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
