The problem statement is one of the most important — and most underestimated — parts of the IB Design Technology IA. A weak problem statement quietly limits marks across the entire project, while a strong one makes research, design development, testing, and evaluation far easier and more effective.

Many students rush this step or treat it as a formality. In reality, the problem statement is the foundation of the entire IA.

What Is a Problem Statement in IB Design Technology?

A problem statement clearly explains:

• Who the user is
• What problem they are experiencing
• Why it matters
• What is currently not working

It does not describe a solution. It describes a situation that needs a solution.

Examiners use the problem statement to judge whether the rest of the project is logical, focused, and justified.

Why the Problem Statement Matters So Much

A strong problem statement directly affects:

• The relevance of research
• The quality of design requirements
• The clarity of testing
• The strength of evaluation

If the problem is vague, everything that follows becomes vague too — even if the final product looks good.

The Biggest Problem Statement Mistake

The most common mistake is including the solution.

Weak example:

• “The problem is that students need a better desk organiser to improve productivity.”

This already assumes the solution.

Strong problem statements describe the issue, not the fix.

Step 1: Be Specific About the User

A strong problem statement always identifies a specific user.

Weak:

• “Students struggle with organisation.”

Strong:

• “A Year 12 IB student who studies in a small shared bedroom struggles to organise stationery and revision materials during daily study sessions.”

Specific users lead to stronger justification and better testing later.

Step 2: Clearly Describe the Problem

Explain what is going wrong now.

Focus on:

• Repeated difficulties
• Observable issues
• User frustration or inefficiency

Avoid emotional exaggeration. Examiners want clarity, not drama.

Step 3: Explain Why the Problem Matters

Strong problem statements explain impact.

This might include:

• Loss of time
• Reduced comfort
• Increased frustration
• Decreased efficiency

If the problem does not matter, the design solution will not matter either.

Step 4: Support the Problem With Evidence

High-quality problem statements are evidence-based.

Evidence can include:

• User interviews or feedback
• Observations
• Simple surveys
• Photographs or notes

This shows the problem is real, not assumed.

Step 5: Avoid Vague or Broad Language

Problem statements should be focused.

Avoid phrases like:

• “In general”
• “Many people”
• “A lot of users”

Precision makes the problem easier to solve — and easier to evaluate.

What a Strong Problem Statement Looks Like

A strong problem statement:

• Is one clear paragraph (or two at most)
• Names the user
• Describes the issue clearly
• Explains why it matters
• Is supported by evidence
• Contains no solution language

If you can already picture how it will be tested and evaluated, it is probably strong.

How Examiners Judge Problem Statements

Examiners ask:

• Is the problem clear and justified?
• Does it logically lead to the rest of the project?
• Is the user real and relevant?

They do not judge creativity or originality at this stage — only clarity and relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should the problem statement be?

Short and focused. One strong paragraph is usually enough.

Can I change my problem statement later?

Small refinements are normal, but major changes late in the IA cause stress and weaken coherence.

Can two students have similar problem statements?

Yes. Marks are based on thinking and justification, not uniqueness.

Final Thoughts

A strong IB Design Technology problem statement does not try to impress — it tries to clarify. Students who take time to define the problem properly almost always find the rest of the IA easier, more logical, and more successful.

If the problem is clear, the design process flows naturally.

RevisionDojo Tip

RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Design Technology students who want to write strong, examiner-ready problem statements. With clear examples, structured templates, and feedback-driven guidance, RevisionDojo helps students build IA foundations that lead to higher marks across every criterion.