When choosing IB subjects, many students want to know where the marks really come from. IB Design Technology (DT) includes both exams and coursework, but it does not favour one as heavily as many students expect. Understanding this balance is essential for planning effort, revision time, and stress levels.
IB Design Technology rewards students who perform consistently across both components, not those who rely on just one strength.
The Two Assessment Components in IB Design Technology
IB Design Technology is assessed through:
- The design project (Internal Assessment)
- Written exams (Paper 1 and Paper 2)
Both components are compulsory, and neither can fully compensate for the other if performance is weak.
How Important Is the Design Project?
The design project is a major component of the final grade.
It assesses:
- Design thinking
- Research and justification
- Prototyping and iteration
- Testing and evaluation
The project rewards long-term effort and reflection rather than exam performance under pressure.
Students who manage the IA well often feel more secure going into exams.
How Important Are the Exams?
Exams still carry significant weight and cannot be ignored.
IB Design Technology exams test:
- Application of theory
- Understanding of design principles
- Evaluation and analysis
- Ability to respond to unfamiliar scenarios
