Common Pitfalls in the IB Design Technology Extended Essay

Introduction

The Extended Essay (EE) is one of the most challenging parts of the IB Diploma Programme. For IB Design Technology (DT) — with first exams in 2027 — it’s a brand-new opportunity for students to showcase creativity and critical analysis through research.

But writing a DT EE isn’t easy. Many students lose marks not because they lack ideas, but because they fall into avoidable traps. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common pitfalls in the IB Design Technology EE and how to avoid them. For structured support, RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub already includes EE guidance tailored to the 2027 syllabus.

Pitfall 1: Choosing an Overly Broad Question

• The problem: Students sometimes select vague or massive questions like “How can design help fight climate change?”
• The fix: Narrow it down to a manageable scope, e.g., “To what extent can biodegradable packaging replace single-use plastics in fast food?”

Pitfall 2: Lack of Primary Research

• The problem: Some essays rely only on secondary sources, making them descriptive rather than analytical.
• The fix: Incorporate surveys, interviews, product testing, or small-scale prototyping to strengthen your essay.

Pitfall 3: Being Too Descriptive

• The problem: Simply summarizing information from textbooks or articles doesn’t demonstrate critical thinking.
• The fix: Analyze and evaluate data. Always ask: What does this mean for my research question?

Pitfall 4: Poor Connection to the Design Cycle

• The problem: Essays sometimes drift into general discussions without linking back to design methodology.
• The fix: Anchor your essay in the design cycle and highlight how design principles influence your findings.

Pitfall 5: Weak Structure

• The problem: Essays that jump between ideas without clear organization confuse examiners.
• The fix: Use a logical structure: Introduction → Background → Methodology → Analysis → Evaluation → Conclusion.

Pitfall 6: Ignoring Sustainability and Relevance

• The problem: Students sometimes ignore real-world implications.
• The fix: Reflect on environmental, social, or cultural impacts — examiners value relevance.

How RevisionDojo Helps You Avoid Pitfalls

The IB Design Technology hub on RevisionDojo includes:

• Examples of strong EE research questions.
• Step-by-step guides for structuring essays.
• Strategies for incorporating primary and secondary research.
• Tips to stay focused and avoid vague or descriptive writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still score well without primary research?
It’s possible, but essays with at least some primary research (e.g., surveys, interviews, or small prototypes) usually score higher.

2. What’s the most common mistake in DT EEs?
Being too descriptive and failing to analyze findings. Examiners want depth, not summaries.

3. Should I link my EE to my IA?
It’s allowed, but make sure the EE focuses on research and analysis rather than just documenting a design project.

4. How much should sustainability feature in my EE?
It should be considered whenever relevant — especially in material choices, innovation, or environmental design.

5. Where can I find EE guidance tailored to DT?
RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub has Extended Essay resources aligned with the 2027 syllabus.

Conclusion

The IB Design Technology Extended Essay is an exciting chance to explore design in depth, but many students lose marks through avoidable mistakes like vague topics, weak research, or descriptive writing.

With first exams in 2027, students need guidance tailored to this new subject. RevisionDojo already provides the best EE resources for IB Design Technology, helping you avoid common pitfalls and build a strong, analytical essay.

Start preparing your EE today with the IB Design Technology study hub.