This chapter stresses the necessity of pilot testing before full-scale experiments. Pilots identify flaws in design, measurement tools, and procedures, allowing researchers to refine protocols and avoid costly mistakes. The chapter outlines best practices for conducting pilots, including sample selection and feedback collection. Architectural examples, such as piloting a survey on lighting preferences, illustrate how early testing reveals unforeseen issues that could compromise data quality. By investing in pilot studies, researchers increase the reliability, validity, and efficiency of their experiments.