Usability The UK market for usability and accessibility will grow by 20% in 2007 to a value of around £180 million, according to a new report published this week by E-consultancy.

Research for the 2007 Usability and Accessibility Buyer’s Guide found that increased competition in the online marketplace is driving investment in a user-centred design approach.

Companies across a range of sectors such as financial services and retail are continuing to focus on usability in order to help drive sales and to improve perceptions of their brand.

E-consultancy’s estimate of the market size includes agency revenues from usability and accessibility services, as well as in-house spending on specialist personnel.

The new buyer’s guide contains a discussion about the latest trends, a ‘SWOT’ analysis of the marketplace and profiles of 22 leading usability companies.