Practice C1.1 Responsibility of the designer 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 2
As part of a university sustainability initiative, a team of product designers were invited to review three consumer items. Their task: analyse how each design reflects the ethical responsibilities of the designer — including environmental impact, user safety, and potential obsolescence.
1.[2]
Figure 1: Children’s toys made from non-recyclable plastic with limited safety features
Outline two design choices in Figure 1 that raise safety concerns.
2.[4]
Figure 2: A smartphone with soldered battery, frequent software updates, and annual model releases
Discuss two ways that product obsolescence is intentionally designed in Figure 2.
3.[3]
Figure 3: A reusable stainless steel water bottle produced with a carbon-neutral supply chain
Explain how the product in Figure 3 reflects positive impact on the environment and community.
4.[1]
Identify which figure shows a product that demonstrates environmental responsibility.
5.[4]
Compare how the products in Figure 2 and Figure 3 align with the triple bottom line (TBL).
6.[6]
Evaluate the ethical responsibilities of designers when balancing innovation with environmental and user safety concerns across all three figures.
Question 2
SL & HLPaper 1
How does this example demonstrate social obsolescence?
Question 3
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[9]
Evaluate how community-centred design benefits society.
Question 4
SL & HLPaper 1
Why should designers involve users in the design process?
Question 5
SL & HLPaper 1
What makes planned obsolescence ethically questionable?
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 2
Define the term “triple bottom line (TBL)” in the context of product design.
1.[2]
Define the term “triple bottom line (TBL)” in the context of product design.
Question 7
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[6]
Analyse the environmental impact of poor design decisions.
Question 8
SL & HLPaper 1
What is the impact of neglecting user safety in product design?
Question 9
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Explain how a product’s design might negatively impact a community.
Question 10
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[9]
Justify why addressing obsolescence is part of a designer’s ethical responsibility.