IB Design Technology 2027 — Student Textbook

A complete student companion for the IB Diploma Programme Design Technology course (first assessment 2027).

How to use this book

Each chapter covers one syllabus topic. Chapters are structured identically:

1. Key concepts — the core content you need to understand
2. Case studies — real products that illustrate the concepts
3. Glossary — key terms and definitions
4. Check your understanding — practice questions with model answers

Work through chapters in order, or dip into specific topics as they arise in class. Questions at the end of each chapter are written in the style of IB Paper 1 and Paper 2 exam items.

Contents

Introduction

• Introduction

Strand A — Human nature, creativity & design

• A1.1 Ergonomics
• A2.1 User-centred research methods
• A2.2 Prototyping techniques
• A3.1 Material classification and properties
• A3.2 Introduction to structural systems (HL)
• A3.3 Introduction to mechanical systems (HL)
• A3.4 Introduction to electronic systems (HL)
• A4.1 Manufacturing techniques (HL)

Strand B — Design thinking & the design process

• B1.1 User-centred design
• B2.1 The design process
• B2.2 Modelling and prototyping
• B3.1 Material selection
• B3.2 Structural systems application and selection (HL)
• B3.3 Mechanical systems application and selection (HL)
• B3.4 Electronic systems application and selection (HL)
• B4.1 Production systems (HL)

Strand C — Design as a global technology

• C1.1 Responsibility of the designer
• C1.2 Inclusive design
• C1.3 Beyond usability (HL)
• C2.1 Design for sustainability
• C2.2 Design for a circular economy
• C3.1 Product analysis and evaluation
• C3.2 Life-cycle analysis (HL)
• C4.1 Design for manufacture strategies (HL)

Reference

• Extended essay
• Glossary
• Exam technique