Pilotversuch

Pilotversuch (English: pilot study or pilot trial) is a term used in research, industry, and public policy to describe a small-scale preliminary implementation designed to test feasibility and refine the design before a full-scale rollout. It aims to identify potential problems, assess processes, and gather information that informs later stages of a project or program.

In research, a pilot study tests procedures, recruitment methods, data collection and analysis plans, and helps estimate parameters needed for calculating the sample size of the main study. It is not usually intended to provide definitive results, though findings can reveal practical issues that affect the main study.

In manufacturing and technology, a pilot plant or pilot line implements a limited version of a process to evaluate equipment, process flows, quality controls, and integration with existing systems. The goal is to identify technical risks, validate assumptions, and determine whether scaling up is viable.

Design and evaluation typically focus on clearly stated objectives, predefined success criteria, and limited duration and scope. Results guide decisions on whether to proceed, modify, or halt the project, and may help refine timelines, budgets, and data collection methods.

Limitations include limited generalizability due to small scale and short duration, and the possibility of biases or Hawthorne effects. In medical contexts, pilot trials often require ethical approval and informed consent, reflecting considerations of safety and participant protection.

Pilotversuch is related to feasibility studies and small-scale preliminary trials; distinctions depend on context and discipline. In many fields, the term emphasizes testing before larger investment or full implementation.