A pilot study is a small-scale, time-limited implementation of a product, service, or programme designed to test its viability in real conditions before full deployment. It sits at the far end of the prototyping fidelity spectrum, more real than a live prototype, less committed than a full launch. Pilots are used to validate operational assumptions, test whether a service can be delivered at the intended quality level, identify unforeseen implementation challenges, and build the evidence base needed to secure investment for scaled deployment.