Space generously provided by NYIT Management Department.

There are a more and more companies like Foursquare, Fab, Birchbox, etc where visual design is a key advantage.  This conversation will highlight how a great visual designer creates value at a startup.  We'll cover balancing needs for practicality, being lean and flexible, etc. with the need to create and maintain a visual style. 

The event is intended for visual designers who are curious about whether or not the startup path is right for them or designers working with startups now who are looking to get the best outcome possible.  We'll talk about best practices for getting involved early in the development process, interfacing with business and technical teams, etc. 

About Mari:

Mari is the lead mobile designer and was one of the first employees of Foursquare.  Foursquare makes the real world easier to use. We build tools that help you keep up with friends, discover what’s nearby, save money and unlock deals. Whether you’re setting off on a trip around the world, coordinating a night out with friends, or trying to pick out the best dish at your local restaurant, foursquare is the perfect companion.

foursquare by the numbers (last updated December, 2011)

• Community: Around 15 million people worldwide
• Over a billion check-ins, with millions more every day
• Businesses: Over 500,000 using the Merchant Platform (more information at foursquare.com/business)
• Employees: About 100 between headquarters in New York, NY and an office in San Francisco, CA

Its addictive "check in" feature that rewards users who share their locations (at certain venues) with virtual badges bearing the titles "Superstar" and "Adventurer."  While these game-like elements have propelled Foursquare's rapid rise, so has the service's playful design. Bold colors, clever iconography and clean lines help the Foursquare logo, website, mobile applications and badges stand out in an increasingly crowded market. The aesthetic, which Foursquare calls "visual candy," is the work of designer Mari Sheibley, who came over from Hard Candy Shell.