Common IB Design Technology IA Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Introduction

The Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Design Technology (DT) is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — parts of the course. It gives you the chance to showcase creativity, problem-solving, and application of the design cycle. But with first exams in 2027, many students are navigating this process for the very first time.

Unfortunately, many students lose marks not because of weak ideas, but because of avoidable mistakes in execution and documentation. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common IB Design Technology IA mistakes and explain how to fix them. For structured guidance, RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub provides resources built for the 2027 syllabus.

Mistake 1: Choosing an Overly Broad Topic

• The problem: Students sometimes select a problem too big for the IA timeframe (e.g., “redesigning a city’s transport system”).
• The fix: Narrow the focus to something manageable (e.g., “designing a portable bike storage solution for urban commuters”).

Mistake 2: Weak Problem Definition

• The problem: Vague problem statements lead to unfocused projects.
• The fix: Clearly identify a user group, their needs, and the specific challenge you’re addressing.

Mistake 3: Insufficient Research

• The problem: Skipping proper background research weakens design justification.
• The fix: Gather data from multiple sources — surveys, user feedback, existing products, and sustainability considerations.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Design Cycle

• The problem: Students sometimes jump straight from idea to prototype, skipping research or evaluation.
• The fix: Follow the full design cycle: identify → research → develop ideas → create → evaluate. Document every step.

Mistake 5: Weak Documentation

• The problem: Even strong projects lose marks if sketches, models, or explanations aren’t clear.
• The fix: Label all diagrams, include step-by-step visuals, and explain design choices clearly.

Mistake 6: Poor Time Management

• The problem: Leaving the IA until the last term creates rushed, incomplete projects.
• The fix: Spread the workload across months. Set deadlines for research, sketches, prototyping, and final write-up.

How RevisionDojo Helps Avoid IA Mistakes

RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub provides:

• Step-by-step IA guidance.
• Examples of successful IA approaches.
• Templates for organizing research and design documentation.
• Tips for staying on track and avoiding common errors.

With these resources, students can build stronger projects and avoid losing marks unnecessarily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the biggest mistake in IB DT IAs?
The most common mistake is skipping parts of the design cycle. Examiners want to see the full process, not just a finished product.

2. Can I still do well if my prototype isn’t perfect?
Yes. The focus is on process, not perfection. A rough prototype with strong documentation can still score highly.

3. How much research is enough for the IA?
Include a balance of user research, product analysis, and sustainability considerations. The goal is to justify your design choices.

4. What happens if my IA topic changes midway?
That’s okay — just document the shift and explain why you adjusted. Reflection is part of the design cycle.

5. Where can I find reliable IA guidance for IB DT?
RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub is the best place to start.

Conclusion

The Internal Assessment in IB Design Technology is your chance to show creativity and critical thinking, but it’s easy to lose marks through avoidable mistakes. By choosing a clear topic, following the design cycle, and documenting your process well, you’ll set yourself up for success.

With first exams in 2027, students need the right support from the beginning. RevisionDojo provides expert IA resources to help you avoid mistakes and maximize your marks.

Get started now with the IB Design Technology study hub.