From Last Minute to Ground Floor Development 
A transition from being a last minute resource to participating in product design and contributing to overall quality is occurring for many technical communicators. This move is not always easy; there are often many hurdles. With increased awareness of resources such as usability experts, multi-disciplinary teams, and customers, technical communicators can smooth the way and gradually get in at the ground floor.
Adams, Linda, Christopher Morrow and Nicole Vanop. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Usability