IB Design Technology Syllabus Roadmap
This roadmap gives you a clear picture of the IB Design Technology course. Use it to understand the syllabus structure, see what you need to study, and plan your learning. It shows how topics connect and what’s expected at SL and HL. Think of it as your guide to the entire course.
The current syllabus is organized into three themes: Design in theory, Design in practice, and Design in context. Across these themes, students study four areas: People, Process, Product and Production.
1. IB DESIGN TECHNOLOGY AT A GLANCE
People
Understand users and their needs.
Process
Follow the IB DP Design process through research, development, modelling, prototyping and evaluation.
Product
Select materials and understand product systems.
Production
Explore how products are manufactured and produced, with Production topics studied at HL.
2. SYLLABUS STRUCTURE
Here is the current syllabus, organized into four areas: People, Process, Product, and Production.
🧑🤝🧑 People: Understanding Users
A1.1 Ergonomics
The relationship between people, products, systems and environments to improve efficiency, usability, functionality, effectiveness and safety.
A2.1 User-centred research methods
Research techniques used to understand the needs and preferences of intended users.
A2.2 Prototyping techniques
Methods and techniques used to create prototypes during the design process.
B1.1 User-centred design (UCD)
Designing with the user’s needs and feedback at the core.
C1.1 Responsibility of the designer
Ethical responsibilities designers have towards users and society.
C1.2 Inclusive design
Designing products that meet the needs of a wide range of users.
C1.3 Beyond usability
Exploring aspects of user experience that go beyond basic usability.
⚙️ Process: The Design Journey
B2.1 The IB DP Design process
The iterative nature of design, including analysis, development and evaluation.
B2.2 Modelling and prototyping
Creating and testing models to refine design solutions.
C2.1 Design for sustainability
Considering sustainability when developing and evaluating design solutions.
C2.2 Design for a circular economy
Designing for reuse, repair and recycling to keep materials in circulation and reduce waste.
📦 Product: Materials & Systems
A3.1 Material classification and properties
How materials are classified and their key physical and chemical properties.
B3.1 Material selection
Selecting appropriate materials for specific design applications.
C3.1 Product analysis and evaluation
Critically analysing existing products to understand their design.
A3.2 Introduction to structural systems
Basic principles of structural systems in product design.
B3.2 Structural systems application and selection
Applying and selecting structural systems in design solutions.
A3.3 Introduction to mechanical systems
Fundamentals of mechanical systems in product design.
B3.3 Mechanical systems application and selection
Applying and selecting mechanical systems in product design.
A3.4 Introduction to electronic systems
Basic concepts of electronic systems in product design.
B3.4 Electronic systems application and selection
Applying and selecting electronic systems in product design.
C3.2 Life-cycle analysis (LCA)
Assessing the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle.
🏭 Production: Making Products
A4.1 Manufacturing techniques
Understanding different manufacturing processes and techniques.
B4.1 Production systems
Understanding different production systems and how they are used to produce products.
C4.1 Design for manufacture strategies
Designing products that are efficient and effective to manufacture.
3. SL VS HL
Standard Level (SL)
- Course Content Covers all SL syllabus components.
- Additional HL Topics None.
- Assessment Paper 1, Paper 2, and Design Project.
- Teaching Hours 150 hours.
Higher Level (HL)
- Course Content HL includes all SL content plus the syllabus components identified as HL only.
- Additional HL Topics Includes: Beyond usability (C1.3), Introduction to structural systems (A3.2), Structural systems application and selection (B3.2), Introduction to mechanical systems (A3.3), Mechanical systems application and selection (B3.3), Introduction to electronic systems (A3.4), Electronic systems application and selection (B3.4), Life-cycle analysis (C3.2), Manufacturing techniques (A4.1), Production systems (B4.1), and Design for manufacture strategies (C4.1).
- Assessment Paper 1, Paper 2, and Design Project.
- Teaching Hours 240 hours.
4. HOW THE SYLLABUS FITS TOGETHER
A simple way to understand how design activities can connect:
5. DESIGN TECHNOLOGY LEARNING JOURNEY
A suggested learning journey through the course:
UNDERSTAND
Get to know the syllabus and main concepts.
EXPLORE
Look at different topics and how they connect.
APPLY
Use your knowledge on simple design problems.
DEVELOP
Build your skills through practical design projects.
TEST
Try out your ideas through prototyping and evaluation.
EVALUATE
Check your progress and find weak areas.
IMPROVE
Go back and strengthen difficult topics.
6. ASSESSMENT ROADMAP
External Assessment (Paper 1)
Multiple-choice questions.
External Assessment (Paper 2)
Short-answer and extended-response questions.
Internal Assessment (Design Project)
A design project where you identify, analyse, evaluate and redesign an existing product for intended users, followed by development of a physical fidelity model for testing and evaluation.
7. RECOMMENDED STUDY ORDER
This sequence helps you build a strong foundation before moving to more complex topics.
Understand the syllabus
Get a clear overview of the entire course.
Learn the main concepts
Start with areas such as Ergonomics, User-centered design, and the IB DP Design process.
Study materials and processes
Understand material properties and selection. Note that manufacturing techniques are HL only.
Understand design development
Learn how ideas become products through prototyping and evaluation.
Apply concepts
Work through practical examples and past paper questions.
Review difficult areas
Return to topics you find challenging.
Prepare for assessment
Practice exam technique and work on your Design Project.
8. STUDENT PROGRESS CHECKLIST
9. WHERE TO GO NEXT
This roadmap is your starting point for the IB Design Technology course. Use it to keep your studies on track and to understand the bigger picture of what you are learning. Return to it whenever you need a refresher.
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Disclaimer: This syllabus roadmap is an independently prepared resource for student guidance. For any mismatch, discrepancy, or change in the syllabus, assessment structure, or requirements, please refer to the official IBO Design Technology Subject Brief.