IB Design Technology is a Group 4 subject in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It explores human factors and ergonomics, resource management and sustainable production, modelling, innovation and design, and the journey from raw materials to final products, with a strong focus on design thinking processes, problem-solving, prototyping, and user-centered design approaches.
The course is available at Standard Level (SL, 150 teaching hours) and Higher Level (HL, 240 teaching hours), with first assessment in 2027.
| Assessment | Format | SL | HL | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Multiple-choice questions | 1 hour | 1 hour | 20% |
| Paper 2 | Short response and extended answer questions | 2 hours | 2 hours | 40% |
| Paper 3 | Structured questions with case study (HL only) | N/A | 1 hour | 20% (HL only) |
| Internal Assessment | Design project following design thinking process | 40 hours | 40 hours | 40% (SL), 20% (HL) |
Develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP science subjects
Acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterize design technology
Develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize information and claims relating to technological systems
