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IB DP Design Technology

Student-facing study guides with English and Mandarin bilingual notes, interactive multiple-choice quizzes, and Paper 2 practice questions for every topic in the current syllabus (First Assessment 2027). HL-only topics are marked in purple.

Topic A — Knowledge & Theory

Foundational knowledge in ergonomics, user research, prototyping, materials, structures, mechanisms, electronics and manufacturing. Some topics are HL only.

A1 — Human Factors
A1.1SL + HL
Ergonomics
How do ergonomic considerations influence the design of a product?
Coming soon
A2 — Design Thinking & Prototyping
A2.1SL + HL
User-centred Research Methods
How do designers understand the relationship between users, the product and the environment?
Coming soon
A2.2SL + HL
Prototyping Techniques
Why is it necessary for designers to prototype ideas as part of a design process?
Coming soon
A3 — Materials, Structures & Systems
A3.1SL + HL
Material Classification & Properties
How do material properties and classifications aid material selection?
Coming soon
A3.2HL only
Introduction to Structural Systems
How are structures present in everyday products?
Coming soon
A3.3HL only
Introduction to Mechanical Systems
How are mechanisms present in everyday products?
Coming soon
A3.4HL only
Introduction to Electronic Systems
How are electronics present in everyday products?
Coming soon
A4 — Manufacturing
A4.1HL only
Manufacturing Techniques
Why are different manufacturing techniques used for producing different products?
Coming soon

Topic B — Design & Application

Applied design skills: user-centred design, the design process, modelling, material selection, structural and electronic systems in context, and production systems.

B1 — User-centred Design
B1.1SL + HL
User-centred Design
How does understanding user needs directly impact the design of products and services?
Coming soon
B2 — Design Process & Modelling
B2.1SL + HL
The Design Process
How do designers approach problem-solving?
Coming soon
B2.2SL + HL
Modelling & Prototyping
How do designers communicate ideas to different stakeholders?
Coming soon
B3 — Materials & Systems in Context
B3.1SL + HL
Material Selection
Why is material selection crucial to designers of products?
Coming soon
B3.2HL only
Structural Systems: Application & Selection
How can structural systems be incorporated into product design?
Coming soon
B3.3HL only
Mechanical Systems: Application & Selection
How can mechanical systems be incorporated into product design?
Coming soon
B3.4HL only
Electronic Systems: Application & Selection
How can electronic systems be incorporated into product design?
Coming soon
B4 — Production
B4.1HL only
Production Systems
How is the ideal production system determined for a product?
Coming soon

Topic C — Design, Society & Sustainability

Designer responsibility, inclusive design, sustainability frameworks, circular economy, product analysis and life-cycle thinking.

C1 — Designer Responsibility & Users
C1.1SL + HL
Responsibility of the Designer
What is the role of a designer in innovative and continuous product development?
Coming soon
C1.2SL + HL
Inclusive Design
How do designers design mainstream products and environments that are accessible to the largest possible number of people?
Coming soon
C1.3HL only
Beyond Usability
How do designers go beyond accessibility and usability to address a wider range of issues?
Coming soon
C2 — Sustainability
C2.1SL + HL
Design for Sustainability
How can design for sustainability ensure we meet our current needs without compromising our future existence?
Coming soon
C2.2SL + HL
Design for a Circular Economy
How do designers minimize waste and reduce product waste and pollution?
Coming soon
C3 — Product Analysis
C3.1SL + HL
Product Analysis & Evaluation
How does product analysis and evaluation inform stakeholders and aid future development?
Coming soon
C3.2HL only
Life-cycle Analysis
Why should designers consider the effects a product has on the environment?
Coming soon
C4 — Design for Manufacture
C4.1HL only
Design for Manufacture Strategies
How can the evolution of production systems transform the way products are designed and manufactured?
Coming soon