Evaluation is one of the highest-impact sections of the IB Design Technology IA — and one of the most poorly handled. Many students treat evaluation as a summary of what they built or simply state that the solution “worked well.” This approach almost always limits marks.
In IB Design Technology, evaluation is about judging success against evidence, not celebrating outcomes.
What Does “Evaluation” Mean in IB Design Technology?
Evaluation means assessing how well your final solution meets the original design requirements and user needs, using testing results and feedback as evidence.
A strong evaluation answers three key questions:
- Did the solution meet the user’s needs?
- How well did it meet each requirement?
- What limitations remain, and why?
Evaluation is not descriptive. It is analytical and evidence-based.
Why Evaluation Has Such a Big Impact on IA Marks
Evaluation links together the entire project:
- Problem statement
- Research
- Design requirements
- Prototyping and testing
- Iteration
When evaluation is weak, examiners often assume earlier stages were superficial. When evaluation is strong, it validates the entire design process.
What Examiners Look For in Strong Evaluation
Direct Reference to Design Requirements
High-scoring evaluations clearly refer back to the design requirements or success criteria established earlier.
Strong evaluation:
- Assesses each requirement individually
- Explains the level of success
- Uses evidence from testing
Vague statements like “the product met most requirements” earn very few marks.
Use of Testing and User Feedback as Evidence
Evaluation must be supported by evidence, not opinion.
Effective evidence includes:
- User feedback
- Test results
- Observations during use
- Measurable outcomes
Statements such as “the user found it comfortable during testing” are far stronger than unsupported claims.
Balanced Judgement, Not Over-Praise
One of the most common mistakes is pretending the design is perfect.
IB examiners expect:
- Honest discussion of weaknesses
- Acknowledgement of limitations
- Realistic assessment of success
A design that has limitations but is evaluated honestly often scores higher than one described as flawless.
Explanation of Why Limitations Exist
Strong evaluation goes beyond identifying weaknesses.
High-level responses explain:
- Why a limitation exists
- What caused it
- Whether it could realistically be improved
This shows depth of understanding and reflection.
How to Structure a Strong Evaluation
A simple, effective structure is:
- Refer to a design requirement
- State how well it was met
- Support with evidence
- Identify any limitations
- Suggest realistic improvements
Repeating this structure across requirements makes evaluation clear and examiner-friendly.
Common Evaluation Mistakes That Lower Marks
Students frequently lose marks by:
- Writing evaluation as a summary
- Avoiding criticism of their own design
- Making claims without evidence
- Introducing new ideas that were never tested
Evaluation should reflect on what was done, not what could have been done in theory.
How Evaluation Links to Final Grade Boundaries
Strong evaluation often separates:
- Mid-level projects from high-level projects
- Grade 5–6 work from Grade 7 work
Examiners use evaluation to judge maturity of design thinking and ability to reflect critically.
How Much Evaluation Is Enough?
There is no fixed length, but effective evaluation:
- Covers all key requirements
- Uses multiple pieces of evidence
- Maintains focus on the user
Concise, well-structured evaluation scores far better than long, repetitive writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you include improvements in the evaluation?
Yes, but they must be realistic and based on identified limitations. Unrealistic redesigns add little value.
Is negative evaluation bad?
No. Honest evaluation demonstrates strong design thinking and is often rewarded.
Does evaluation affect more than one criterion?
Yes. Weak evaluation can limit marks across development, testing, and overall project quality.
Final Thoughts
Evaluation is where IB examiners decide whether a design project demonstrates genuine design thinking. Students who evaluate success clearly, honestly, and using evidence consistently achieve higher marks.
RevisionDojo Tip
RevisionDojo is the best platform for IB Design Technology students who want clear evaluation frameworks, examiner-style examples, and structured guidance on turning testing into marks. When evaluation is done properly, RevisionDojo helps transform good projects into top-scoring ones.
