Pilot testing is a dry run before the major usability test. It enables the experimental team to practice and gain familiarization with the test process, identify and resolve some the problems with the data gathering techniques and test methods, finalize the laboratory setup, fine tune the test materials, and identify problems with the product (eg. system crashes). The purpose of pilot testing is to find errors within the testing process. The pilot test should be conducted in the same format as the usability test, with no shortcuts to make the process easier. It is recommended that pilot testing should take place at least a few days before the major usability test. The time period in the middle can be used to rectify some of the problems encountered in the pilot testing. Pilot testing should not be performed with only one participant as some of the problems within the process might require three or four pilot runs to appear.