IB Design Technology

Prerequisites

Students will be able to study design technology at SL successfully with no background in, or previous knowledge of, the subject. Their approach to study, characterized by the specific IB learner profile attributes—inquirers, thinkers and communicators—will be significant here. However, for most students considering the study of design technology at HL some previous exposure to design would be beneficial- such as Product Design and technology- Design Engineering, Wood, or Metal, or Visual Communication and Design.

Overview of the course

Design technology is a problem-solving and innovation approach that places a strong emphasis on understanding the needs and perspectives of the intended end user(s). It is a flexible and iterative process that can be applied to a wide range of challenges, from product development to service design and beyond.

A relevant and effective design technology education needs to reflect societal change with a greater focus on skills and the interconnectedness of concepts, contexts and content, and to facilitate deep learning and student understanding. New developments have been implemented to address these needs.

The design technology curriculum explores three themes: design in theory, design in practice and design in context. Through these, design technology students will develop long-enduring knowledge and understanding of the design thinking process. The study of their interconnections will provide students with opportunities to explore different perspectives and conceptual frameworks.

Nature of design technology

The nature of science is an overarching theme in the DP sciences. The nature of design technology explores conceptual understandings related to the purpose, features and impact of design thinking and knowledge. Students will have the opportunity to analyse, discuss, challenge and refine their understanding of the design ideas and concepts encountered during the course.

Practical work

Practical work continues to be a central aspect of the design technology course. The practical work allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the subject content and associated concepts, which provides opportunities to develop a wide range of skills. The practical scheme of work is broad and balanced to provide students with the opportunity to experience a wide range of tasks, from closed to open inquiry and from hands-on experimentation to the use of simulations and modelling, incorporating technology where appropriate.

External assessment

All students will sit two external examinations:

• Paper 1 includes multiple choice questions on the syllabus
• Paper 2 includes short-answer and extended-response questions of intertwining skills, concepts and understandings placed into a suitable design technology context.

Internal assessment (IA)

The design project is an open-ended task in which a student must identify, analyse, evaluate and redesign an existing product to meet the needs of an intended user(s). Students need to develop a physical fidelity model for testing and evaluation purposes.

Students are able to creatively design a project from any field of design: product design, robotics, textiles, architecture, food, etc. (this list is not exhaustive).

Assessment criteria, duration and marks are the same for both SL and HL. The only difference is the weightings.

Reproduced by permission of the IBO