Introduction
One of the most overlooked but crucial parts of the IB Computer Science IA is selecting a good client. The IB explicitly requires that your IA solution addresses the needs of a real client, and your grade depends heavily on how well you document and meet those needs. Many students choose a client carelessly and later struggle with evidence, feedback, or testing.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose a strong IA client, mistakes to avoid, and how RevisionDojo can support you in aligning your project with the IB rubric.
Quick Start Checklist
When selecting your IA client, make sure they are:
- Real and accessible — not a fictional persona.
- Willing to provide clear requirements.
- Available for feedback and testing at multiple stages.
- Someone with a genuine problem that you can solve.
- Comfortable with you documenting your interactions.
Why the Client Matters
The IA rubric emphasizes:
- Initial consultation — Gathering requirements directly from the client.
- Solution design — Tailoring features to meet client needs.
- Testing and evaluation — Demonstrating how the client interacts with your system.
A poor client choice (e.g., a friend who just agrees to anything) makes it hard to show evidence of consultation, testing, and evaluation. A strong client strengthens your IA because they provide real feedback that you can document.
Best Types of Clients
Here are some examples of good clients for an IA project:
- – They often need classroom management tools, grading trackers, or resource schedulers.
