DesignDex — Design Research Bank for Design Technology
DesignDex is a free design research bank with 2000+ academic studies covering IB Design Technology, design engineering, UX research, human factors, sustainability, and industrial design. Every study is simplified into actionable insights for students, designers, and researchers.
What is DesignDex?
DesignDex translates peer-reviewed design research into practical, easy-to-apply insights. Whether you're working on an IB Design Technology IA, extended essay (EE), or professional design project, each study summary includes the research aim, methodology, key findings, and a clear design takeaway. Use DesignDex as your design research bank to find evidence-backed studies across all major design technology topics.
IB Design Technology Research
DesignDex is the ideal research companion for IB DT students. Find studies aligned to all 10 syllabus topics — from human factors and ergonomics to sustainable production and innovation. Use our curated research bank to strengthen your IA investigations, support your extended essay arguments, and deepen your understanding of design technology principles with real academic evidence.
Research Categories
- Human Factors & Ergonomics — Anthropometrics, cognitive ergonomics, usability testing, user interaction, grip design, posture research, sensory perception, accessibility
- User-Centred Design — UX research, usability studies, user testing, personas, empathy mapping, interaction design, inclusive design, universal design, co-design
- Innovation & Design — Design thinking, creative processes, ideation methods, SCAMPER, brainstorming research, design fixation, lateral thinking, biomimicry
- Sustainability — Eco-design, circular design, lifecycle analysis (LCA), cradle-to-cradle, green design, carbon footprint, sustainable materials, design for disassembly
- Resource Management — Material selection, energy efficiency, waste reduction, lean manufacturing, JIT production, supply chain design, ethical sourcing
- Modelling — CAD research, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, simulation, finite element analysis, parametric design, generative design, digital twins, rendering
- Final Production — Manufacturing processes, injection molding, CNC machining, laser cutting, casting, forging, thermoforming, quality control, tolerance design
- Classic Design — Form and function, aesthetics, colour theory, design movements, Bauhaus, design semiotics, emotional design, product semantics
- Commercial Production — Batch production, mass production, automation, CAM, cost analysis, design for manufacturing (DFM), scalable production, quality assurance
- Innovation & Markets — Consumer behavior, market research, trend forecasting, product-market fit, brand design, packaging design, planned obsolescence, design patents
For Students
- IB Design Technology IA research and investigation support
- IB DT Extended Essay (EE) academic sources and evidence
- A-Level and GCSE Design Technology revision and coursework research
- NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) design technology research sources
- Study guide mode with simplified explanations and exam tips
- Variables identification (IV, DV, CV) for each study
- Critical evaluation frameworks and strengths/limitations
- Citation generation in APA, MLA, and Harvard formats
For Designers & Researchers
- Evidence-based design decisions from peer-reviewed research
- Product design and industrial design research insights
- UX and interaction design studies with practical takeaways
- Materials science and manufacturing process research
- Design Signals — cross-study pattern analysis and emerging trends
- Ergonomics and human factors research for product development
- Sustainability and environmental impact design research
Features
- 2000+ curated academic design studies
- Daily curated design research digest
- Full research feed with category filtering and search
- Design Signals — cross-study pattern analysis
- Save and organize studies for later reference
- Quick citation generation (APA, MLA, Harvard)
- Evidence strength indicators for each study
- Research mode and study guide mode for different needs
Popular Research Topics
Browse design research on: ergonomics and grip design, cognitive load in interfaces, material perception and quality, form validation UX, progressive disclosure, trust signals in design, haptic feedback, weight distribution in products, checkout optimization, mobile navigation patterns, accessibility in product design, sustainable packaging, biodegradable materials, smart materials, composite materials research, additive manufacturing, design for the elderly, inclusive design patterns, emotional design, colour psychology, wayfinding design, information architecture, service design, and hundreds more evidence-backed design topics.
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Design Research for Everyone
Whether you're an IB Design Technology student looking for IA or EE research, an A-Level or GCSE DT student, a design engineering professional, a product designer, or a UX researcher — DesignDex is your free design research bank. Explore 2000+ verified design studies at designdex.org.