IBDP Design Technology - Introduction to the project

Internal Assessment /
Design Project

The design project allows students to explore a wide range of contexts through the varying material disciplines of design technology. These include, but are not limited to product design, food product design, fashion/textile design, electronic product design and robotics.

Both SL and HL

Novelty - Both inventions and innovations have something in their design that does not yet exist. Something that is novel. You can create something novel by:

Combining the functionality of two existing products in a way that has not been done before.
Developing a product for a use context (situation, location, time) that this type of design has not been used in.

Authentic problem - Both SL and HL design projects need to solve a real problem. You will need to be able to present strong evidence of the authenticity of this problem and the impact of it.

Standard Level

Invention - SL projects should develop an invention: The process of discovering a principle - A technical advance in a particular field often resulting in a novel product. This invention does not have to have a broad well-understood market yet.

Then lightbulb was an invention.
The computer was an invention

Client - SL projects can focus on the needs of a specific person and their design context, or on a large market need. You would design, test, and evaluate with that person.

Higher Level

Innovation - HL projects should focus on innovation: The business of putting an invention in the marketplace and making it a success. This requires thinking carefully about what problem of what exact larger group you will be solving with your product.

The LED light was in innovation.
The laptop was an innovation.

Target audience - HL should focus on a problem that has a market beyond a single person. The project can be inspired by a single person and their needs, but it must be a design opportunity that can be explored at a larger scale. You would design, test, evaluate, and modify your design with the goal of commercial production (Criterion E and F)

Projects to consider

You have a range of opportunities to consider for your inquiry:

Redesign an existing product with the goal of improving its performance, environmental sustainability, efficiency, etc.
Develop a new solution that addresses a unique problem based on user research
Addresses a need in your community (local, school, professional, cultural...)
Be inspired by the UN sustainability goals

Projects to avoid

In general, it is best to avoid the following types of projects as they cannot fully address all the criteria needed in the Design Inquiry and do not meet the scope and sequence of DP Design:

Websites, Multimedia presentations
Smartphone apps, Digital interfaces, Software
Projects that are clearly solving your own personal problem or need as these don't allow authentic user research, testing, and feedback.

Assessment Criteria

The internally assessed component of the course is divided into four sections at SL and six at HL.

The first four IA criteria aim to assess different aspects of the design cycle. The sections are equally weighted to emphasize the importance of each aspect to the overall quality of the design project. The design project is framed by the design cycle, and therefore the design methodology will be similar for each student.

However, students are able to meet the requirements of the assessment criteria using multiple communication modes and media. The assessment criteria are not designed to be a tick-chart mark scheme and the requirements of each section allow the students to be flexible with their approach. As such, a certain degree of interpretation is inevitable. The clarifications of the assessment criteria, found in the Design technology guide, are designed to help focus on the intention of each section, rather than be seen as a definitive approach.

Command Terms

Candidates must understand the requirements of the command terms used in the assessment criteria. The command terms are used to differentiate performance between the mark bands in most cases.

Analyse: Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Demonstrate: Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application.
Describe: Give a detailed account.
Evaluate: Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Identify: Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Justify: Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
List: Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.
Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
Present: Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.
State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

Further advice on May 2021 amendments to the IA component for Design technology.mp4

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