- IB
- Design Technology (DT)
IB Design Technology Key Definitions
The IB Design Technology Key Definitions is a vital reference for IB Design Technology students (both SL and HL), offering a curated collection of critical terminology and phrases aligned with the IB curriculum. Designed to support you in Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3, this resource ensures you have the right language tools at your fingertips.
On this page, you'll find an organized list of essential terms, complete with clear definitions, IB-specific usage, and examiner-focused context that helps you build confidence in understanding and applying subject-specific vocabulary.
With Jojo AI integration, you can reinforce learning through quizzes, contextual examples, or targeted term practice. Perfect for coursework, written assignments, oral exams, or exam preparation, RevisionDojo's IB Design Technology Key Definitions equips you with precise language knowledge to excel in IB assessments.
Key Definitions
A
Alertness
Alertness is the key term and means being aware of what is happening in the vicinity, in order to understand how information, events, and one's own actions will impact goals and objectives, both immediately and in the near future.
B
Brand identity
Brand identity refers to the visual, emotional, and cultural elements that define a company and differentiate it from competitors.
C
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon Offsetting is the practice of compensating for the carbon that is produced.
Clean technology
Clean technology refers to products and processes that reduce waste and minimize the use of non-renewable resources.
Cognitive Ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.
Computer-aided design (CAD)
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the generation, creation, development, and analysis of a design or system using computer software.
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) refers to the use of computer systems to oversee and integrate multiple aspects of the manufacturing process.
Conceptual Model
Conceptual models allow the ideas of a designer to create representations which outline the principles, processes and basic functions of a design or system.
Context-driven research
Context-driven research focuses on understanding the specific environments and situations in which users will interact with a product.
E
Eco-design
Eco-design is a design approach that considers the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from cradle to grave (creation to disposal).
Embodied Energy
Embodied Energy is the total energy required to produce and maintain a product or service. It helps designers understand the energy impact of their choices.
Emotional design
Emotional design builds connections between users and products by addressing their emotional needs.
Ergonomics
The application of scientific information concerning the relationship of human beings to the design of objects, systems and environments.
F
Field research
Field research involves observing users in their natural environments, such as homes, workplaces, or public spaces.
Form follows function
The phrase "form follows function," coined by architect Louis Sullivan in the late 19th century, encapsulates the idea that a product’s design should primarily reflect its intended purpose.
G
Graphical Models
Graphical Models: Visual representations used to communicate design ideas, explore solutions, and refine concepts.
H
Human Error
Human error come in several forms but two fundamental categories are slips and mistakes.
- Slips result from automatic behavior, when subconscious actions that are intended to satisfy our goals get waylaid en route.
- Mistakes result from conscious deliberations.
Human Error
Human error come in several forms but two fundamental categories are slips and mistakes.
- Slips result from automatic behavior, when subconscious actions that are intended to satisfy our goals get waylaid en route.
- Mistakes result from conscious deliberations.
Human Factors
The term Human Factors is used for the combination of ergonomics and anthropometrics
I
Ideo-pleasure
Ideo-pleasure is rooted in personal values, ethics, or aspirations.
Imitative strategies
Imitative strategies involve improving upon or adapting existing products to capture market share.
Invention
Invention is the process of discovering a principle that leads to a technical advance and results in a novel product.
L
Lean production
A philosophy designed to optimize manufacturing by reducing waste, improving resource use, and continuously refining processes.
M
Market development
Market development involves expanding the reach of existing products into new geographic regions or demographic segments.
Market penetration
Market penetration aims to increase the market share of existing products through pricing strategies, advertising, or other competitive tactics.
Market research
Market research is the process of uncovering what consumers want, identifying gaps in the market, and analyzing competitors to help guide business decisions.
Market sectors
Market sectors are divisions within a broader market, categorized based on shared characteristics.
Method of extremes
The "method of extremes" focuses on testing products with users at the ends of the target population spectrum, such as those with limited technical skills or physical disabilities.
N
Non-renewable Resources
Resources that are extracted and used at rate greater than are replaced
P
Physical Model
A physical model is a three-dimensional, tangible representation of a design or system.
Physio-pleasure
Physio-pleasure relates to physical comfort or sensory enjoyment.
Physio-pleasure
Pleasure from the body and senses -This includes touch, sight, sound, smell, or taste, and also the satisfaction of using something that performs smoothly.
Physiological factors
Physiological factors refer to the physical characteristics and capabilities of the human body that influence how we interact with products.
Pioneering strategies
Pioneering strategies involve introducing groundbreaking products or services to establish a first-mover advantage.
Product development
Product development focuses on creating new products to meet changing consumer demands.
Product diversification
Product diversification involves adding new product lines to reduce dependence on a single market.
Psycho-pleasure
Psycho-pleasure stems from ease of use and cognitive engagement.
Q
Quality Assurance (QA)
Quality Assurance (QA) is a proactive approach that aims to prevent defects from occurring in the first place.
Quality control
Quality Control (QC) is the process of inspecting products at specific stages of production to ensure they meet predefined quality standards.
R
Renewable resources
Resource that can be replaced (or replenished) over time, or does not abate at all
Reserves
Reserves are proven resources that can be economically and technically extracted.
S
Segmentation
Segmentation divides users into groups with shared characteristics, allowing for more targeted research and design.
Socio-pleasure
Socio-pleasure arises from social interactions or communal experiences.
Static Data
Static Data (also known as Structural data) refers to measurements taken while the subject is in a fixed or standard position, e.g. height, arm length.
Statistical process control (SPC)
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a method that uses statistical tools to monitor, control, and improve production processes.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development is refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable innovation
Sustainable innovation is the process of developing products, systems, or processes that minimize environmental harm while delivering measurable economic value.
U
Usability
Usability refers to how easy and efficient it is for users to interact with a product.
User research
User research aims to uncover the needs, behaviors, and challenges of the people who will interact with your design.
User-Centered Design (UCD)
A design philosophy that places the user at the core of the design process, ensuring that products are intuitive, accessible, and meet real-world needs.