The information that appears on this website has been produced for students at Tonbridge Grammar School.

The source of much of the information, including the text and diagrams contained in the pages on Topics 1 - 7, Option E and the Glossary is taken from the IB Design Technology syllabus.

Topic 1: Design process


• The design cycle model and the design process
• Generating ideas
• Communicating ideas

Student notes for Topic 1

Topic 2: Product innovation


• 2.1Designers and the product cycle
• 2.2 Invention and innovation
• 2.3 People and markets

Student notes for Topic 2

Topic 3: Green design


• 3.1 Principles of green design
• 3.2 Life cycle analysis
• 3.3 Strategies for green design

Student notes for Topic 3

Topic 4: Materials


• 4.1 Introducing and classifying materials
• 4.2 Properties of materials
• 4.3 Timber
• 4.4 Metals
• 4.5 Plastics
• 4.6 Ceramics
• 4.7 Composites

Student notes for Topic 4

Paper 1 multiple choice questions for Topic 4

Topic 5: Product development

• 5.1 Manufacturing techniques
• 5.2 Craft production
• 5.3 Mechanization
• 5.4 Automation
• 5.5 Economic considerations
• 5.6 Clean manufacturing

Student notes for Topic 5

Topic 6: Product design

• 6.1Ergonomics
• 6.2 The designer and society

Student notes for Topic 6

Topic 7: Evaluation


• 7.1 Evaluation and designing
• 7.2 Evaluation and manufacturing
• 7.3 Evaluation and the consumer

Student notes for Topic 7

Option E: Human factors design


• E1 Human factors design
• E2 Human factors data
• E3 Research and testing
• E4 Modelling
• E5 Health and safety legislation
• E6 Design for usability
• E7 Contexts

Student notes for Option E

The Design Project

Internal Assessment Criteria


• Planning
• Research
• Development
• Evaluation
• Manipulative Skills

Glossary