Design Technology is a unique course sequence in group 4. It is an ideal alternative to the traditional science course, especially for students who struggle with or dislike experimental science. The course focuses on teaching students the processes and roles of design and designers. Some of the elements designers must consider include: material; political, social, and economic factors which affect peoples’ priorities when designing a product; sustainability; aesthetics; and safety. Students are taught how to evaluate existing products and analyze situations so that they can suggest appropriate improvements.
Additionally, Design Technology maintains a strong emphasis on giving students the experience of designers and as such, a central part of the course is the design project where students design and produce an object of their own creation.
Design and Technology is a relatively hard course, at the respective levels of SL and HL (average score worldwide is 3.7, as reported in spring, 2015). However, one should take particular care with the design project, and other such projects that contribute to the marking criteria scheme.

Proposed book structure


Older content from past contributor

[This material is from the 2009-2015 syllabus and must be updated for the 2015-2021 syllabus]

There are 6 core topics studied by HL and SL classes:

1. The Design Process
2. Product Innovation
3. Green Design
4. Materials
5. Product Development
6. Product Design
7. Evaluation

HL classes cover an additional 5 topics:

8. Energy
9. Structures
10. Mechanical Design
11. Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
12. Sustainable Development


For the optional section of the course, HL and SL students study two options from those available for their level.
Options A-G are available to HL and SL classes:

A. Food Science and Technology
B. Electronic Product Design
C. CAD/CAM
D. Textiles
E. Human Factors
F. Invention, Innovation, and Design
G. Electronic Products

Options H-J are available only to SL classes

H. Raw materials to production
I. Microstructures and macrostructures
J. Appropriate Technologies


Design Project

The design project is an integral part of the Design Technology course.
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