What is the primary benefit of conducting user acceptance testing (UAT) early in the project instead of postponing it until the end?

Conducting user acceptance testing (UAT) early in the project brings significant advantages, particularly by reducing the risk of releasing a product that doesn't meet user expectations. When UAT is performed early, it ensures that users can provide feedback on the product while it is still in development. This allows the development team to understand user needs, identify potential problems, and make necessary adjustments before the final release.

By engaging users early in the process, any misconceptions about requirements can be resolved, and the product can be fine-tuned to better align with what users actually want. This iterative approach creates a stronger product and enhances user satisfaction, as it helps in aligning development efforts with user expectations.

In contrast, if UAT is postponed until the end of the project, there is a greater chance that critical feedback will come too late to make useful changes. This could lead to a finished product that, while potentially well-built, does not fulfill the actual needs of its users, thereby increasing the risk of dissatisfaction once the product is released.