Practice A. Design in theory with authentic IB Design Technology (First Exam 2027) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 structure, covering key topics like materials and processes, product design, and sustainability. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SL & HLPaper 1
Which of the following characteristics is most essential to an effective UCD team?
Question 2
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Compare human-made and natural materials in terms of sustainability and performance.
Question 3
HLPaper 1
Which process involves material extrusion guided by a 3D CAD model?
Question 4
HLPaper 1
Joining techniques include...
Question 5
HLPaper 2
A company is designing everyday electronic devices for public and home use that integrate basic input and output systems to improve usability and efficiency.
1.[1]
They start with a digital bathroom scale that uses a strain gauge to sense weight and display results.
i.) What type of input component is a strain gauge?
2.[2]
ii.) Outline two roles of the microcontroller inside the digital scale.
3.[1]
To promote hygiene in public bathrooms, the company develops a touchless automatic faucet system using infrared sensing.
i.) Identify the type of output component used to release water.
4.[3]
ii.) Explain how the electronic system ensures water only flows when hands are detected.
5.[4]
In a final product concept, they create a kitchen appliance that uses a capacitive touch panel and piezo buzzer to improve safety and control.
Describe how the capacitive touch panel and piezo buzzer work together to improve user experience.
6.[6]
Evaluate the advantages and limitations of using capacitive sensors and piezo buzzers in high-use home appliances.
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 2
A health-tech startup is developing a smart wearable wristband aimed at elderly users. The device includes emergency alert features, real-time heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and GPS tracking. To ensure the product meets the needs of this specific target user group, the company applies user-centred design principles throughout the development process. See Figures 1, 2, and 3.
1.[2]
i.) Identify two key user needs that designers must consider when developing smart wearable technology for elderly users.
2.[2]
ii.) Outline two advantages of using observation as a research method in the early stages of the product development process.
3.[3]
The design team created elderly personas as part of their UCD process, as shown in Figure 2.
Explain how using a primary persona can help guide the design of the wristband in Figure 1.
4.[4]
The design team also established focus group discussions with elderly participants to aid their design processes.
Explain how the team in Figure 3 can ensure that feedback from a focus group is reliable and representative of the wider user population.
5.[6]
Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of involving users at all five stages of the UCD process, such as those shown in Figures 2 and 3.
Question 7
SL & HLPaper 1
What is the purpose of the design process shown?
Question 8
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline four considerations a designer should account for when using the 5th–95th percentile range.
Question 9
SL & HLPaper 1
What type of material property does this experiment explore?
Question 10
SL & HLPaper 2
Figure 2: A project leader for a nonprofit organization conducting a face-to-face interview with a visually impaired resident regarding the accessibility features of a new community bench.
1.[3]
Explain why interviews are a valuable tool in a user-centred design approach for social initiatives.