[kelsokennedy]

I do agree to an extent, I believe that the biggest boost a start-up will see is from a first reaction/visual experience. If you can nail that on day one, I believe it will do more benefit than using a second rate/typical UI with brilliant code.

However it really depends on WHAT your product is, before you decide on how important the designers role will be.

Is this article focused on in-house/high end designer partner VS hiring a designer? Or is the other option sourcing to a design firm/agency?