IB Design Technology Paper 1 often feels unpredictable to students. The questions are unfamiliar, the scenarios are new, and memorisation alone rarely works. As a result, many students revise inefficiently by rereading notes instead of building the application skills the exam actually tests.
Paper 1 rewards students who understand concepts deeply and can apply them quickly to new situations.
What Does IB Design Technology Paper 1 Test?
Paper 1 primarily tests:
- Core design theory
- Understanding of users and context
- Application of concepts to unfamiliar scenarios
- Clear explanation using subject-specific terminology
Questions are usually shorter and more focused than Paper 2, but they still require precise thinking and application, not just recall.
Why Memorisation Alone Is Not Enough
Many students try to memorise definitions for:
- Ergonomics
- Sustainability
- User-centred design
- Ethics
While basic definitions help, Paper 1 questions almost always ask students to:
- Apply concepts to a product or situation
- Explain why a design choice is suitable
- Identify issues and suggest improvements
If you cannot apply a concept, memorising it will not earn marks.
Focus on Core Concepts First
Effective Paper 1 revision starts with core concepts that appear frequently.
Prioritise:
- User-centred design
