MYP Design: Solving Real‑World Problems with Creativity and Innovation

Want the whole workbook?
Download the Extended PDF Guide to MYP Design + ATL (with examples, checklists, and sentence starters).

What is MYP Design?

MYP Design is the IB subject where you solve real‑world problems by thinking and working like a designer.

Instead of just making a product, you learn to:

• understand people’s needs
• come up with creative ideas
• build and test prototypes
• reflect and improve your work

You might design apps, posters, products, games, models, or even small robots – but the process is always the same: the Design Cycle.

The Design Cycle in 4 Steps (Criteria A–D)

Think of the design cycle as a loop that takes you from problem to solution.

A. Inquiring & Analyzing

You explore the problem.

• Who has this problem?
• Why is a solution needed?
• What already exists? (similar products, apps, systems)

You research, interview users, and write a short design brief explaining what you learned.

B. Developing Ideas

You plan your solution.

• Make a list of requirements (design specifications)
• Sketch several different ideas
• Pick the best idea and draw it in more detail (with measurements/materials)

By the end, you have a clear plan that someone else could understand.

C. Creating the Solution

You build a prototype.

• Follow your plan (or improve it as you go)
• Use tools, software, or materials to create a working model
• Take photos and notes of each step and any changes

The goal: a functional prototype that can be tested, not a “perfect” final product.

D. Evaluating

You test and reflect.

• Test your prototype against your requirements.
• Ask users for feedback
• Decide what worked well and what needs improving
• Suggest realistic next steps or version 2.0

This is where you learn the most – from success and from things that didn’t work.

ATL Skills in Design (Your Superpowers)

In every project, you practice ATL skills:

• Thinking – analyzing problems, comparing ideas, improving designs
• Research – finding information, studying existing solutions, citing sources
• Communication – sketches, diagrams, presentations, design folders
• Self‑Management – planning time, meeting deadlines, organizing files and materials
• Social Skills – working in teams, giving and receiving feedback

Design isn’t just about “being creative” – it’s about learning how to learn and how to work.

Typical MYP Design Projects

Depending on your school, design projects can include:

• Digital design
  • Apps, websites, games, UI/UX prototypes
  • Animation, video, interactive media
• Product design
  • Models and prototypes (lunchboxes, furniture, gadgets)
  • 3D printing, laser cutting, crafting
• STEM/robotics
  • Simple robots and electronics
  • Engineering challenges (bridges, towers, mechanism builds)

Every project still uses the same 4 steps: Inquire → Develop → Create → Evaluate.

Why the Design Folder / Journal Matters

Your design folder (or journal) is your project’s story:

• research notes and links
• user interviews
• sketches and brainstorms
• photos of making
• test results and reflections

You’re graded on both your prototype and your process.
If it’s not in your folder, your teacher can’t see that you did it.

Tip: add minor updates as you go, not all at the end.

Quick “Am I on Track?” Checklist

Before you say “I’m done!”, check:

• I can explain the problem and who my user is
• I brainstormed multiple ideas and chose one for good reasons
• I built a prototype that matches my plan (or I explained changes)
• I have evidence of my process (photos, sketches, notes)
• I tested my solution and collected feedback
• I wrote about how successful it is and how I would improve it next time

If you can tick most of these, you’re doing MYP Design the way IB intends: as a complete design cycle, not just “making something quickly.”

Want the full version?

The Extended PDF Guide to MYP Design includes:

• detailed explanations of Criteria A–D
• a complete sample project (sustainable lunchbox)
• stage‑by‑stage checklists
• ATL skills map

Interesting reads:

• ATL: The Secret Skill Set Behind Every IB Class
• Is Problem-Solving Your Key to Turning Challenges into Opportunities?
• Mastering Science Writing in IB: Lab Reports, Investigations, and Essays
• How to Write an Effective IB I&S Essay (and Use Your ATL Skills)
• IB Drama + ATL: Telling Stories with Your Whole Self