User research is one of the most misunderstood parts of the IB Design Technology IA. Many students either do too little research or include large amounts that never influence their design decisions. Both approaches limit marks. In IB Design Technology, research is only effective if it directly informs design thinking.
Effective user research is not about volume. It is about relevance, clarity, and application.
What Is User Research in IB Design Technology?
User research is the process of gathering information about the user’s needs, limitations, preferences, and context to guide design decisions. It helps students avoid assumptions and ensures the solution is genuinely user-centred.
In IB Design Technology, user research should:
- Be focused on the specific client
- Produce clear insights
- Influence design requirements and decisions
If research does not change or shape the design, it adds very little value.
Why User Research Matters for IA Marks
User research affects multiple areas of the IA:
- Problem justification
- Design requirements
- Design development
- Testing and evaluation
IB examiners reward projects where research is clearly used to justify choices. Projects with generic or unused research often feel superficial and score lower.
What Makes User Research Effective?
It Is Directly Linked to the Client
Strong user research focuses on the actual client, not a general audience.
Effective research includes:
- Interviews or conversations with the client
- Observations of the client using existing products
- Targeted questions linked to the problem
Generic online statistics rarely replace direct client input.
It Is Purposeful and Targeted
Effective research answers specific questions.
For example:
- What causes discomfort?
- What limits usability?
- What features matter most to the user?
Random facts or broad background information rarely support strong justification.
It Produces Clear Design Insights
Good research leads to clear conclusions, not just raw data.
High-scoring projects:
- Summarise what the research shows
- Identify patterns or key issues
- Translate findings into design requirements
Examiners want to see thinking, not transcripts.
It Is Used Throughout the Project
Effective research continues to matter after the early stages.
Strong projects:
- Refer back to research during design development
- Use it to justify changes
- Link evaluation directly to initial findings
When research disappears after the first section, marks are lost.
Types of Effective User Research
Interviews and Conversations
These are often the strongest research methods.
They work well because they:
- Provide direct insight
- Can be tailored to the problem
- Produce qualitative data for justification
Short, focused interviews are usually more effective than long questionnaires.
Observations
Observing the client in context helps identify problems users may not mention.
This can reveal:
- Inefficient behaviours
- Ergonomic issues
- Environmental constraints
Observations are especially powerful when combined with explanation.
Surveys (Used Carefully)
Surveys can be useful, but only if:
- Questions are specific
- Results are analysed
- Findings influence decisions
Large surveys with no interpretation add little value.
What Does NOT Count as Effective Research?
IB examiners often see:
- Long blocks of copied information
- General product reviews
- Research that is never referenced again
These do not meaningfully improve IA marks.
Common User Research Mistakes
Students frequently lose marks by:
- Doing research after choosing a solution
- Including research without analysis
- Relying entirely on online sources
- Ignoring client feedback during development
Research must guide design, not justify it after the fact.
How to Show Research Effectively
To maximise marks:
- Keep research concise
- Summarise key findings clearly
- Explain how each insight influenced design
- Refer back to research during evaluation
Quality always beats quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much user research is enough?
Enough to clearly justify design decisions. There is no fixed amount, but research should be sufficient to define requirements and guide development.
Do you need primary research?
Strongly recommended. Primary research shows genuine user-centred design and is far more convincing than secondary sources alone.
Can weak research limit your IA grade?
Yes. Poor research leads to weak justification, which affects multiple criteria across the IA.
Final Thoughts
Effective user research is the backbone of a high-scoring IB Design Technology IA. When research is focused, analysed, and applied consistently, it makes every stage of the project clearer and stronger.
RevisionDojo Tip
RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Design Technology students who want clear frameworks, examples of effective user research, and step-by-step guidance on turning research into marks. With the right approach, user research becomes a scoring advantage rather than wasted effort.
