Paradigm, what paradigm?

At the DATA International Research Conference in July 2002, proposals for keynote presentations were invited on the theme of 'challenging the design and technology paradigm'. This article explores the question of whether current primary design and technology practice can be said to constitute a 'paradigm' and, if so, to what extent it needs to be challenged. At a time when design and technology is 'under pressure' in primary schools, this article argues that we need to give it a new lease of life as a cross-curricular vehicle for children's creativity and citizenship, making closer links with art and providing rich, meaningful contexts for scientific learning.