English

When slower is faster

Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems 2016-04-01 v2 Disordered Systems and Neural Networks Neural and Evolutionary Computing Physics and Society Quantitative Methods

Abstract

The slower is faster (SIF) effect occurs when a system performs worse as its components try to do better. Thus, a moderate individual efficiency actually leads to a better systemic performance. The SIF effect takes place in a variety of phenomena. We review studies and examples of the SIF effect in pedestrian dynamics, vehicle traffic, traffic light control, logistics, public transport, social dynamics, ecological systems, and adaptation. Drawing on these examples, we generalize common features of the SIF effect and suggest possible future lines of research.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1506.06796,
  title  = {When slower is faster},
  author = {Carlos Gershenson and Dirk Helbing},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1506.06796},
  year   = {2016}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-22T09:58:13.306Z