TY - JOUR T1 - When slower is faster JF - Complexity Y1 - 2015 A1 - Gershenson, Carlos A1 - Helbing, Dirk KW - cascading effects KW - collective motion KW - Evolution KW - phase transitions AB - 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. {\copyright} 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 9–15, 2015 VL - 21 UR - http://arxiv.org/abs/1506.06796 ER -