Preparing for the IB Design Technology exam in just one week is a challenging task, but with a focused and strategic approach, it's possible to cover the essential material. The updated 2025 syllabus includes key areas such as Design Theory, Design in Practice, and Design in Context. Here's a day-by-day guide to help you efficiently prepare for the exam.
Overview of the Syllabus
- A. Design Theory
- People: Ergonomics
- Process: User-centred research methods, Prototyping techniques
- Product: Material classification and properties, Introduction to structural, mechanical, and electronic systems (HL only)
- Production: Manufacturing techniques (HL only)
- B. Design in Practice
- People: User-centred design
- Process: The IB DP Design process, Modelling and prototyping
- Product: Material selection, Structural, mechanical, and electronic systems application and selection (HL only)
- Production: Production systems (HL only)
- C. Design in Context
- People: Responsibility of the designer, Inclusive design, Beyond usability (HL only)
- Process: Design for sustainability, Design for a circular economy
- Product: Product analysis and evaluation, Life cycle analysis (HL only)
- Production: Design for manufacture strategies (HL only)
Day-by-Day Cramming Guide
Day 1: Design Theory - People and Process
Focus Areas:
- A.1 Ergonomics: Understand the basics of ergonomics and its importance in design.
- A.2 User-centred Research Methods: Learn about different user-centered research methods and how they are applied in the design process.
- A.2 Prototyping Techniques: Review various prototyping techniques and their applications.
Resources:
- Textbook chapters on ergonomics, user-centred research, and prototyping.
- Online resources and videos explaining these concepts.
Day 2: Design Theory - Product and Production
Focus Areas:
- A.3 Material Classification and Properties: Study different materials, their properties, and classifications.
- A.3 Introduction to Structural, Mechanical, and Electronic Systems (HL only): Learn the basics of these systems.
- A.4 Manufacturing Techniques (HL only): Review different manufacturing techniques and their applications.
Resources:
- Detailed notes and diagrams from textbooks.
- Practice questions on material properties and systems.
Day 3: Design in Practice - People and Process
Focus Areas:
- B.1 User-centred Design: Understand the principles of user-centred design and its importance.
- B.2 The IB DP Design Process: Learn the steps involved in the IB DP Design process.
- B.2 Modelling and Prototyping: Review modelling and prototyping techniques.
Resources:
- Case studies and examples from textbooks.
- Online tutorials on user-centred design and the design process.
Day 4: Design in Practice - Product and Production
Focus Areas:
- B.3 Material Selection: Study the criteria for selecting materials in design.
- B.3 Structural, Mechanical, and Electronic Systems Application and Selection (HL only): Learn about the application and selection of these systems.
- B.4 Production Systems (HL only): Review different production systems.
Resources:
- Practice problems and case studies on material selection.
- Textbook chapters on systems application and production systems.
Day 5: Design in Context - People and Process
Focus Areas:
- C.1 Responsibility of the Designer: Understand the ethical responsibilities of designers.
- C.1 Inclusive Design: Learn about inclusive design principles.
- C.1 Beyond Usability (HL only): Review concepts beyond usability.
- C.2 Design for Sustainability: Study sustainable design principles.
- C.2 Design for a Circular Economy: Understand the principles of designing for a circular economy.
Resources:
- Articles and papers on ethical and sustainable design.
- Textbook chapters on inclusive design and circular economy.
Day 6: Design in Context - Product and Production
Focus Areas:
- C.3 Product Analysis and Evaluation: Learn methods for analyzing and evaluating products.
- C.3 Life Cycle Analysis (HL only): Study the process of life cycle analysis.
- C.4 Design for Manufacture Strategies (HL only): Review strategies for design for manufacture.
Resources:
- Practice problems and case studies on product analysis and evaluation.
- Textbook chapters on life cycle analysis and manufacturing strategies.
Day 7: Comprehensive Review and Practice Exams
Focus Areas:
- Review All Key Concepts: Go through all notes and key concepts covered over the past six days.
- Practice Exams: Take practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the test environment.
- Identify Weak Areas: Focus on areas where you feel less confident and review those topics in more detail.
Resources:
- Summary notes and revision guides.
Cramming for IB Design Technology in one week is intensive, but with a focused approach and the right resources, it's possible to cover the essential material. Use this guide to organize your study sessions, review key concepts, and practice effectively.
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