Design Technology · IB HL
IB Design Technology HL — papers & markbands
Design thinking from human factors to production: multiple choice (Paper 1), structured response (Paper 2) and — at HL — an extended options paper (Paper 3). Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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Design Technology HL chapters
11 topics · free- 1.1Human factors and ergonomics
- 1.2Resource management and sustainable production
- 1.3Modelling — graphical, physical and CAD
- 1.4Raw material to final product
- 1.5Innovation and design
- 1.6Classic design and product analysis
- 2.1Multiple-choice exam technique (Paper 1)
- 3.1The design project — investigate, develop, realise
- 4.1User-centred design (UCD)
- 4.2Sustainability and the product life cycle
- 4.3Innovation, markets and commercial production
Papers in Design Technology HL
- Paper 1HL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- Paper 3HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Design Technology HL?
- IB Design Technology at HL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, plus internal assessment. Design thinking from human factors to production: multiple choice (Paper 1), structured response (Paper 2) and — at HL — an extended options paper (Paper 3).
- How is IB Design Technology marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Design Technology HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Design Technology HL exam series on our IB Design Technology past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Design Technology course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Design Technology course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Design Technology resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.