The MYP Design Cycle Explained (Criteria A–D)
MYP Design is built around one repeating process: the design cycle. Its four stages map exactly onto the four assessment criteria, so understanding the cycle is understanding how you are marked.
A — Inquiring and analysing
Identify and justify a real need, plan and prioritise research, and analyse existing products to write a detailed design brief.
B — Developing ideas
Turn research into a design specification with measurable success criteria, generate a range of feasible ideas, choose one with justification, and produce accurate planning drawings.
C — Creating the solution
Make a logical plan, then build the solution with technical skill, following the plan and justifying any changes you make along the way.
D — Evaluating
Design tests that generate data, evaluate the solution against your own specification, and explain both improvements and the impact on the client or audience.
Why it is a cycle, not a line
Evaluation feeds back into new inquiry — real designers loop. On CritABCD you can study a fully worked exemplar project through all four stages, then rebuild it for your own brief.
Frequently asked questions
Inquiring and analysing (A), developing ideas (B), creating the solution (C), and evaluating (D).
Against the four criteria A–D, each out of 8, via a design folder (ePortfolio) rather than a written exam.