Practice 8.3 Sustainable design with authentic IB Design Technology (DT) 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
HLPaper 1
Which architectural considerations are responding to sustainable design?
I. The use of bamboo flooring
II. Heating the house by coal
III. Collecting and using rainwater
Question 2
HLPaper 1
Which of the following are true of a green design?
I. Meets all parts of the triple bottom line
II. Is a short-term solution
III. Considers the entire cradle to grave lifecycle
Question 3
HLPaper 1
Which principle is not a part of sustainable design?
Question 4
HLPaper 2
A company is planning to develop a new line of sustainable home appliances. These appliances must be energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and designed for long-term use.
The design team must consider various aspects such as material selection, energy consumption, and lifecycle impacts. The following questions will explore different aspects of sustainable design in the context of home appliances.
1.[3]
Define sustainable design, outlining its key aspects, and explain its importance in the development of home appliances.
2.[4]
Describe two sustainable materials that could be used in the design of home appliances.
3.[4]
Explain the concept of lifecycle assessment (LCA) and its role in the sustainable design of home appliances.
4.[4]
The diagram below shows the stages of a home appliance lifecycle in sustainable design. Label the parts A, B, and C and explain their significance.
5.[6]
Propose three strategies a company can implement to enhance the sustainability of its home appliance designs.
Question 5
HLPaper 1
Which of the following is a primary benefit of using clean technology in manufacturing?
Question 6
HLPaper 1
Biopol is a plastic manufactured from plant materials. It can be placed in landfill or composted at the end of its useful life and will decompose harmlessly far quicker than conventional plastic.
Which of Datschefski’s principles of sustainable design does this satisfy?
Question 7
HLPaper 1
Which of the following principles are true of sustainable design?
I. Environmental
II. Economic
III. Social
Question 8
SLPaper 2
AquaPure
A new company, AquaPure, aims to introduce a line of advanced water filtration systems for home use. These systems are designed to be eco-friendly, easy to install, and cost-effective. AquaPure wants to ensure that their product meets consumer needs and stands out in a competitive market.
They are focusing on sustainable materials, innovative filtration technology, and user-friendly design. AquaPure needs to conduct thorough market research to ensure the product meets consumer needs and preferences.
1.[2]
Identify two market research strategies that AquaPure could use to gather information about consumer preferences for water filtration systems.
2.[3]
Explain how AquaPure could use perceptual mapping to position their water filtration system in the market.
3.[2]
Describe two advantages of conducting a competitor analysis for AquaPure before launching their water filtration system.
4.[4]
AquaPure decides to conduct a usability testing session for their new water filtration system design. Outline the key steps they should follow in this process.