Assessment is one of the most important things to understand before choosing or committing to IB Design Technology. Many students underestimate how strategic this subject is, especially under the new syllabus with first assessment in 2027. While the core philosophy remains the same, expectations around justification, evaluation, and design thinking are clearer and more demanding.
Knowing how marks are awarded helps students focus on what actually matters rather than wasting time on low-impact work.
Overview of IB Design Technology Assessment
IB Design Technology is assessed through two main components:
- External examinations
- Internal assessment (the design project)
Both are essential. A strong design project cannot fully compensate for weak exam performance, and strong exams cannot fully offset a poorly managed project.
External Assessment: Exams
The external assessment tests how well students can apply and evaluate design knowledge, not just recall facts.
What the Exams Test
Across the exam papers, students are expected to:
- Demonstrate understanding of design theory
- Apply concepts to unfamiliar contexts
- Analyse and evaluate design decisions
- Use correct subject-specific terminology
Questions often require students to explain reasoning clearly, justify choices, and evaluate impacts on users and the environment.
SL vs HL Expectations
- SL students focus on core concepts and application
- HL students must show deeper analysis, synthesis across topics, and more extended responses
