The word domino has a range of meanings, from the game to the architectural design principle of connecting a series of straight or curved lines or grids. It can also refer to a system that manages or monitors business processes, or to an event or series of events that creates a domino effect. In recent years, the term has been primarily used as an adjective, applied to describe the phenomenon of a series of small changes that lead to larger consequences.
The first domino to fall starts the chain reaction that causes all the other dominoes to tumble, in a sequence that mimics the way nerve impulses travel down a neuron and cause muscles to contract. Like a pulse of energy, the entire chain moves at the same speed, independent of its size and in one direction only. The speed of the domino effect is often compared to the speed of light, since both occur at a constant rate and can be predicted mathematically.
Hevesh takes a lot of time planning her domino designs, deciding what theme she wants to use and which colors she will choose for each piece. She also decides what kinds of shapes she will include, such as curved lines or 3D structures. She draws out her plans on paper before starting to assemble the pieces, which can be as simple or complex as she desires.
When Hevesh begins playing, the first domino is set right where she has it placed, but doesn’t yet tip over. That’s because dominoes have inertia, a tendency to resist motion when nothing is pushing or pulling on them. But once she gives it a little nudge, the potential energy it had stored up is converted to kinetic energy, giving it the push it needs to toppled the next domino.
After the dominoes have been arranged in a layout, they’re called setting or leading or downing the first bone. Then, in turn, players pick up a domino and place it adjacent to the first domino played, so that all four of its sides are touching other dominoes. After that, play proceeds in the same way as with the Draw game.
In Texas, domino players play a variant of the Draw game that’s sometimes known as 42. This game is similar to spades, and each player has seven dominoes that must be played into tricks of five or more. The first player to empty their hand wins.
As we’ve seen in the example of Domino’s, the domino effect can be applied to many different situations and industries. The pizza-delivery company, for instance, has been experimenting with “purpose-built” delivery vehicles and even drones that can transport the product from warehouse to customer. This kind of strategic investment can be risky, but it also makes sense when the goals of a business are consistent with its values and brand identity. Creating a domino effect can help to shape a business’s identity and culture, making it more appealing to customers and investors alike.