Introduction
The Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most important parts of IB Design Technology (DT). It allows you to demonstrate your ability to apply the design cycle to a real problem, from research to prototyping and evaluation. With first exams in 2027, students are entering new territory, and choosing the right IA topic can feel overwhelming.
Your IA topic determines how smoothly your project runs, how engaged you feel during the process, and how much potential you have to score highly. In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick a strong IB Design Technology IA topic and explain how RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub helps students plan successful projects.
Quick Start Checklist for Choosing a DT IA Topic
- Pick a real-world problem with practical value.
- Make sure it’s manageable within the time and resources you have.
- Choose something that interests you personally.
- Check that it aligns with the design cycle stages.
- Avoid topics that are too broad or too vague.
What Makes a Strong IA Topic?
- Clear Problem Statement
- Your topic should start with a problem that can be clearly defined and researched.
- Example: “Designing a portable storage system for students with limited desk space.”
- Real-World Relevance
- Strong topics solve actual user needs rather than abstract problems.
- Example: “Developing sustainable packaging for a local bakery.”
- Manageability
- The project must be realistic with the time, tools, and materials you have access to.
- Personal Interest
- Choosing something you care about will keep you motivated through months of project work.
- Alignment With the Design Cycle
- The topic must allow you to demonstrate research, ideation, prototyping, and evaluation.
Examples of Good IA Topics
- Designing a modular desk organizer for IB students.
- Creating a lightweight, reusable water bottle from sustainable materials.
- Developing an ergonomic chair attachment for long study sessions.
- Designing a storage solution for compact student housing.
- Creating a low-cost educational tool for teaching sustainability.
These topics are specific, relevant, and achievable, making them strong IA foundations.
Common Mistakes When Choosing IA Topics
- Being too broad: “Designing a sustainable home” is too large for one IA project.
- Being too vague: “Improving education” doesn’t provide a focused design challenge.
- Ignoring resources: Choosing a project that requires tools or materials you don’t have access to.
- Lack of originality: Simply copying a common idea without adding personal innovation.
How RevisionDojo Helps With IA Topic Selection
The IB Design Technology hub on RevisionDojo provides:
- Guides on how to structure IA research.
- Examples of strong IA approaches aligned with the 2027 syllabus.
- Step-by-step support for applying the design cycle.
- Tips for avoiding common pitfalls in topic selection.
With these resources, you can start your IA with confidence and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if my IA topic is too broad?
If your project feels like it could take years or requires dozens of prototypes, it’s too broad. Narrow it down to something you can realistically complete.
2. Should I pick a topic related to my future career?
It can help! For example, if you’re interested in engineering, a project involving prototyping and materials might fit well.
3. How much originality is required in my IA?
You don’t need to invent something completely new, but you must show your own problem-solving process and unique approach.
4. Is it okay to pick a simple problem?
Yes. A small, well-executed project scores higher than an overly ambitious one done poorly.
5. Where can I find help choosing and refining my IA topic?
RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub has resources to guide you through the process.
Conclusion
Choosing the right IA topic is the first step toward success in IB Design Technology. A strong topic is clear, relevant, and achievable while giving you space to demonstrate the design cycle fully.
With first exams in 2027, students need guidance they can trust. RevisionDojo provides the best IA support for IB Design Technology, helping you choose a topic that sets you up for success from the very beginning.
Start planning today with the IB Design Technology study hub.
