Domino is a small rectangular game piece with a number of dots resembling those on dice. It is used to play a variety of games, most notably the game dominoes in which sides of the dominoes are matched. When one domino is knocked down, it can trigger a chain reaction that brings down hundreds and even thousands of others. Dominoes were also once used to create intricate art pieces. They can be arranged into straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, stacked walls, and even 3D structures like towers and pyramids.
In business, we often hear about how an action or event can cause a domino effect. Usually, the effect is positive—it can lead to more business or sales or even an unexpected opportunity. This type of effect can also be negative, however. It could have a disastrous impact, such as when an employee is fired, which can affect many other employees and even the company’s reputation.
To ensure the success of her dominoes, Hevesh carefully plans her creations to work according to the laws of physics. For example, she tests each section of a larger project to see how it works. Once she knows that each part is working properly, she can then put them all together. The biggest 3-D sections go up first, followed by flat arrangements and finally the lines of dominoes that connect all the parts.
Hevesh uses a technique called “domino engineering,” which is similar to the way that engineers use blueprints to build buildings. She says that her engineering process is very important to the success of her designs, because it forces her to consider all the possible ways that a domino could fail before she starts creating them. This helps her avoid costly mistakes and make sure that her dominoes are built to last.
Physicist Stephen Morris agrees that a key factor to creating a great domino setup is gravity. He explains that when a domino is standing upright, it has potential energy because it is held in place by gravity. When a domino falls, much of that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which causes the next domino to fall and start a chain reaction.
Domino Actions
If you want to create your own domino effects, start by trying something new that you know will have a positive effect on your life. For example, Admiral William H. McRaven made it a point to make his bed every day before starting work. This simple habit created a ripple effect that eventually changed his entire lifestyle and career.
When trying new habits, it is also helpful to focus on progress, not results. If you are not seeing the results you desire right away, it is important to remember that it takes time for new behaviors to take hold and cascade throughout your entire life. Just like a domino, once one habit is in motion it can be incredibly difficult to stop it from continuing down its path.