The benefits are huge. Usability is a weapon that can save you money, improve your competitive position, and improve customer loyalty. Now is the time to invest in the research. Of course I think usability can save your company, and of course I think it can save the world . But, despite my bias, you have to face reality.
Usability has an excellent track record.
It pays to invest in improving the user experience. It pays off big time. The more you need to cut costs, the more you need usability. The more the economy and your company are suffering, the more you need usability. There is pretty good evidence for this position.