Students choosing IB Design Technology at Higher Level (HL) often know that the workload is heavier, but they are not always sure why. The difference is not just more hours or longer exams. HL students study additional topics and explore familiar ideas with much greater depth, technical accuracy, and evaluation.
Understanding these extra HL topics helps students decide whether HL is the right choice and prepares them to revise more strategically.
How HL Builds on SL Content
IB Design Technology HL includes all SL content, but extends it in three main ways:
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Greater technical depth
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More complex systems thinking
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Stronger emphasis on justification and evaluation
HL students are expected to make connections across topics and explain how and why design decisions work, not just what was done.
Structural Systems (HL Only)
One of the key additions at HL is structural systems.
Students learn:
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How forces act on structures
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The role of tension, compression, and load distribution
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How structural choices affect performance, safety, and sustainability
In exams, HL students may be asked to evaluate structural decisions in real products or justify why a particular system is appropriate for a specific use.
Mechanical Systems (HL Only)
HL students also study mechanical systems, which introduce more technical reasoning.
This includes:
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Levers, gears, cams, and pulleys
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Mechanical advantage and efficiency
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How mechanical systems transfer and control motion
Rather than calculating values, students focus on application and justification, explaining how systems improve functionality and meet user needs.
Electronic Systems (HL Only)
Another major HL-only area is electronic systems.
Students explore:
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Basic electronic components
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Input, process, and output systems
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How electronic systems improve usability and performance
Questions often test understanding of how electronic systems enhance product functionality and how design choices affect reliability, sustainability, and user experience.
Manufacturing and Production Strategies (HL Only)
HL students examine how products are made at scale, not just how they are designed.
This includes:
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Manufacturing techniques
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Production systems
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Design-for-manufacture strategies
These topics are often assessed through scenario-based questions where students must evaluate the suitability of production methods for different contexts.
Deeper Evaluation and Design Context
While SL students consider ethics and sustainability, HL students are expected to:
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Evaluate trade-offs more critically
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Analyse wider social, environmental, and economic impacts
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Consider long-term consequences of design decisions
HL answers must show more depth, balance, and insight to reach top markbands.
How HL Topics Affect Exams
HL exams:
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Include longer, more demanding questions
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Require synthesis across multiple topics
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Expect precise terminology and structured evaluation
Students who rely on memorisation rather than understanding often struggle at HL.
How HL Topics Affect the Design Project
In the design project, HL students are expected to:
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Use more advanced systems knowledge
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Justify material and system choices technically
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Show deeper iteration and evaluation
The project is not longer, but expectations are higher.
Final Advice
IB Design Technology HL adds complexity, but also opportunity. Students who enjoy systems thinking, deeper analysis, and technical reasoning often find HL more rewarding than SL.
RevisionDojo Tip
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