Program Overview

Introduction to the Outdoor Product Design & Development Program

The Outdoor Product Design & Development (OPDD) program at Utah State University is a unique and innovative degree that combines design, natural resources, sustainability, textiles, and marketing. The program is tailored specifically to the outdoor gear industry and aims to prepare students for meaningful careers in shaping the products that make outdoor experiences possible.

Program Overview

The OPDD program is a highly interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore various aspects of outdoor product design and development. The program's curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the workplace from day one. Students begin with broad foundational work before moving into design-intensive projects that can take them in many directions, from building hiking footwear and refining climbing gear to managing sustainable product lines or creating technical apparel for diverse environments.

Hands-On Learning

Learning at OPDD extends beyond the classroom, with internships placing students with companies across the U.S. and abroad. Guest speakers bring the voices of founders, designers, and innovators directly into classrooms and studios. Partnerships with companies result in design challenges that students tackle with specific product goals, giving them a front-row seat to the realities of the industry.

Facilities and Resources

The program's home in the Janet Quinney Lawson Building features labs and studios equipped with textile testing machines, 3D printers, and other tools that enable students to bring their ideas to life. Support from industry partners, including a $100,000 gift from KLIM, has helped create a space where imagination meets technology.

Alumni and Industry Impact

The OPDD program has launched many careers in the industry, with alumni expressing gratitude for the opportunities, mentorship, and experiences the program provided. The program equips students with the tools, confidence, and real-world experiences they need to seamlessly transition into industry roles.

Research and Collaboration

The program has also opened new pathways for students, including a transfer agreement with Salt Lake Community College that makes it easier for fashion design students to transition into outdoor product careers. In one standout class, students studied NASA-patented materials to imagine how space-age technologies could be adapted for outdoor gear, presenting their research and designs directly to NASA engineers.

Preservation and Sharing of Industry Knowledge

The OPDD program helps tell the story of the industry itself through the Highlander podcast, which has become a hub for conversations with outdoor innovators. In partnership with USU Libraries' Special Collections and Archives, the program has built the Outdoor Recreation Archive, a growing record of gear designs, promotional videos, and marketing materials that showcase the evolution of outdoor equipment over time.

Looking Ahead

As the OPDD program marks its 10th anniversary, it continues to expand with new tools, partnerships, and a growing alumni network that is shaping the future of outdoor gear. The program's next decade promises even greater impact, driven by the same mix of creativity, sustainability, and passion for the outdoors that launched the program in the first place.