IB Design Technology IA Source Checker

Design Technology IA sources should support the design cycle with traceable client/user needs, product research, data, images, testing evidence, and student-generated development. Copied designs or unattributed images are high risk.

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Design Technology IA source check

Marksy reads the links or notes you give it, applies the rules for your IB assignment, and only stops to ask you something when the answer would change the verdict.

  1. Assignment
  2. 2Sources
  3. 3Clarify
  4. 4Verdict

Checking against

Design Technology IA

What usually works for Design Technology IA

Usually strong

  • Client interviews, user surveys, testing data, product specifications, competitor products, material data, standards, and cited images.
  • Student sketches, CAD iterations, prototypes, and testing records.
  • Academic or technical sources for materials and ergonomics.

Example

Client interview notes, competitor product specs, material data, cited precedent images, and prototype test results.

Needs a second look

  • Pinterest/product images without source details.
  • Design inspiration copied too closely.
  • AI-generated concept images used without acknowledgement.

Example

A manufacturer product page with useful specs but promotional bias.

Avoid or replace

  • Submitting a template/product design as original.
  • Unattributed visual research.
  • Testing claims without evidence.

Example

A copied CAD model from an online library.

Where to find better Design Technology IA sources

If a source gets a warning, don't just add more websites. Search for sources that match the assessment rule and can carry real analysis.

Searches to try

If a source is weak

  • Replace submitting a template/product design as original. with client interviews, user surveys, testing data, product specifications, competitor products, material data, standards, and cited images..
  • Use pinterest/product images without source details. only as context unless your teacher confirms they can carry evidence.
  • Add one source that gives direct evidence for the IA, not just general background.

Good places to look

  • Client interviews, user surveys, testing data, product specifications, competitor products, material data, standards, and cited images
  • Student sketches, CAD iterations, prototypes, and testing records
  • Academic or technical sources for materials and ergonomics

Questions people ask