Domino is a small, thumb-sized rectangular block with either a blank side or one bearing an arrangement of dots, called pips, like those on a die. 28 such dominoes make up a complete set. A domino set is often used to play positional games in which a player places one domino edge to edge against another, so that the adjacent sides of the two tiles bear the same number or form some other specified total.
When you flip over a single domino, it starts a chain reaction that causes other dominoes to fall. This simple principle is the foundation of a popular activity known as domino art, in which people create impressive layouts using dominoes. These designs can include straight or curved lines, grids that form pictures when they are arranged, 3D structures such as towers and pyramids, and more.
Some domino players create complex domino sets with specialized shapes to challenge their skills and creativity. These sets may be framed and displayed in homes or public spaces as works of art. For example, artist Lily Hevesh, 20, has gained popularity for her YouTube videos showing off her elaborate domino art projects. She has created domino layouts for movies, TV shows, and events, including a Katy Perry album launch.
Domino has long been a symbol of luck, good fortune and power. The game is said to have originated in China, but was brought to the West by traders from India and Arabia. In Europe, it was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, notably during the French Revolution. It was also a favorite of Napoleon and his army during the Napoleonic Wars.
During the same period, Tom Monaghan was building his pizza business in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was determined to develop a successful franchise, and focused on the importance of location. He wanted to be near college campuses, where he believed he would find a core customer base willing to wait for their pizza.
As a result, Domino’s stores began to open in suburban areas and urban centers across the country. The chain quickly became one of the largest in the world, with over 200 locations by 1978.
In business, Domino’s strategy has influenced other companies, such as Starbucks and Google. It has encouraged companies to think beyond the ordinary when it comes to their products and services. For example, Domino’s recently worked with crowd-sourced auto designers to create a custom, purpose-built pizza-delivery vehicle. (The company is also experimenting with delivery by drones.)
As Domino Effect expert Ivy Lee teaches, the key to success is finding that “main domino” task and giving it your full attention until it is completed. By concentrating on the most important task first, you can build momentum that will help topple other goals and ambitions. This is the fundamental concept behind the Domino Effect.