Introduction
The Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Computer Science requires you to design and document a computational solution for a real client. Many students get stuck at the very beginning, asking: “What counts as a good IA project?”
The best IA projects are not necessarily the most complex — they are practical, realistic, and well-documented. Examiners award high marks to projects that clearly solve a real problem, follow the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), and show strong evidence of planning, testing, and evaluation.
This guide highlights examples of good IA projects and what makes them successful.
What Makes a Good IA Project?
- Solves a real problem for a real client.
- Is achievable within 35 hours.
- Allows you to demonstrate coding, design, and evaluation skills.
- Has clear success criteria and measurable outcomes.
- Produces a functional program, not just an idea.
Examples of Strong IB Computer Science IA Projects
1. School Attendance Tracker
- A database + interface for teachers to record and analyze student attendance.
- Shows database design, SQL queries, and user-friendly interface.
2. Quiz or Flashcard App
- Helps a client (teacher or student) revise a subject.
- Demonstrates arrays, loops, file handling, and UI design.
3. Inventory Management System
- For a small shop, tracking stock, sales, and restocking needs.
- Involves relational databases, search functions, and reporting.
4. Fitness Tracking Program
- A system to record workouts, calories, and goals for a client.
- Shows data storage, calculation, and reporting functions.
5. Library Management Tool
- Tracks book loans, due dates, and user accounts.
- Demonstrates ER diagrams, database queries, and usability design.
6. Restaurant Ordering System
- Allows waiters to input orders and generate bills.
- Combines arrays, user input, and file handling.
7. Language Learning Assistant
- A vocabulary app with practice exercises and progress tracking.
- Shows algorithm design, loops, and applied user testing.
8. Study Timetable Generator
- Creates customized revision timetables for students.
- Highlights algorithm design, input/output handling, and usability.
Why These Projects Work
- They are realistic: manageable within the time limit.
- They are relevant: solve actual problems faced by clients.
- They are flexible: allow creativity while covering IB criteria.
- They are documentable: lots of opportunities for planning, testing, and evaluation.
Projects to Avoid
- Games that are too complex (e.g., 3D engines).
- Overly ambitious apps that require months of coding.
- Projects without a clear client (IB examiners require a real problem).
Pro Tips for Choosing Your IA Project
- Pick something small but functional — depth matters more than scale.
- Choose a client you can interview multiple times (teacher, peer, family member).
- Align your project with IB success criteria from the start.
- Document every decision, even if it seems small.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a real client for my IA project?
Yes. Even if it’s a peer or teacher, you must show that your solution is for a real person with a real problem.
2. Can I make a game as my IA?
Yes, but keep it simple. Many students fail by choosing overly complex games. Focus on usability, documentation, and testing.
3. How many coding features should my IA include?
Enough to show arrays, loops, input/output, and possibly databases. It doesn’t need to be huge, but it must demonstrate technical variety.
4. Do I need to use databases in my IA?
Not strictly, but database-driven projects often score well because they demonstrate SQL, ER diagrams, and relational logic.
5. Can two students do similar IA projects?
Yes, but each must have a different client and implementation. Copying is not allowed.
Conclusion
A good IB Computer Science IA project is one that is achievable, well-documented, and tailored to a real client’s needs. Projects like attendance trackers, quiz apps, and inventory systems may seem simple, but they provide the perfect balance of coding depth and documentation opportunities.
Don’t overcomplicate your project — keep it realistic and focus on meeting the criteria. For step-by-step guidance, see How to Write the IA for IB Computer Science Step by Step and use IB Computer Science Notes to strengthen your understanding.
