IB Design Technology is a Group 4 subject in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The course integrates creative and critical thinking through design projects that address real-world problems, exploring three interconnected thematic strands: Design in Theory (fundamentals and user-centered design approaches), Design in Practice (prototyping methods, materials, and manufacturing systems), and Design in Context (ethics, sustainability, circular economy, and product analysis). Students develop practical skills in research, ideation, prototyping, and evaluation while emphasizing sustainability principles, artificial intelligence, automation, and life-cycle analysis.
The course is available at Standard Level (SL, 150 teaching hours) and Higher Level (HL, 240 hours), with first assessment in 2027.
Assessment consists of Paper 1 (multiple-choice questions focusing on factual recall: SL 1.5 hours, HL 2 hours, 36%), Paper 2 (data-based and extended response questions: SL 1.5 hours, HL 2.5 hours, 44%), Paper 3 for HL only (case study-based questions on real-world design problems: HL 1.5 hours, 20%), and Internal Assessment design project applying the Design Thinking process to create and prototype solutions to real problems (10 hours: SL 20%, HL 20%).
Develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP science subjects
Acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterize design technology
Develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize information and claims relating to technological systems
