Introduction
The Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most important parts of IB Design Technology (DT). It allows you to demonstrate your ability to apply the design cycle to a real problem, from research to prototyping and evaluation. With first exams in 2027, students are entering new territory, and choosing the right IA topic can feel overwhelming.
Your IA topic determines how smoothly your project runs, how engaged you feel during the process, and how much potential you have to score highly. In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick a strong IB Design Technology IA topic and explain how RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub helps students plan successful projects.
Quick Start Checklist for Choosing a DT IA Topic
- Pick a real-world problem with practical value.
- Make sure it’s manageable within the time and resources you have.
- Choose something that interests you personally.
- Check that it aligns with the design cycle stages.
- Avoid topics that are too broad or too vague.
What Makes a Strong IA Topic?
- Clear Problem Statement
- Your topic should start with a problem that can be clearly defined and researched.
- Example: “Designing a portable storage system for students with limited desk space.”
- Real-World Relevance
- Strong topics solve actual user needs rather than abstract problems.
- Example: “Developing sustainable packaging for a local bakery.”
