Sunday's New York Times Business Section discusses the emergence and growth of "usability" or "technology untanglers" as a profession (requires free registration):
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/08/business/yourmoney/08starts.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
While primarily focusing on web/software usability, the article discusses the need in product design as well. The article also discusses how usability professionals may come from different skill sets, such as anthropology for observation. Moreover there is a current shortage and expected growth in the field.
Nice to see some recognition, and the article might be useful as means to explain what is it that you do, if you're in the field.
