IB Design Technology (DT) SL Extended Essay Example

The student's investigation has a clear real-world purpose and stays connected to a design problem that matters to the intended users.

The student's research question is explicit and generally well aligned with the survey, personas, prototyping, and final discussion.

The student's chosen process shows a coherent user-centred approach, with evidence of informed selection of surveys, personas, brainstorming, and prototypes.

The student's question is still quite broad because key ideas such as usability and user experience are not defined in measurable terms.

The methodology would be stronger if the survey design, interview evidence, and feedback process were explained in more detail.

The investigation would benefit from a narrower focus on one or two specific interface features or outcomes.

The student shows solid understanding of user-centred design ideas and applies relevant concepts such as personas, cognitive load, visual hierarchy, and prototyping.

The student's primary research is connected to a real school context and is used in a way that supports the design task.

The student generally uses terminology accurately and in a way that fits the investigation.

The student's secondary source base is limited and relies too heavily on introductory or general material.

Some claims are stated more confidently than the evidence allows, especially where the report infers developer intent or measurable improvement.

A few concepts would be stronger if they were applied more critically and with clearer links to evidence.