A common concern among IB Design Technology students is whether they are allowed to reuse existing products or ideas in their design project. Some students worry that starting from something that already exists will limit marks, while others fear that reusing ideas could be considered academic misconduct.
The reality is more balanced. IB Design Technology does allow reuse of ideas and products, but only when it is handled correctly and transparently.
What the IB Means by “Reusing Ideas”
In IB Design Technology, reusing ideas does not mean copying a product and presenting it as your own invention. Instead, it means:
- Using existing products as inspiration
- Analysing current design solutions
- Identifying weaknesses or unmet user needs
- Improving or adapting designs for a specific user
Design is inherently iterative. IB understands that most real-world designs build on what already exists.
Is It Allowed to Base Your Project on an Existing Product?
Yes. In fact, many strong projects start with an existing product.
What matters is that you:
- Clearly identify limitations of the existing design
- Justify why it does not fully meet user needs
- Show how your design improves or adapts it
If your project demonstrates clear problem-solving and improvement, marks are not limited by the fact that something similar already exists.
What Is NOT Allowed
Students run into trouble when reuse becomes copying.
You should not:
- Replicate an existing product with no meaningful changes
- Copy designs, plans, or instructions and claim them as your own
- Present commercially available designs as original solutions
Projects that show little originality or decision-making often score poorly, even if misconduct is not involved.
How Reuse Can Actually Strengthen Your IA
When done correctly, reuse can improve your project.
Strong projects often:
- Analyse existing products critically
- Use them as benchmarks for testing
- Identify clear design gaps
- Justify improvements with evidence
This approach shows maturity, realism, and strong design thinking — all of which IB rewards.
Reusing Ideas vs Reusing Your Own Previous Work
Reusing your own previous work (for example, from another subject or earlier year) is risky.
IB rules generally prohibit:
- Submitting the same work for multiple assessments
- Reusing large sections of previous coursework
If an idea overlaps, it must be substantially redeveloped, re-justified, and clearly distinct.
When in doubt, consult your teacher early.
How to Show Originality Even When Reusing Ideas
Originality in IB Design Technology comes from:
- How you define the problem
- How you justify decisions
- How you test and evaluate
- How your design responds to a specific user
Two students could start from the same existing product and still produce completely different, original projects based on user needs and context.
Common Mistakes When Reusing Ideas
Students often lose marks by:
- Hiding the fact that a product already exists
- Failing to explain what is being improved
- Making only cosmetic changes
- Avoiding comparison with existing solutions
Transparency and justification are essential.
How Examiners View Reused Ideas
Examiners ask:
- Does this project solve a real problem?
- Is there clear evidence of design thinking?
- Are decisions justified and evaluated?
They do not expect completely original inventions. They expect thoughtful, user-centred improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I redesign a product that already exists?
Yes, as long as you clearly explain its limitations and how your design improves it for a specific user.
Will reusing an idea cap my grade?
No. Weak justification caps grades, not reuse. Many top-scoring projects are redesigns.
Should I reference existing products?
Yes. Analysing existing solutions strengthens justification and shows awareness of context.
Final Thoughts
IB Design Technology is not about inventing something entirely new. It is about identifying problems and designing better solutions. Reusing ideas is allowed, realistic, and often beneficial when handled honestly and thoughtfully.
RevisionDojo Tip
RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Design Technology students who want guidance on using existing products effectively, avoiding academic honesty issues, and turning redesign projects into high-scoring IAs. When reuse is done properly, RevisionDojo helps transform inspiration into justified, original design thinking.
