For students majoring in design disciplines, outdoor scene-based color sketching is not merely a basic skill, but also a gateway to engaging with the real world and a catalyst for unlocking creative potential. It plays an irreplaceable role and carries profound significance. This chapter focuses on design education in higher education institutions, using outdoor scene-based color sketching as a practical entry point to examine how outdoor practice can extend and enrich the curriculum. The discussion is structured around four key dimensions: the core functions of outdoor scene-based color sketching, its connection with design education, its specific pedagogical significance, and its practical value. Furthermore, it explores how sensory immersion and cognitive development can be integrated into higher education, aiming to cultivate students’ refined artistic perception, adaptable design thinking, and solid practical competence. These capacities collectively lay a strong professional foundation for advanced study in design.