Phase 5 · 5.3
Pilot Design and Validation
A pilot is measurable validation under real conditions rather than a small scale experiment. A well designed pilot has four elements:
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Duration | A clear start and end. Usually two to four weeks, long enough to collect volume for statistical significance |
| Metrics | Agreed in writing beforehand, three or four at most |
| Thresholds | A numeric line per metric that makes the continue or stop decision unambiguous |
| Ownership | A named person or committee who decides once the pilot ends |
The most common mistake is extending the pilot indefinitely. "Let's watch it a bit longer" is usually a way of avoiding the decision. If the success criteria are agreed in writing before the pilot starts, the discussion at the end focuses on whether the criteria were met rather than on how it felt. That turns a subjective debate into an objective decision.