Domino is a popular name for people, places, and things that convey a sense of mastery and expertise. Its origins in the Latin verb domino (“to rule”) make it a powerful word that invokes ideas of authority and control. The phrase “domino effect” refers to the chain reaction of events that can occur when one small action causes a series of reactions. For example, when a domino is tipped ever-so-slightly by another piece, it becomes a trigger that sends the others cascading down. This concept can be applied to writing as well, particularly when creating character motivations and actions.
A domino is a rectangular block with an indented top surface that features pips (small squares) that are either raised or flat, depending on the style of domino. The pips are designed to sit snugly against the surface of each domino when in place, helping them to maintain their shape and prevent the domino from falling out of position. A domino is most often made from wood, although some are crafted from ceramic clay or other materials. Many people collect the small pieces, and some even use them in creative ways as part of home décor or for a variety of other purposes.
In a business setting, dominoes can be used to illustrate the effects of a single decision and how it can affect an entire organization. For instance, if an employee chooses to leave for a better job, the company could experience a major setback. This could lead to a reorganization, the loss of important contracts, or even a financial crisis.
To avoid this kind of domino effect, a good leader will help employees understand the importance of making decisions that will not negatively impact the rest of the team. This can be accomplished by establishing clear policies and procedures for the company to follow. For example, an employer might establish a policy that states all new hires must go through a formal training process before being placed on a specific project. This helps to ensure that all employees are on the same page regarding the expectations for their jobs and can reduce confusion for everyone involved.
When an author writes a novel, it’s common to see scenes that don’t quite fit in or logically connect with the scene ahead of them. This can be problematic if the story is a mystery or other genre where the plot needs to be carefully laid out. One way to solve this problem is to think of your scene sequences like a domino effect.
Throughout history, dominoes have been crafted from various natural and manmade materials, including bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, and dark hardwoods such as ebony. In addition, sets can be found made from marble, granite, and soapstone; metals such as brass and pewter; and frosted glass or crystal.
Hevesh, an artist who creates mind-blowing domino setups, follows a version of the engineering-design process when creating her installations. She begins by considering the theme or purpose of an installation, then brainstorms images that might be relevant. From there, she starts putting the pieces in place, with each one receiving her full focus until it’s complete. By doing this, Schwab learned to put the most important task at the top of his daily list and to work on that first until it was completed before moving on to the next thing on the list.