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Foundations of the Outdoor Recreation Economy for Product Development is one of three courses in Colorado State University’s Sustainable Outdoor Product Development certificate. The certificate is a short-format, fully online series designed to build systems-level understanding of the outdoor recreation economy, progressing from foundational context to advanced material innovation and supply chain strategy.
This self-paced course introduces the outdoor recreation economy and the systems that shape it. Learners explore the history of the outdoor industry, key participants, recreational destinations, and the environmental and policy forces that influence decision-making. The course also examines how outdoor products (e.g., apparel and gear) support participation across different environments. As a foundations course, this course in the Sustainable Outdoor Product Development certificate, this course provides the big-picture context needed to gain rich insights into outdoor recreation to support sustainable outdoor product development.
Noncredit courses do not produce academic credit nor appear on a Colorado State University academic transcript.
Please note that there are no refunds for open entry courses.
Kristen Morris, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University whose work bridges outdoor product development, inclusive design, and advanced apparel innovation. With eight years of industry experience in activewear design, technical design, and production management, she brings both academic and real-world expertise to the classroom. Her teaching and research focus on user-centered product development, adaptive apparel and footwear, and sustainable innovation for underserved markets. In 2026, she also co-founded UltraAdapt, an adaptive footwear brand focused on expanding access, comfort, and independence for people who use orthotic and mobility-related devices.