IBDP Design & Technology

Group 4 | Design & Technology

🎓 LevelHL & SL
⏱ Hours150 (SL) or 240 (HL)
📚 Prerequisite 
ℹ️ IB Course Information

Link HL

Link SL

"Design, and the resultant development of new technologies, has given rise to profound changes in society: transforming how we access and process information; how we adapt our environment; how we communicate with others; how we are able to solve problems; how we work and live." (Nature of Design Technology, Design technology guide First assessment 2020)

What will I learn?

The Diploma Programme Design Technology course develops internationally-minded people whose enhanced understanding of design and the technological world facilitates a shared guardianship of the planet. Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of the subject. DP design technology uses the design cycle to provide a methodology to structure the inquiry and analysis of problems and the development, testing and evaluation of the solution. A solution can be defined as a model, prototype, product or system that students have developed independently. DP design technology achieves a high level of design literacy by enabling students to develop critical-thinking and design skills, which they apply in a practical context. While designing may take various forms, it will involve the selective application of knowledge within an ethical framework.

Assessment

ComponentTime%HL%SL
Individual Design Project 4040
Paper 1 - Multiple Choice1 hr2030
Paper 2 - Short Answer & Extended Response1.5 hrs2030
Paper 3 - Structured Questions (HL only)1.5 hrs200

Why should I consider this course?

  • Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of the subject 
  • You will analyse real-world problems, develop feasible and innovative solutions, and test and evaluate your ideas
  • Your solutions can be models, prototypes, products or systems that you have developed independently
  • You will achieve design literacy, developing critical-thinking and design skills, in a practical way
  • When designing, you will think and work within an ethical framework

What Skills does this course provide?

  • Designing develops your imagination and creativity
  • It  develops empathy, compassion and respect to make a positive difference to the lives of others and the environment
  • An enhanced understanding of design and the technological world 
  • Analysis, design development, synthesis and evaluation skills

What Pathway Options does this course provide?

  • Anyone who may wish to do further study in architecture, engineering, product or industrial design
  • People who want to study how design affects society and the environment
  • People who wish to pursue careers in creative fields