Using the Domino Effect in Writing and Art
Dominoes are small, rectangular blocks of plastic or wood that are used to play games. They are normally twice as long as they are wide and have spots, called pips, on each side. A domino can have anywhere from six to ten pips on each face. They may also have a grid that allows players to read the pips from one side to the other, which is helpful for those who don’t want to flip their dominos over. Dominoes are often stacked on end in long lines to form very complex designs. When a domino in a line is tipped over, it causes the next domino in the row to tip over, and so on until all of them topple over. This is what leads to the common phrase “domino effect,” which describes a chain reaction where one simple event sets off a series of similar or related events.
Many different kinds of games can be played with dominoes, including blocking and scoring games, as well as solitaire and trick-taking games. These games can be as simple or as complicated as you want, and they can also be adapted for people of all ages and abilities.
For example, a child can use dominoes to practice his or her counting skills by playing a game such as “Muggins.” In this game, players score points by placing their dominoes in a line with their opponents. The first player scores by putting down a double whose ends touch one another (one’s touch one’s, two’s touch two’s, and so on). When the players finish playing their dominoes, they must count the dots on both of their opponent’s exposed ends and add the total to the winner’s score.
Using the domino effect in writing can help to create interesting storylines. In a novel, each scene acts like a domino. Each scene is insignificant by itself, but when put together they can have a powerful impact on the rest of the story.
Dominoes can also be used in art projects to make a variety of shapes and patterns. Artists can use them to make straight lines, curved lines, grids that shape pictures when they fall, and even 3D structures such as towers or pyramids.
In addition to making art, Domino’s uses the domino effect in their business practices. When the company’s CEO David Brandon took over in the late 1990s, he realized that the company needed to change if it was going to survive. He implemented a number of new policies, including speaking directly with employees and implementing a flexible dress code. These changes helped Domino’s to turn things around, and the company’s sales quickly grew. Domino’s continues to use the domino effect in its business practices today, and the company now has more than 25,000 locations worldwide. In this way, Domino’s has remained true to its core values of championing customers and listening to employee feedback. This is a big reason why Domino’s has become so successful.