One of the most common questions IB students ask when choosing subjects is whether to take IB Design Technology at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). While both levels follow the same core philosophy, they differ significantly in depth, workload, and expectations.

Understanding these differences early can help you choose the level that fits your strengths, interests, and future plans.

Core Similarities Between SL and HL

At both levels, IB Design Technology is built around the same central idea: solving real-world problems through design. All students learn to apply design thinking, understand users, develop prototypes, and evaluate solutions.

Both SL and HL students:

• Follow the IB design process
• Study design theory, practice, and context
• Complete an individual design project (internal assessment)
• Sit written exams that test application and evaluation

This means SL is not a “watered-down” version of the subject. It still requires strong organisation, analytical writing, and independent thinking.

Key Differences in Content Depth

The biggest difference between SL and HL is how deeply topics are explored.

At SL, students focus on:

• Core design theory
• User-centred design principles
• Materials and basic systems
• Sustainability and ethical considerations

At HL, students go further by studying:

• Structural, mechanical, and electronic systems in more depth
• Manufacturing and production strategies
• Complex modelling and prototyping decisions
• Broader evaluation of technological impact

HL students are expected to connect ideas across topics and justify design decisions with greater technical accuracy.

Differences in Workload and Time Commitment

IB officially recommends:

• 150 teaching hours for SL
• 240 teaching hours for HL

In practice, this means HL students:

• Spend more time on theory revision
• Write more detailed exam responses
• Produce more complex justification in their design project

The design project itself is challenging at both levels, but HL students are expected to demonstrate deeper analysis and more sophisticated design thinking.

Assessment Differences

While the assessment structure is similar, HL papers are longer and more demanding.

• SL exams focus on understanding, application, and basic evaluation
• HL exams require deeper analysis, synthesis, and extended responses

The internal assessment carries significant weight at both levels, but HL students are judged against higher expectations for complexity, iteration, and evaluation.

Is HL Much Harder Than SL?

HL is more demanding, but not necessarily “harder” for the right student.

HL suits students who:

• Enjoy technical depth and systems thinking
• Are comfortable managing heavy coursework
• May pursue engineering, design, or technology-related degrees

SL is better for students who:

• Want a balanced IB workload
• Enjoy applied learning but prefer less technical depth
• Need space to prioritise other HL subjects

Choosing HL only makes sense if you are genuinely interested in the subject, not just because it sounds impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HL Design Technology look better to universities?

HL can be advantageous for design, engineering, and technology-related courses, but universities value strong performance more than level alone. A high SL grade is better than a weak HL grade.

Is the design project harder at HL?

The task itself is similar, but HL students are expected to show more depth, complexity, and justification. The marking criteria reflect these higher expectations.

Can you switch between SL and HL?

Many schools allow changes early in the course, but switching later can be difficult due to content gaps. It is best to decide as early as possible.

Final Advice

The choice between SL and HL in IB Design Technology should be based on interest, workload balance, and future goals, not myths about difficulty. Both levels are rigorous, respected, and valuable when approached seriously.

RevisionDojo Tip

RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB students who want clear structure, exam-focused explanations, and step-by-step support for both SL and HL Design Technology. With the right guidance, students at either level can turn Design Technology into a scoring subject rather than a stressful one.