Why is frequent customer feedback important in software development?

Frequent customer feedback is crucial in software development primarily because it helps teams avoid integrating large changes. Continuous feedback allows development teams to make incremental adjustments and improvements based on the users' needs and preferences. This iterative process minimizes the risk of developing features that do not align with customer requirements and ensures that the product evolves in a way that genuinely addresses user concerns.

By receiving regular feedback, teams can identify issues, misunderstandings, or unmet needs early in the development cycle, allowing for timely modifications. This approach leads to smoother integration of changes, as smaller adjustments are generally easier to implement, test, and adapt compared to large-scale modifications that might require significant rework and risk management. Hence, the emphasis on frequent customer feedback creates a more responsive development process, ultimately resulting in a product that better meets user expectations.