Your Complete IB Design Technology Study Guide
Welcome to the IB Design Technology Study Guide. This guide brings the main parts of the course together in one place. Learn difficult concepts, understand design processes, explore materials and manufacturing, and see how different topics connect. Use the guides to learn new topics, revise what you already know, and prepare for your IB Design Technology exams.
Explore the Study Guides
Use these guides to understand the important ideas, skills, and processes covered in IB Design Technology.
Syllabus Roadmap
Get a clear overview of the complete IB Design Technology syllabus. See the main topics and understand how they are organised. Learn how Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) differ. Use the roadmap to plan what you need to study and when to study it.
Learn More →Topic Guides
Study each IB Design Technology topic with clear and simple explanations. Break difficult ideas into smaller sections that are easier to understand. Focus on the important concepts, terminology, and processes you need to know. Use these guides when learning a topic for the first time or revising it later.
Learn More →Concept Connections
Understand how different Design Technology concepts connect with each other. See how materials, design, manufacturing, sustainability, and user needs can affect one another. Learn how ideas from one topic can help you understand another topic. This helps you see Design Technology as one connected subject rather than separate topics.
Learn More →Design Process Guide
Learn the main stages of developing a design solution. Follow the process from identifying a problem and researching needs to developing ideas and creating prototypes. Understand the role of testing, evaluation, feedback, and refinement. See how designers improve their solutions through each stage of the process.
Learn More →Materials Guide
Explore the important materials studied in IB Design Technology. Learn about their properties, advantages, limitations, and common uses. Understand why a particular material may be suitable for one product but not another. Use real design situations to understand how material selection works.
Learn More →Manufacturing Guide
Understand how design ideas are turned into physical products. Learn how different manufacturing processes work and where they are used. See how material, shape, quantity, cost, accuracy, and production needs affect process selection. Build a better understanding of how products are made.
Learn More →Product Development Guide
Learn how a product develops from an initial idea to a final design. Understand the role of prototypes, testing, user feedback, and modifications. See why designers often test and change their ideas several times. Learn how refinement can improve the function, usability, and quality of a product.
Learn More →Technical Drawing & CAD Guide
Learn how designers communicate ideas through technical drawings and digital models. Understand important drawing methods, views, measurements, and design details. Explore the role of CAD in designing, developing, and modifying products. See how clear and accurate visual communication helps designers and manufacturers work together.
Learn More →Sustainability Guide
Understand how products can affect the environment throughout their life cycle. Explore the impact of materials, manufacturing, transport, use, and disposal. Learn how designers can reduce waste and use resources more responsibly. See how sustainability can influence decisions at different stages of the design process.
Learn More →Human Factors & Ergonomics Guide
Learn how designers consider the people who use their products. Understand ergonomics, anthropometrics, comfort, safety, accessibility, and usability. See how human needs and physical measurements can influence product design. Learn how good design can make products safer, more comfortable, and easier to use.
Learn More →Innovation & Emerging Technologies Guide
Explore how new technologies are changing design and manufacturing. Learn how innovation can lead to new materials, processes, products, and solutions. Understand important emerging technologies relevant to Design Technology. See how designers use technology to solve problems in new ways.
Learn More →Calculations & Technical Methods Guide
Build confidence with the technical and numerical parts of Design Technology. Learn the main calculations and technical methods you may need to use. Understand what each method is used for and follow the steps clearly. Focus on understanding how and why a method works rather than simply memorising it.
Learn More →Real-World Design Examples
Connect Design Technology theory with real products and design situations. See how designers make decisions about materials, manufacturing, ergonomics, sustainability, and users. Understand why particular design choices may be suitable for different situations. Use real examples to make difficult concepts easier to understand and remember.
Learn More →IB Command Terms Guide
Learn what common IB command terms mean in Design Technology questions. Understand the difference between terms such as describe, explain, analyse, and evaluate. Learn what each command term expects you to do in your answer. Use this guide to understand questions correctly and give focused answers.
Learn More →SL vs HL Guide
Understand the main differences between IB Design Technology SL and HL. See which areas are covered at each level and where HL requires greater depth. Identify the additional knowledge and understanding required for HL. Use this guide to make sure your revision matches your course level.
Learn More →Revision Roadmap
Follow a clear approach to revising IB Design Technology. Break the syllabus into manageable study areas instead of trying to revise everything at once. Plan when to learn new topics, review difficult areas, and return to important concepts. Use the roadmap to keep your revision organised as your exams approach.
Learn More →Common Mistakes Guide
Learn about common mistakes students make in IB Design Technology. Understand errors related to concepts, terminology, calculations, and design decisions. See why these mistakes can lead to weak answers or misunderstandings. Learn simple ways to recognise these mistakes and avoid them in your own work.
Learn More →Make the Most of Your Study Guide
Use these resources in a simple order to build your understanding and keep your IB Design Technology revision organised.
- Start with the Syllabus Roadmap to understand the course as a whole.
- Use the Topic Guides to learn and revise individual areas.
- Use the other guides when you need deeper help with a specific concept, process, or skill.
Build Your Understanding of IB Design Technology
IB Design Technology becomes easier when you understand how the different ideas fit together. Use these study guides to build your knowledge one topic at a time.
Return to the guides whenever you need to review a difficult concept, understand a process, or prepare for your exams.
Study with a clear plan and focus on understanding, not just memorising.
Need Help With IB Design Technology?
A study guide can help you understand the subject, but some topics may still be difficult to learn on your own. If you need help with a difficult concept, your coursework, or your exam preparation, one-to-one tutoring can give you focused support.
Get One-to-One IB Design Technology Support