Which of the following is an expected benefit of prototyping?

The expected benefit of prototyping primarily lies in the fact that users can visualize and interact with an early version of the product, allowing them to provide feedback that can shape the development process. By seeing a working model, users can communicate their requirements, preferences, and necessary adjustments more effectively than through static documents or verbal descriptions. This iterative feedback loop enhances communication between developers and users, leading to a more tailored and satisfactory final product.

While the other options highlight some potential advantages of prototyping, they don’t capture the core purpose as succinctly as the ability to give feedback on an early version. For instance, conducting user acceptance testing or allowing users to walk through a product's flow could be considered advantages, but they typically occur in later stages of the development process and may not fully encapsulate the earliest interactions and adjustments that prototyping facilitates. Similarly, while it can lead to a quicker development cycle, this benefit stems largely from the effective feedback loop generated through early user engagement.