IB Design Technology

Design thinking, problem-solving, and technology for ages 16–19. Students use the design cycle to analyse problems, develop solutions, and evaluate outcomes.

Course at a glance

Level	Teaching hours	Syllabus
Standard Level (SL)	150	Topics 1–6 + design project
Higher Level (HL)	240	Topics 1–10 + design project

What you learn

How people interact with products (human factors)
Resources, energy, and sustainable production
Modelling and CAD / prototyping
Materials and manufacturing
Innovation, IP, and classic design
HL only: user-centred design, sustainability, markets, commercial production

Assessment overview

	SL	HL
External exam	60%	70%
Internal (design project)	40%	30%
Exam papers	2	3

How to learn each topic

Read text — open the reading, then use the fill-in-the-blank link inside it
Key terms — click a term to see its Chinese meaning
Answer the 6 questions — click to reveal the thinking lens

Start learning — search for any topic, or begin with Topic 1 (Human Factors).

Core topics (1–6) are tagged SL · HL — required for both levels. Topics 7–10 are HL only.

Choose your path

SL guide — core topics 1–6 (90 hours + practical work)

HL guide — core + extension topics 7–10

Design project (SL) — IA criteria A–D

Design project (HL) — IA criteria A–F