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Group 4 Sciences: IB Design Technology
Group 4 Sciences: IB Design Technology
The IB Design Technology 2027 course is an exciting, hands-on program where students explore how design technologies shape society, meet human needs, and drive innovation in an AI-enhanced world. Learners develop the skills to analyse, create, and evaluate processes and products while keeping people and communities at the heart of their thinking. From smart city solutions to everyday products, students are challenged to think like innovators, preparing them to thrive where human-centered creativity is more important than ever.
SL & HL - 150 hours
SL & HL - 150 hours
A1 People → Ergonomics
A2 Process → User-centred research methods; Prototyping techniques
A3 Product → Material classification and properties
B1 People → User-centred design
B2 Process → The design process; Modelling & prototyping
B3 Product → Material selection
C1 People → Responsibility of the designer; Inclusive design
C2 Process → Design for sustainability; Design for a circular economy
C3 Product → Product analysis & evaluation
HL - 240 hours
HL - 240 hours
C1.1 – Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Students explore the role of innovation in design, examining how emerging technologies influence and drive design practices.
C2.1 – Design Theory and Practice
This topic involves the study of design theories and philosophies, and how they inform and influence design practices.
C3.1 – Product Analysis and Evaluation
Students critically analyse existing products, evaluating their design, functionality, effectiveness and possible improvements.
C4.1 – Design for Manufacture
Students learn about materials, processes, and systems that impact production for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes.
Independent Project
Independent Project
The Design Technology Independent Project is a student-led investigation in which learners identify a real-world problem or opportunity and develop a solution using the design process. Students research, prototype, test, and evaluate their ideas, demonstrating both practical skills and critical thinking, while reflecting on sustainability, ethics, and user-centered design.
Assessment
Assessment
Internal
Internal
Design Project (40% SL and 30% HL) - (40 hours)
Analysis of a design opportunity
Conceptual design
Development of a detailed design
Testing and evaluation
Detailed development of a commercial product (HL)
Making choices for commercial production (HL)
External
External
Exam Paper 1 (20% SL, 25% HL) - Multiple Choice questions. (60 mins SL, 90 mins HL)
Exam Paper 2 (40% SL, 45% HL) - Short and extended responses. (90 mins SL, 150 mins HL)
Grading
Grading
All components are graded on IB 1–7 scale
Final grade is calculated from a combined IA (40%) + Exam (60%) weighting.
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