Design Technology SL IA Grader
This page is designed to help you understand the assessment criteria for the IB Design Technology Standard Level (SL) Internal Assessment (IA). By breaking down the rubric and providing clear explanations, you'll be better equipped to evaluate your work. Additionally, a free embedded grader is available to assist you in self-assessing your IA efficiently.
Quick Start Checklist
Before you begin self-assessing your IA, ensure you have the following materials ready:
- Complete IA Report: Ensure your report is finalized and includes all required sections.
- Design Specifications: Clearly defined criteria that your design solution aims to meet.
- Prototypes and Models: Physical or digital representations of your design.
- Testing Data: Results from tests conducted to evaluate your design solution.
- User Feedback: Insights gathered from potential users or clients.
- Reflection Notes: Personal evaluations and considerations for future improvements.
Rubric Breakdown (Paraphrased & Plain English)
The Design Technology SL IA is assessed across four criteria, each contributing to your total score out of 36 marks.
Criterion A: Analysis of Design Opportunity (9 marks)
What it tests: Your ability to identify and analyze a design problem or opportunity.
Performance Levels:
- High (7–9 marks): Thorough analysis with clear identification of design needs and objectives.
- Medium (4–6 marks): Satisfactory analysis with some clear objectives.
- Low (1–3 marks): Limited analysis with unclear objectives.
Common Mistakes:
- Superficial problem identification.
- Lack of clear design objectives.
Evidence to Show:
- Detailed research into the design problem.
- Clear objectives derived from the analysis.
Criterion B: Conceptual Design (9 marks)
What it tests: Your ability to develop and explore design ideas.
Performance Levels:
- High (7–9 marks): Comprehensive exploration with well-developed concepts.
- Medium (4–6 marks): Satisfactory exploration with some development.
- Low (1–3 marks): Limited exploration with minimal development.
Common Mistakes:
- Narrow range of ideas.
- Insufficient development of concepts.
Evidence to Show:
- Multiple design ideas with annotations.
- Development sketches or models.
Criterion C: Development of Detailed Design (9 marks)
What it tests: Your ability to refine a chosen concept into a detailed design.
Performance Levels:
- High (7–9 marks): Extensive detailing with clear production steps.
- Medium (4–6 marks): Adequate detailing with some preparation for production.
- Low (1–3 marks): Basic refinement without significant detail.
Common Mistakes:
- Lack of detailed drawings or specifications.
- Unclear production steps.
Evidence to Show:
- Detailed drawings with dimensions.
- Material and component specifications.
Criterion D: Testing and Evaluation (9 marks)
What it tests: Your ability to test and evaluate the final design solution.
Performance Levels:
- High (7–9 marks): Comprehensive testing with thorough evaluation against criteria.
- Medium (4–6 marks): Satisfactory evaluation with moderate testing.
- Low (1–3 marks): Limited evaluation with insufficient testing.
Common Mistakes:
- Inadequate testing methods.
- Lack of objective evaluation.
Evidence to Show:
- Documented testing procedures and results.
- Analysis of results against design specifications.
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
The embedded grader will provide a score for each criterion, summing up to a total out of 36. Here's how to interpret your overall score:
- 32–36: Excellent understanding and application of design principles.
- 25–31: Good understanding with minor areas for improvement.
- 18–24: Satisfactory performance with noticeable areas for enhancement.
- 11–17: Basic understanding; significant improvements needed.
- 0–10: Limited understanding; major revisions required.
If you're between bands or uncertain:
- Review the specific feedback for each criterion.
- Focus on areas with the lowest scores for targeted improvements.
Improvement Actions:
- Criterion A: Enhance your research and clearly define design objectives.
- Criterion B: Expand the range of design ideas and develop them further.
- Criterion C: Provide detailed drawings and clear production plans.
- Criterion D: Implement comprehensive testing and objective evaluations.
Annotated Examples
High-Band Excerpt:
"The design opportunity was identified through extensive market research, highlighting a gap in ergonomic office furniture. Objectives were clearly defined to address user comfort and sustainability."
Why it scores high: Demonstrates thorough analysis and clear objectives derived from research.
Mid/Low-Band Excerpt:
"A problem was found in office chairs. Some ideas were considered to make them better."
What's missing: Lacks detailed analysis and clear objectives; ideas are not well-developed.
Grade Boundaries & Converting Your Mark
Grade boundaries can vary by session. As of the latest data, the following boundaries apply:
| Total Marks | Grade |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | 1 |
| 6–10 | 2 |
| 11–15 | 3 |
| 16–19 | 4 |
| 20–23 | 5 |
| 24–27 | 6 |
| 28–36 | 7 |
The IA contributes 40% to your final Design Technology SL grade. Ensure your IA score aligns with your overall grade goals.
Common Mistakes & Fast Fixes
- Mistake: Vague problem identification.
- Fix: Conduct thorough research to clearly define the design problem.
- Mistake: Limited design ideas.
- Fix: Brainstorm multiple concepts and explore each in detail.
- Mistake: Insufficient testing.
- Fix: Develop a comprehensive testing plan and document all results.
Subject-Specific Tips
- Material Selection: Choose materials that align with the design's function and sustainability goals.
- User-Centered Design: Engage with potential users throughout the design process for valuable feedback.
- Technical Drawings: Ensure all drawings are to scale and include necessary dimensions.
FAQs
Q: How long should my IA report be?
A: While there's no strict word count, aim for clarity and conciseness, typically around 20–30 pages.
Q: Can I include digital models instead of physical prototypes?
A: Yes, digital models are acceptable, but ensure they are detailed and accurately represent your design.
Q: How important is user feedback in the IA?
A: User feedback is crucial as it demonstrates the practical application and effectiveness of your design.
Q: Should I include cost analysis in my IA?
A: While not mandatory, a basic cost analysis can strengthen your evaluation and feasibility assessment.
Q: How do I handle unsuccessful tests?
A: Document all tests, successful or not, and discuss what was learned and how it informs future improvements.
Q: Can I work on a group project for the IA?
A: The IA is an individual assessment; however, you can seek feedback from peers during the process.
Q: How detailed should my production plan be?
A: Provide enough detail that someone else could replicate your design based on your plan.
**Q: Is it necessary to consider environmental impact in my design