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Browse syllabus-aligned IB Design Technology revision notes by topic. Open each chapter for explanations, examples, and summaries.
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A1.1A Ergonomics and anthropometric data
15 minute read
A1.1B Percentiles, adjustability and workspace envelopes
26 minute read
A1.1C Physiology and psychology: user capabilities and the senses
A2.1A Understanding user needs and the UCD process
17 minute read
A2.1B Multidisciplinary teams and user-centred research methods
16 minute read
A2.1C Personas, scenarios and population stereotypes
10 minute read
A2.2A Low- and high-fidelity prototyping and design drawings
A2.2B Physical and virtual prototyping
A2.2C CAD for virtual prototyping
13 minute read
A2.2D Rapid prototyping
6 minute read
A3.1A Classifying materials by properties and by source
A3.1B Selecting a material for a specific purpose
18 minute read
A3.1C Physical and chemical properties
A3.1D Mechanical properties
19 minute read
A3.1E Composites, smart materials and biodegradable materials
A3.2A Structures in nature, the built environment, and how they are classified (HL only)
11 minute read
A3.2B Structural components and their functions (HL only)
A3.2C Static and dynamic forces (HL only)
9 minute read
A3.2D Stress, strain and Young's Modulus (HL only)
A3.2E Equilibrium and strengthening techniques (HL only)
A3.2F Safety factors and load-bearing design (HL only)
A3.3A Types of motion and input-process-output systems (HL only)
12 minute read
A3.3B Mechanical advantage and changing motion (HL only)
A3.3C Combining motion types (HL only)
7 minute read
A3.3D Gear and pulley systems (HL only)
A3.3E Cams, levers and linkages (HL only)
A3.4A Electronic systems and the responsible use of electronics (HL only)
14 minute read
A3.4B Analogue and digital systems (HL only)
A3.4C Passive and active components (HL only)
A3.4D Input devices, sensors and output devices (HL only)
A3.4E Microcontrollers and feedback systems (HL only)
A3.4F Op-amps and embedded systems communication (HL only)
A3.4G Circuit diagram symbols and components (HL only)
3 minute read
A4.1A Categories of manufacturing technique (HL only)
5 minute read
A4.1B Additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping (HL only)
A4.1C Additive manufacturing in industry (HL only)
A4.1D 4D and 5D printing (HL only)
A4.1E Subtractive and forming techniques (HL only)
21 minute read
A4.1F Joining and finishing techniques (HL only)
A4.1G Combining manufacturing techniques (HL only)
B1.1A Structuring a UCD inquiry and applying research methods
B1.1B Persona development from user research
B1.1C Usability objectives and task analysis
B2.1A The design process and research within it
B2.1B User journey, storyboarding and problem definition
B2.1C Design specifications and ideation
B2.1D Iterative analysis, evaluation and refinement
B2.1E Prototyping and user testing
B2.1F Communicating and presenting the solution
B2.2A Drawings for feedback and communication
B2.2B Physical prototypes for design testing
B2.2C CAD modelling and design development
B2.2D Finite element analysis and CAD for rapid prototyping
B2.2E Using feedback to refine designs
B3.1A Material selection
B3.2A Forces in existing product structures (HL only)
4 minute read
B3.2B Young's Modulus, stiffness and structural failure (HL only)
B3.2C Force diagrams and safety factor calculations (HL only)
B3.3A Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency calculations (HL only)
B3.3B Gear and belt-driven system applications (HL only)
B3.3C Cam, follower and lever systems (HL only)
B3.4A Electronics in everyday products and electronic measuring tools (HL only)
B3.4B Electrical calculations, resistors and capacitors (HL only)
8 minute read
B3.4C Flow diagrams and circuit arrangement (HL only)
B3.4D Input sensors and Boolean logic in digital systems (HL only)
B3.4E Wireless communication in embedded systems (HL only)
B4.1A Production systems and scales of production (HL only)
B4.1B Choosing a technique, and designing within its limits (HL only)
C1.1A Designer responsibility: community, environment and safety
C1.1B Product obsolescence
C1.2A Inclusive design and its limits
C1.2B Design for extremes
C1.3A The four-pleasure framework (HL only)
C1.3B The attract/converse/transact (ACT) model (HL only)
C2.1A Design for sustainability and Datchefski's principles
C2.1B The triple bottom line
C2.2A Linear versus circular economy, and designing out waste
C2.2B Biodegradable materials, recovery and renewable energy
28 minute read
C3.1A The purpose of product analysis and stakeholder testing
C3.1B SWOT analysis
C3.1C Data-driven evaluation and identifying weaknesses
C3.2A Life-cycle analysis (HL only)
C3.2B Cradle-to-grave environmental impact (HL only)
C4.1A DfM strategies and design for process (HL only)
C4.1B Design for assembly and design for disassembly (HL only)
C4.1C Environmental impact of DfM strategies (HL only)
