IB Design Technology HL vs SL: Key Differences Explained

Introduction

One of the most common questions IB students ask when choosing their subjects is: Should I take Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL)? With the new IB Design Technology (DT) course beginning its first exams in 2027, it’s more important than ever to understand how HL and SL compare.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main differences between IB Design Technology HL and SL, including workload, assessment, and skills developed. We’ll also explain how RevisionDojo’s IB Design Technology hub gives students at both levels the resources they need to succeed.

Quick Start Comparison

• First exams: 2027.
• SL and HL share the same core topics.
• HL students cover additional content in greater depth.
• HL includes Paper 3 (case study exam).
• Both require an Internal Assessment (IA) design project.

Core Content: HL and SL

Both HL and SL students study the same six core areas of the syllabus:

• Human Factors & Ergonomics
• Resource Management & Sustainability
• Modeling
• Raw Materials to Final Production
• Innovation & Design
• Classic Design

These topics form the foundation of the course, preparing students to understand design principles, problem-solving, and the role of innovation in society.

What Extra Do HL Students Study?

HL students go beyond the core by exploring:

• More advanced applications of innovation and design.
• Deeper case studies, requiring analysis of real-world design problems.
• Paper 3, which is unique to HL and focuses on applying knowledge to unseen contexts.
• Greater depth in project work, particularly in applying technical and analytical skills.

This makes HL more demanding, but also more rewarding for students aiming for careers in engineering, product design, or architecture.

Assessment Differences

Here’s how assessment varies between HL and SL:

• SL
  • Paper 1: Multiple choice (knowledge recall).
  • Paper 2: Data-based and extended-response questions.
  • IA project: 30% of final grade.
• HL
  • Paper 1: Multiple choice.
  • Paper 2: Same structure as SL, but more challenging.
  • Paper 3: Case study exam.
  • IA project: 20% of final grade (since exams carry more weight).

The Internal Assessment is important for both levels, but HL students must also prepare for a tougher external exam load.

Workload and Time Commitment

• SL is manageable for students who want a creative science subject without an overwhelming workload.
• HL requires a stronger commitment, particularly with Paper 3 and the additional depth of study.
• On average, HL students should expect to dedicate an extra 60 teaching hours compared to SL.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose SL if you:
  • Want a balance between creativity and science without too much extra workload.
  • Don’t plan to study design or engineering at university.
  • Need to balance IB with other HL-heavy subjects.
• Choose HL if you:
  • Are passionate about design, technology, or engineering.
  • Plan to pursue university studies in a related field.
  • Want to challenge yourself with deeper analysis and case studies.

How RevisionDojo Supports Both HL and SL

No matter which level you choose, RevisionDojo has already developed resources for the first exams in 2027. The platform provides:

• Clear guides for every core topic.
• IA support to help you plan and execute your project.
• HL-specific resources for Paper 3 preparation.
• Practice questions that simulate IB exam style.

Explore the full range of resources in the IB Design Technology hub.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is HL much harder than SL in IB Design Technology?
HL is more challenging because of the added depth, case studies, and Paper 3 exam, but the core topics are the same.

2. Does HL give you an advantage in university applications?
Yes — HL shows greater subject mastery, which is especially valuable if you plan to study engineering, product design, or related fields.

3. Can I switch from SL to HL later?
In most IB schools, yes, but it’s easier to move early in the course before falling behind on HL content.

4. Is the IA project different for HL and SL?
Both levels complete an IA, but HL students are expected to apply more advanced analysis.

5. Where can I find resources for both HL and SL?
RevisionDojo provides tailored resources for both levels in the IB Design Technology hub.

Conclusion

IB Design Technology offers both SL and HL options to suit different types of students. While SL provides a balanced workload, HL dives deeper into design challenges and prepares students for future studies in engineering and innovation.

With first exams in 2027, students should start early with reliable study materials. RevisionDojo is already leading the way with the most comprehensive IB Design Technology resources, ensuring success for both HL and SL learners.

Start preparing now with the IB Design Technology study hub.