Introduction
The IB Computer Science IA isn’t just about coding — in fact, much of your mark comes from how well you document your process. Strong documentation shows examiners how you identified a problem, designed a solution, developed it step by step, tested it thoroughly, and reflected on the outcome. Many students lose marks because their documentation is incomplete or rushed.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to structure your IA documentation, what the IB rubric expects, and how RevisionDojo helps you present your work clearly for maximum marks.
Quick Start Checklist
When writing IA documentation, make sure to include:
- Problem Identification – Describe the client’s needs and why your solution matters.
- Design – Flowcharts, diagrams, and planning documents that map your approach.
- Development – Annotated code snippets with explanations.
- Testing – A test plan with evidence of results and client feedback.
- Evaluation – Honest analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and future improvements.
Breaking Down the IA Documentation
1. Problem Identification
Start by introducing your client and the issue they face. Clearly explain why your project is necessary. This sets the foundation for your solution.
2. Design Section
Include:
- Flowcharts or UML diagrams
- Data structure choices
- Success criteria (linked to the client’s needs)
This section proves you planned before coding.
3. Development Section
Show your code in annotated snippets, not full blocks. Explain how your algorithms and data handling meet the client’s requirements.
4. Testing Section
Provide a structured test plan, including:
- Normal cases
- Boundary cases
- Abnormal cases
Include screenshots and client responses for credibility.
5. Evaluation Section
Summarize how well your solution worked. Discuss both strengths and weaknesses, supported by client feedback. Suggest realistic improvements for the future.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing documentation after coding (this usually looks rushed).
- Including code dumps instead of explained snippets.
- Skipping client feedback in testing and evaluation.
- Forgetting to link back to the success criteria in the evaluation.
How RevisionDojo Helps
RevisionDojo provides IA documentation templates that match the IB rubric. From design diagrams to test plans, we guide you step by step so nothing is left out. With our resources, your documentation won’t just be complete — it will be structured in a way that examiners love to see.
FAQs
Q: How long should IA documentation be?
Typically 15–20 pages is enough, depending on diagrams and screenshots. Quality and clarity matter more than word count.
Q: Do I need to include all of my code?
No. Include only the most important sections, with annotations. Examiners don’t want to read hundreds of lines of code without explanations.
Q: What’s the difference between testing and evaluation?
Testing is about proving your program works. Evaluation is about reflecting on its effectiveness, limitations, and possible improvements. Both sections are required for full marks.
Conclusion
Strong documentation is the backbone of a successful IB Computer Science IA. By carefully presenting your problem identification, design, development, testing, and evaluation, you show examiners that you can apply computing principles to real-world problems.
With RevisionDojo’s structured IA templates and rubric-aligned guidance, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls and submit documentation that maximizes your score.
