Why is it that we always seem to pick the slowest
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Why is it that we always seem to pick the slowest line in a supermarket or store? Basically, the reason is simple: the chances are against us. To explain, imagine that you are in a store where there are three lines. If there are more lines, your chances of getting into the speediest queue are even less.
Interestingly, some people have come up with theories and formulas to calculate this kind of thing. A pioneering queuing theorist was an engineer named Erlang. He wanted to figure out the best number of telephone operators to have at the telephone exchange in the early 1900s. Taking into consideration the average number of phone calls in an hour and the average call length, Erlang came up with formulas to determine the best number of operators that should be on duty at any given time. On top of that, his work established the basis for queuing theory, which became a new branch of mathematics.
The theories first invented by Erlang are still used today in a variety of commercial settings, including call centers and traffic engineering. While there are many options available regarding lining up, it appears that a snaking-line approach—where people stand in a single line and wait for the next available clerk—is the most efficient. Research shows that this option is about three times faster than using separate lines, which is the approach that is most commonly used but not that efficient for anyone in a rush.
