I'm just saying that, if you're a developer, isn't it better to directly code and ship an "almost okay" app in 1/2 week, get feedback and iterate than learning photoshop, wireframe, design, code and ship in 7/8 weeks?
If you end up with an app that is marketable and users will respect, the 8 weeks is probably worth it.
Besides, it's a skill that keeps giving. Now he cans spend the next week both writing and designing his next app instead of getting stuck with an ugly app and no designer.