Free resources for
Design students & teachers
Study guides, interactive activities, and curriculum tools covering the full IB DP Design syllabus. Made by a teacher, for students and teachers worldwide.
Curriculum Units
Resources organised by the current IB DP Design syllabus structure.
Human Factors & Ergonomics
User-centred design, anthropometrics, cognitive ergonomics, and inclusive design principles.
Resource Management & Sustainability
Lifecycle analysis, sustainable design, material choices, and circular economy principles.
Modelling
Physical and virtual modelling techniques, testing, and the iterative design process.
Final Product
Manufacturing processes, joining techniques, finishing, and quality control.
Innovation & Design
Design history, innovation models, intellectual property, and the role of design in society.
Classic Design
Analysis of iconic designs through multiple lenses: aesthetic, functional, cultural, and historical.
Interactive Tools and Activities
HTML activities you can use directly in your browser — no login, no signup.
Design Cycle Explorer
Interactive walkthrough of the IB Design Cycle with examples and self-check questions.
Device Room Rules
An upgrade on the tired A3 poster students never read.
Macropad Configurator
A tool to simplify the process of building and programming a macropad with ESP32 microcontrollers.
DP Design Technology IA Guide
A step by step guide to the Internal Assessment project, worth a mere 40% of your total Design Technology grade (no pressure).
For Teachers
All resources here are free to use in your classroom. No attribution required, though appreciated. If you want to suggest a topic, flag an error, or contribute a resource, get in touch.
These materials are written for the current syllabus. They'll be updated when the IB revises the curriculum.
hello@contrapaul.com →This site covers the most recently revised IB DP Design syllabus. Always cross-reference with your official IB course guide — syllabi can change between examination sessions.