Toilet Paper Algorithms

ziani writes "Computer science professor and ex-Apple technologist Don Norman posits a new "forcing function" in toilet paper use algorithms." Browsing through his website is a good way to kill a couple of hours.

Comments

over/under

[Anonymous Coward]

But what about the over/under dichotomy? Most people put the toilet paper in the holder so it unrolls over the top, but a sizable minority (myself included) put it in there so unrolls from the bottom. Each group drives the other nuts.

This should be taken into account somehow when exploring any toilet paper algorithm.

Nice idea, but...

[Heraklit]

Has anyone researched yet when a common-sense idea beomes an algorithm that computer scientist discuss?

I mean, ok, nice idea, but do we really need computer scientist for this (except for using buzzwords)?

No benefit

[Anonymous Coward]

By using a smallest algorithm you get no benefit over random or largest, except for the option of negating the purpose of dual rolls. With smallest you can refill either after one roll is out or after both rolls are out. If you do it after one roll is done, you've lost all benefit of a dual roll setup: you still have to refill after each single roll and because there is no discernable difference between two fully (or nearly) stocked rolls the one you start using will be the one you keep using. The second roll doesn't even get a chance.

If you choose to refill after two rolls you end up with no gain over random or largest since you have to refill two at a time no matter what.

Conclusion: there is no best way to deal with a two roll setup. The advantage conferred is just that you don't have to refill for twice as long if you choose. If you want to refill at the same interval as a single, stick with a single.

Direction

[mike3k]

If you have a cat, the roll needs to face towards the wall, or you'll find it unrolled and most of your home TPd. On the other hand, my can is now able to unroll it in either direction.

Re:Over the top or out from the bottom

[rgmoore]

Should the paper come over the top of the roll, or out from under the bottom?

Clearly, over the top is better, because no matter how long or short the loose end is, it is always on the front so you can find it. With the under the bottom system, the loose end can be hanging behind the roll and you have to roll it until you can grab it.

That depends on the number of small children and pets in the household. If you make the free end of the toilet paper too easy to grab, then the simple minded and easily amused (I guess that might include some adults too) will sit there and unroll the whole roll just for the fun of it. It's like many things involving children and pets: making things too convenient can wind up causing problems when those who shouldn't be messing with things have access.