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

Strong IA performance helps, but weak exam results can still pull grades down.

Is DT More Coursework-Heavy Than Other Subjects?

Compared to subjects with no IA, DT feels coursework-heavy.
Compared to subjects with multiple large coursework components, DT is moderate.

What makes DT feel heavier is that:

• The IA is open-ended
• There is no fixed “right answer”
• Progress depends on planning

This often causes students to underestimate the IA early on.

Can the IA Carry a Weak Exam Performance?

To a degree, yes — but only up to a point.

A strong IA can:

• Stabilise a final grade
• Reduce pressure in exams

However:

• Exams still matter significantly
• Very weak exam performance cannot be fully rescued

The strongest students aim to be solid in both.

Can Strong Exams Make Up for a Weak IA?

This is harder.

A weak IA often indicates:

• Poor design thinking
• Weak evaluation
• Limited iteration

Because the IA assesses different skills from exams, strong exam technique does not always compensate for IA weaknesses.

Which Component Should You Focus On More?

The correct answer is neither — focus on both strategically.

A smart approach:

• Invest consistent effort into the IA early
• Build exam skills gradually
• Avoid leaving either component until late

DT punishes imbalance more than most subjects.

Why Balanced Students Score Highest

Top-performing DT students usually:

• Produce a well-justified, reflective IA
• Enter exams confident in application and evaluation
• Avoid panic revision

This balance often leads to higher final grades than excellence in only one area.

Common Student Misconceptions

Misconception: “DT is mainly coursework.”
Reality: Exams play a major role.

Misconception: “If my IA is strong, exams don’t matter.”
Reality: Exams still significantly affect final grades.

Misconception: “DT exams are easy.”
Reality: They are demanding in application and evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IB Design Technology easier if you prefer coursework?

It can feel more manageable, but exams still require strong preparation.

Should you prioritise the IA over exam revision?

You should prioritise the IA early, then shift focus to exams later — not choose one over the other.

Is DT risky if you dislike exams?

Only if exams are ignored. With good technique, DT exams are very scoreable.

Final Thoughts

IB Design Technology is neither purely coursework nor purely exam-based. It rewards students who work steadily, think critically, and prepare strategically across both components. Balance — not intensity — is what leads to top grades.

RevisionDojo Tip

RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Design Technology students who want structured IA timelines, exam-focused revision strategies, and guidance on balancing coursework with exams. With the right balance, RevisionDojo helps turn Design Technology into one of the most reliable scoring subjects in the IB.