Real-time apps are everywhere—chat platforms, multiplayer games, live dashboards. And guess what? You can build these too, even as an IB student. WebSockets and SockJS make it easy to create systems that update instantly without refreshing the page.
Moreover, using real-world tools like these in your IB CS IA shows that you’re not just learning theory—you’re thinking like a real developer.
Finding a unique IB CS IA topic that’s both original and manageable can be tricky. A lot of students end up stuck on generic projects that don’t really show off their potential.
That’s why using something like SockJS can make a real difference. It’s a modern tool that powers real-time features—chat, updates, notifications—and gives your IA a fresh, standout edge.
Need some help brainstorming or want a ready-to-go example? You can buy CS internal assessment projects that are already built around these technologies.
Best IB CS Internal Assessment Topics
Below are 20 CS IA ideas in a form of research questions, with clear explanations of how you can approach them to score well on your IA.
✅ 1. To what extent can a real-time mental health check-in platform support emotional well-being among teenagers?
Overview: A secure web app that lets users log moods and get support resources. Includes user authentication, mood tracking, and real-time feedback using SockJS.
✅ 2. How effectively can a live bidding platform be developed to simulate real-world auctions for online sellers?
Overview: Build a real-time auction system with user authentication, product listings, bid updates using WebSockets, and final transaction logic.
✅ 3. To what extent can a decentralized peer-to-peer file-sharing tool improve data transfer efficiency within a school network?
Overview: A file-sharing tool without centralized servers, using WebSockets or similar methods for real-time transfer and peer management.
✅ 4. How effective is a web-based multiplayer card game in demonstrating real-time interactions between players?
Overview: A turn-based or timed game like Uno or memory match, coded with SockJS to manage simultaneous user sessions and interactions.
✅ 5. To what extent can a live crypto tracker application help beginner investors make informed decisions?
Overview: Integrate a crypto price API with a dashboard that updates values in real time, includes filters and chart generation.
✅ 6. How can a real-time alert system improve productivity in remote work environments?
Overview: A task-based system that notifies users when changes are made to a shared task list or when deadlines are updated.
✅ 7. How effective is a collaborative playlist app in allowing groups to manage music preferences at social events?
Overview: Multiple users vote and add to a live playlist. Priorities are updated in real time, showing voting logic and syncing through WebSockets.
✅ 8. To what extent can a real-time comment moderation tool reduce offensive content in community chats?
Overview: Build a chat or forum with a live moderation feature—automated filters, admin overrides, and content flagging.
✅ 9. How effectively can a web-based seat reservation system prevent double-bookings in small event spaces?
Overview: Users view and reserve available seats with real-time feedback on status, synced through SockJS to avoid clashes.
✅ 10. How can a secure, real-time voting platform be developed for small organizations or student governments?
Overview: Each user votes once, and results update live. Include token-based access, vote encryption, and a result chart.
✅ 11. To what extent can a multiplayer trivia game promote interactive learning among peers?
Overview: Create a real-time quiz platform with rooms, scoreboards, and timed questions. Focus on game logic and concurrent user flow.
✅ 12. How can a smart alert system for cryptocurrency price drops be implemented using real-time technologies?
Overview: User sets price thresholds; system monitors changes and triggers live alerts using SockJS or WebSockets.
✅ 13. How effective is a digital Kanban board in managing small team projects in real time?
Overview: Teams create tasks and move cards across stages (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done), all updated live across devices.
✅ 14. To what extent can a real-time task prioritization tool reduce scheduling conflicts among users?
Overview: Users input availability, the system suggests priority task lists and resolves overlaps with live updates.
✅ 15. How can a real-time whiteboard app support creative collaboration among users in remote settings?
Overview: Users draw on a shared canvas that syncs live. Add role-based features (host vs guest), saving sessions, and basic shape tools.
✅ 16. How effective is a real-time grocery price comparison tool for helping consumers choose better deals?
Overview: Compare prices across different stores. Use APIs and WebSockets to update live when prices change.
✅ 17. How can a secure, live support chat tool improve customer experience on small business websites?
Overview: Implement one-to-one chat where admins respond in real time, with conversation saving, typing indicators, and read receipts.
✅ 18. To what extent can a real-time collaborative budgeting tool help young adults manage shared expenses?
Overview: Users add expenses and view balances live. Great for roommates or couples, with clear financial logic and UI design.
✅ 19. How can a real-time habit tracker motivate users to stick to their daily routines?
Overview: Build a dashboard where users can mark completed habits and compare progress live with friends or accountability partners.
✅ 20. To what extent can a real-time job board application streamline internship applications for students?
Overview: Show new job posts instantly, filter by field, and allow students to apply directly or save favorites. Sync updates across users.
Final Note
All of these ideas are grounded in real tech and can be fully justified under IB criteria. They give you plenty of room to show your planning, coding, and evaluation skills.
Plus, SockJS makes all the real-time stuff easier to handle for high school-level projects.
Looking to impress your teacher? You can always find some IB CS IA ideas and templates based on real technologies like SockJS.
It’s a smart way to learn from solid examples and make sure your final product checks all the boxes.