Students in Outdoor Product Design and Development (OPDD) not only learn how to translate concepts and ideas, they also learn how to produce tangible prototypes and finished products. Junior OPDD students put their belay device designs to the test at Black Diamond where the devices where pulled to measure their strength.

Each student worked with the Black Diamond quality engineer team to learn about the importance of testing, product safety certification and standards, and to see if their design would withstand rigorous tests. Every belay device held up and met the safety standards.

For fun, upon completion of the initial test, each device was tested beyond normal standards. Most failed under the extreme stress and pressure of the test, resulting in each product shattering in a dramatic fashion.

Students in OPDD graduate with a firm knowledge of design and have incredible opportunities to interact with companies in the industry, learn about their day-to-day operations, and even have opportunities to use their skills to create better products for the future.

Industry collaborations made possible through the Manufacturing and Outdoor Products Support Hub, a partnership between Utah Manufacturing Extension Service and Outdoor Product Design & Development.