The start of the IB Design Technology IA is where many students either set themselves up for success or quietly limit their final grade. A weak start often leads to rushed decisions, poor iteration, and unclear evaluation later on. A strong start, however, makes the entire project clearer, more manageable, and far easier to score well.

The key is understanding that the IA is not about jumping into solutions. It is about defining the right problem in the right way.

Why the Start of the IA Matters So Much

The opening stages of the IA influence:

• The quality of research
• The strength of design requirements
• The relevance of testing
• The depth of evaluation

If the foundation is weak, even strong ideas later on struggle to score highly. Examiners can usually tell within the first sections whether a project is well thought out.

The Biggest Mistake Students Make at the Start

The most common mistake is starting with a solution.

Many students begin by:

• Deciding what they want to build
• Forcing a problem to fit that idea
• Writing vague problem statements

This leads to:

• Weak justification
• Artificial iteration
• Shallow evaluation

IB Design Technology rewards problem-led projects, not product-led ones.

Step 1: Identify a Real, Specific User

The best way to start is by identifying a real user with a genuine need.

Strong users are:

• Specific (not “people” or “students”)
• Accessible for feedback
• Facing a clear, ongoing issue

Avoid hypothetical users if possible. Real users make testing, iteration, and evaluation far stronger and easier.

Step 2: Define the Problem Clearly (Before Any Solution)

A strong problem statement:

• Focuses on the user
• Describes the difficulty they face
• Avoids suggesting a solution
• Is supported by evidence

For example, the problem should explain what is not working and why it matters, not what you plan to design.

This clarity guides every later decision.

Step 3: Gather Focused, Relevant Research

Early research should answer:

• Why this problem exists
• What constraints affect it
• What existing solutions fail to do

Avoid broad background research. Research should inform design decisions, not fill space.

If you cannot explain how a piece of research affects your design thinking, it probably does not belong.

Step 4: Let Research Shape Design Requirements

Design requirements should emerge naturally from:

• User needs
• Research findings
• Practical constraints

Strong requirements are:

• Specific
• Testable
• Directly linked to the problem

Vague requirements lead to weak testing and meaningless evaluation later.

Step 5: Accept That Your First Idea Will Change

One of the healthiest mindsets when starting the IA is accepting that:

• Your first idea will not be final
• Early designs are meant to be imperfect
• Iteration is expected

Students who aim for perfection early often resist change later — which costs marks.

What a Strong IA Start Looks Like

A strong start includes:

• A clearly defined user
• A focused, evidence-based problem
• Research that informs decisions
• Requirements that are easy to test
• Openness to change

This makes the rest of the IA feel logical rather than forced.

What a Weak IA Start Looks Like

A weak start often includes:

• Generic users
• Solution-led problem statements
• Research with no clear purpose
• Overly ambitious ideas
• Fear of iteration

These projects are much harder to fix later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose a simple problem?

Yes. Simple, focused problems are easier to justify, test, and evaluate — and often score higher.

Can I change my idea later?

Yes, and you should. Iteration is expected and rewarded.

How long should I spend on the start?

Long enough to get clarity. Rushing early stages usually creates more work later.

Final Thoughts

The best way to start the IB Design Technology IA is by slowing down at the beginning. A clear problem, a real user, and focused research make everything else easier — and far more scoreable.

Students who invest time in the early stages almost always find the IA less stressful and more successful.

RevisionDojo Tip

RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Design Technology students who want to start their IA the right way. With clear step-by-step frameworks, example problem statements, and examiner-focused guidance, RevisionDojo helps students avoid early mistakes and build projects that score strongly from the very first section.