and digital technologies, preparing them for success in university and beyond.