Domino is a small rectangular block, with each end either blank or bearing from one to six dots or spots—called pips. A complete set of dominoes contains 28 such blocks, although other sizes are also used in certain games. Dominos can be stacked on end to form long lines, and when the first one is tipped over, it triggers the next one to tip and so on until all of them have fallen, forming a chain reaction—hence the phrase, “the domino effect.” A professional domino artist can create amazing designs by stacking a series of these tiles and then letting them tumble according to the laws of gravity.
In addition to the aforementioned game, dominoes can be used to build structures or lay them out in various patterns to form artwork. Some people even use them as a way to meditate, stacking them and then simply sitting back to watch the pattern they form. In a video, domino artist Hevesh discusses the scientific principles behind how her creations come to life. She says that the most important factor is physics, particularly gravity.
She also mentions that she uses a domino set that has no blank faces, as traditional domino sets were designed to represent all possible results of throwing two dice. She has created some of her largest installations by arranging the dominoes in a circle, which requires the dominoes to be held in place with wires. Hevesh has worked on team projects that involve 300,000 dominoes and helped set a Guinness World Record for the most dominoes toppled in a circular arrangement. Her work can take several nail-biting minutes to fall, as each domino falls at its own pace based on the laws of physics.
Interestingly, Domino’s CEO was recently replaced after just a few years in the position. David Brandon was fired by the board of directors after it was revealed that he had engaged in sexual misconduct and other inappropriate behavior while at Domino’s. After this, the company went through a series of changes that included new leadership training programs and a new college recruiting system, among other things. After these changes, the company had a lower turnover rate and employees seemed more satisfied.
Another interesting point regarding Domino’s is that it has a very clear value of listening to its employees and customers. When employees have complaints, they are encouraged to speak up. This has resulted in many positive outcomes for the pizza chain, including a relaxed dress code and employee-run committees. When new CEO Paul Doyle took over, he continued to emphasize this value and even participated in a Domino’s employee survey himself to see how the company could improve.
The word Domino may have an obscure origin, but its meaning is not. Its most common sense now refers to the domino game, but it originally denoted a long, hooded cloak worn with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade. It is thought that the connection between this garment and the domino piece came from the fact that both were black, contrasting with white surplices.