IB Design Technology A. Design in Theory Key Definitions

A lever where the fulcrum is between the effort and the load. For example, a seesaw or a pair of scissors.

A lever where the load is between the effort and the fulcrum. For example, a wheelbarrow.

A lever where the effort is between the fulcrum and the load. For example, tweezers and most human limbs (like your forearm) are 3rd-class levers.

The process of using 3D printing to create objects that can change shape or properties when exposed to a stimulus like water, air, heat, or electric current.

5D printing is a layer-by-layer printing process like 3D printing, but with a rotating extruder head that can print along 5 axes, allowing for stronger and more complex shapes.

Abrading is a process of wearing away a material’s surface by rubbing it with another material, often to smooth, shape, or clean it.

Components that control the flow of electricity and can amplify signals or switch currents, such as transistors and diodes.

Additive manufacturing involves techniques that build objects by adding material layer by layer.

The act of sticking or bonding materials together, often using an adhesive like glue.

Adjustability is the ability of a product to change in size or form to suit a wider range of user sizes or percentiles, improving comfort, fit, and usability.

A high-fidelity, non-functional model used to represent the final appearance.

An electronic system that has a permanently variable signal.

An electrochemical process that creates a thick oxidized coating on the surface of a metal component, usually aluminium or its alloys, to improve durability and appearance.

Measurement of the human physical dimensions (e.g., height, arm length, reach), collected as static or dynamic data and often expressed in percentile ranges.

A technology that overlays digital information or models onto the real world, usually through a phone, tablet, or AR glasses.

A linkage that converts vertical motion into horizontal motion, or the other way around.

A belt transfers power between at least two pulleys — the driver pulley moves the belt, and the driven pulley is moved by it.

Bending is a forming process that deforms material along a straight axis to create a specific angle or curve without removing material.

A load applied at a distance from a fixed point, causing a material to bend.

A pair of toothed rotating gears that transfer power between intersecting shafts, usually at a 90° angle.

A structured list of all components, parts, and materials, often including quantities, part numbers, and descriptions.

A binary digit has either a value of 0 or 1. These values correspond to on and off signals in electronic circuits.

A biomaterial is any material that is produced by or originates from biological organisms, such as plants, animals, bacteria, or fungi.

Research and analysis of the mechanics (operation of our muscles, joints,
tendons, etc.) of the human body.