IB DP Design technology Past Papers
Browse past paper analysis, answer explanations, grade boundary estimates, and thinka-original sample papers by subject and year.
Available years: 2025, 2024, 2023
A highly comprehensive Higher Level assessment across Papers 1 and 3, focusing heavily on Additional Higher Level (AHL) themes such as Innovation & Markets, Commercial Production, and Sustainability, framed through engaging real-world case studies like the LiveWall and fast fashion.
The May 2025 Higher Level Design Technology examination offered a highly comprehensive and balanced assessment across the core and AHL syllabi. Paper 1 tested foundational concepts, while Paper 3 demanded in-depth analysis of corporate strategy, user-centred design, and triple bottom line sustainability.
A highly balanced and practical Standard Level paper that tests core concepts of Design Technology through engaging real-world case studies on sustainable apparel, non-electric mechanical systems, and community-driven sanitation design.
The May 2025 IB Design Technology paper represents a balanced and fair assessment, strictly adhering to core syllabus fundamentals with a particularly heavy emphasis on materials science, resource management, and modeling. While Paper 1 tested definitions and foundational concepts with direct multiple-choice questions, Paper 2 demanded rigorous structural thinking, especially within the high-tariff 9-mark design questions.
An analysis of the November 2025 Higher Level Design Technology exams (Paper 1 and Paper 3). The papers showcase a strong focus on Additional Higher Level (AHL) integration, especially within Paper 3 where commercial production, sustainability, and user-centred design concepts dominate the high-mark extended response questions.
The November 2025 IB Design Technology standard level assessment provides a balanced test of core principles, heavily weighting sustainable resource management, material properties, and the mechanics of innovation.
The May 2024 Higher Level Paper 1 is a 60-minute, 40-mark multiple-choice examination testing the entire breadth of the IB Design Technology syllabus, from core human factors to advanced AHL sustainability and commercial production concepts.
The May 2024 Design Technology HL papers assessed students across both core and AHL topics with a major focus on sustainable innovation, marketing strategies, and commercial quality management systems.
A highly representative May 2024 Standard Level Paper 1, testing the core syllabus with an emphasis on Material Science (Topic 4) and Sustainability (Topic 2). It features a real-world case study on the SafariSeat wheelchair.
A highly balanced Standard Level assessment that thoroughly tests material properties, manufacturing processes, and ergonomic principles. Paper 1 requires precise conceptual recall, while Paper 2 tests the structural application of theory across real-world case studies.
The November 2024 Higher Level Design Technology papers offer a comprehensive assessment of both Core and Additional Higher Level material. With a major focus on Topic 9 (Commercial Production) and Topic 8 (Innovation and Markets), the exams test the practical application of systems like JIT, Kaizen, and IP protection within real-world design case studies.
A well-structured examination that effectively balances material science, prototyping methodologies, and real-world commercial design scenarios such as the pTrumpet and Flow Hive.
The May 2023 Higher Level Paper 1 Design Technology exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. It provides a balanced coverage of both Core and AHL topics, featuring a dedicated case study on Marco Maran's X3 Chair.
The May 2023 Higher Level Design Technology examination offered a robust assessment of design principles, with a strong focus on Additional Higher Level (AHL) topics. Paper 1 tested precision and core knowledge, while Paper 3 demanded comprehensive, case-study-driven application of User-Centred Design (UCD) and Sustainability principles.
This Standard Level Paper 1 consists of 30 multiple-choice questions covering all core topics of the IB Design Technology syllabus. There is a strong focus on Topic 4 (Raw material to final product) with 9 questions, and Topic 2 (Resource management) with 6 questions. A final case study on Marco Maran's X3 Chair integrates core concepts across modelling, materials, and production.
An analysis of the May 2023 IB Design Technology examination series (Standard Level Paper 1 and Standard/Higher Level Paper 2). The papers comprehensively test core competencies in sustainable design, material properties, and modelling, with a strong focus on real-world case studies including hybrid vehicles, flat-packed toys, and modular cardboard furniture.
An advanced HL Design Technology examination package focusing heavily on AHL topics (User-Centred Design, Sustainability, and Commercial Production) in Paper 3, balanced with a wide-ranging Core and AHL assessment in Paper 1.
The November 2023 Standard Level Design Technology papers offer a balanced and comprehensive assessment of the core syllabus. Paper 1 contains demanding multiple-choice questions on materials and rapid prototyping, while Paper 2 combines real-world case studies (Nokia 3310, Roly Poly chair, and eco-friendly pump bottles) to test candidates' synthesis and evaluation skills.
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