Evaluation is where IB Design Technology IAs are won or lost. Many students treat evaluation as a summary of what they built or simply state that the solution “worked well.” This approach almost always caps marks. In IB Design Technology, evaluation is about judging success using evidence, not describing outcomes.

A strong evaluation shows examiners that you understand what worked, what didn’t, and why.

What Evaluation Means in IB Design Technology

Evaluation is the process of:

• Judging how well the final solution meets design requirements
• Using testing and user feedback as evidence
• Identifying limitations honestly
• Reflecting on the effectiveness of iteration

Evaluation is not a conclusion. It is an analysis of success based on criteria set earlier in the IA.

The Biggest Evaluation Mistake

The most common mistake is writing opinion-based evaluation.

Weak examples:

• “The product was successful.”
• “The user liked the design.”

Without evidence, these statements earn very few marks. Examiners cannot reward claims — only justified judgement.

Start With Design Requirements (Always)

Strong evaluation is structured around design requirements.

For each key requirement, you should:

1. Restate the requirement
2. Judge how well it was met
3. Support the judgement with testing or feedback
4. Identify limitations if relevant

This structure makes evaluation clear and easy to mark.

Use Testing as Evidence, Not Decoration

Testing is the backbone of evaluation.

Strong evaluation:

• Refers directly to test results
• Uses user feedback quotes or observations
• Explains what the evidence shows

For example:
Instead of saying “the product was comfortable,” explain how testing demonstrated comfort and where limitations remained.

Be Honest About Limitations

One of the strongest evaluation traits is honesty.

IB examiners expect:

• Acknowledgement of weaknesses
• Discussion of trade-offs
• Realistic judgement

A design that meets most requirements but has clear limitations often scores higher than a design described as perfect.

Explain Why Limitations Exist

High-level evaluation goes beyond identifying weaknesses.

Strong evaluation explains:

• Why a limitation occurred
• Whether it was due to constraints
• Whether iteration reduced the issue
• Whether further improvement is realistic

This shows depth of understanding rather than surface-level reflection.

Link Evaluation to Iteration

Evaluation should reflect the journey of improvement.

Strong evaluation:

• Refers to earlier design versions
• Explains how iteration improved outcomes
• Acknowledges remaining issues

This shows learning, which IB values highly.

Avoid Introducing New Ideas

Evaluation should not introduce:

• Entirely new design concepts
• Untested improvements
• Unrealistic redesigns

Suggestions should be:

• Directly linked to identified limitations
• Realistic within constraints

Speculative redesigns weaken credibility.

How Long Should Evaluation Be?

There is no required length.

Effective evaluation is:

• Focused
• Structured
• Evidence-based

Short, clear evaluation often scores higher than long, repetitive writing.

What Examiners Look For

Examiners ask:

• Are judgements supported by evidence?
• Is evaluation linked to requirements?
• Are limitations acknowledged and explained?
• Does the evaluation show reflection and learning?

They are not looking for praise — they are looking for analysis.

Common Evaluation Errors That Lower Marks

Students often lose marks by:

• Repeating descriptions from earlier sections
• Avoiding criticism
• Making claims without evidence
• Writing emotionally rather than analytically

Evaluation should feel objective and reasoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can negative evaluation lower my grade?

No. Honest evaluation often raises grades by showing maturity and reflection.

Do I need to evaluate every requirement?

You should evaluate the key requirements that define success. Avoid superficial coverage of irrelevant criteria.

Should I include improvements?

Yes, but only realistic improvements directly linked to identified limitations.

Final Thoughts

Strong evaluation in IB Design Technology is not about proving success — it is about judging performance thoughtfully. Students who evaluate clearly, honestly, and using evidence consistently achieve higher marks than those who simply describe outcomes.

Evaluation is where examiners see whether genuine design thinking has taken place.

RevisionDojo Tip

RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Design Technology students who want to master evaluation. With requirement-linked evaluation frameworks, real IA examples, and examiner-focused guidance, RevisionDojo helps students turn testing and iteration into clear, high-scoring evaluation.